I’m Plus Sized and severely obese for my age (24) but I love horses and want to re learn how to ride…please help!
Hello! I’m Finola, I used to spend time around horses a few years ago when I was recovering from severe mental illness and have got City Guilds Level 1 (care and riding) and Level 2 (care) qualifications, but since I’m not enrolled at any bespoke provision anymore, as I’m recovered mentally - my weight has piled back on 🥺🥺
I wondered if anyone has any advice for me fitness regaining wise? And should I wait until I’m healthier to ride again or start now?? 🤨
I’m Loughborough, Leicestershire based, UK 🇬🇧 and love being around horses I’m just very unfit and out of practice / low on confidence these days….
If anyone has any tips or knows of any good riding places, has any RDA horses themselves locally that I could be around - I don’t want to volunteer as that’s quite physical work and I enjoy the riding part more …
Thanks so much for reading!
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Hey! Nice to hear from a fellow horsey person!
Massive congratulations on your recovery, hope you’re feeling a bit better now.
In terms of riding it can be hard as many riding schools have weight limits (often around 13 stone). We have the Cumbrian heavy horses near us but they have a 15 stone weight limit.
Have a look at places around you and see if you for their height/weight criteria.
I’m up in Newcastle so don’t many your end sorry! But could look at volunteer positions helping muck out in riding schools, leading lesson kids, volunteer for RDA, even part loans. I used to part loan my pony out. She couldn’t be ridden due to an old injury but someone would muck her out, groom her etc.
I know other say you don’t want to volunteer as it is a lot of physical work but they come together with horses and riding requires a fair amount of fitness.
Interns of regaining fitness walking and swimming to build cardio up. Squats, lunges, body weight exercises to build strength. But depends c
But dependent on your weight this can be a lot of pressure on your joints.
Google has some good exercises for horse riders
https://www.fei.org/stories/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitness-2021-strength-building-equestrians
https://rjclassics.com/blogs/blog/15-exercises-for-equestrians-to-build-strength-and-tone?srsltid=AfmBOooe472-_whdCeegZ0hWJVUZZJmBRJXUxVoNCgyECrHjwJePmOvl
I’ll be doing these once my little one arrives before getting back on as lot a lot of muscle. Plus need to make sure I’m back in the weight criteria to ride haha
Best of luck and hope you find something!
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