traceym

I've had a search on past post but I cant find the answer, can anyone give me some advice please.

Owned horses all my life but i gave up about 10 years ago due to pressures at work, done everything, jumping, dressage etc.

I'm bored, it's not looking promising on finding a job and I realise if I don't go out and do something I'll go mad.

There are a few local ranches around here that offer riding lessons but they all say start Western and then progress to English, now as I can ride English but have never done Western, (which looks simple) would I be wasting my money by having lessons? The other option is to go on some trail rides and teach myself, I just don't want to waste money on lessons if its not worth it?

Have any experienced riders out there has Western lessons and was it worth it?

Thanks folks.

meauxna

We just had a fun thread about this recently.. maybe there's some info for you there? http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=648180

traceym

Thanks M, I did giggle through that one and weighed up age V boredom V bruises!

I just don't want to waste $100's on lessons that I 'think' i don't really need.

nettlebed

Yes.

No. Not worth the money if you can already ride, IMHO.

Rete

Perhaps contact the owners and see if you can work out a deal with them, labor for one or two lessons Western style and then labor for riding privileges.

My niece is an equestriane rider <sp> and she stables Fruelie free in lieu of cleaning out the stables. Is this in Rochester, NY, however.

thinbrit

Find a different ranch. English is much more common than you would imagine.
Unless you plan to ride Western then don't bother with the lessons. Saddle time is saddle time in any style or discipline.
You say its been 10 years since you last rode, well get out there and get to it. I can't tell you how relaxed it makes me feel. We finally have our guys at our own ranch, and are able to ride at will. After years of riding 'sound' horses I'm starting to break a new horse for the first time. I'm a little too old for a fall, and I'm hoping Wizard respects that fact

traceym

Thanks all, I'll go check them out next week.

A couple of trail rides should do it by the sound of it.

made of kent

I ride English, but love Western, there is a snobbery involved, between the 2 methods, but western is built for comfort and easy, so if you can ride and just want to be out, give it a go, but not lessons, they are not needed, first time I rode western was in Mexico on my honeymoon, took 2 min's of explanation, I have since rode in Canada with my MIL who was 68 and had never ridden in her life, only problem was that the girth was too lose and the saddle started slipping. she did panic!
it's really not as involved as English, and so okay to get out, but not really as much fun or exhilarating.

cindyabs

Just have to overide the desire to "post" when trotting,