By Anna Cooper, third-generation co-owner of Bourne Vale Stables
One of our beginner riders earlier this year was 86 years old. Choosing to ride for the very first time, she came to Bourne Vale Stables because riding had been on her bucket list, and she had decided it was time to tick that one off.
In doing so, she had helped answer, in person, the question more adults ask us than almost any other – am I too old to learn?
That simple question can take many forms:
“I’ve always wanted to try, but I’m probably too old now.”
“I rode as a child, but that was years ago.”
“I’d love to, but I don’t know whether I’d be brave enough.”
Fortunately, age is not usually the barrier people fear it is. The more useful question is whether the lesson, the horse, the instructor and the riding school are right for you.
We have been teaching adults to ride at Bourne Vale Stables for more than sixty years. Some are complete beginners. Some rode as children and have not sat on a horse for thirty or forty years. Some come because their children ride and they’ve decided they would like to try it too.
Adults come to us in their twenties, their eighties and every decade in between.
Adults start for all sorts of reasons
Some have wanted to ride since they were small, but never had the chance. Some had a few lessons years ago and always meant to come back to it. Some are looking for something active that does not feel like going to the gym. Some want time outside and time away from digital distractions and the pressures of life. Some simply love horses and want to spend more time with them.
There are a huge range of reasons and none of them are more valid than the other.
You do not need to have a horsey background. You do not need to know the names of all the tack and equipment. You do not need to turn up already confident.
That is what lessons are for.
What if I am nervous?
Nerves are normal and we would rather know how you feel so that we can guide you through it.
Some adults are nervous because they have never been close to a horse. Some are nervous because they have ridden before and know enough to respect the size and strength of the animal. Some are worried about looking silly.
You will not be the first person to feel any of that.
A good first lesson should not rush past any nerves. It should help you understand what is happening, what the horse is doing, and what you need to do next. Most of all it should be fun!
Am I too unfit to start riding?
You do not need to be especially fit to begin. You may, however, discover muscles you had forgotten about!
Riding uses your legs, core, hips, posture and balance. It can feel strange at first, especially if you have not done anything similar before. That does not mean you are doing badly. It means your body is learning something new and building strength. Riding fitness builds through riding.
If you have a medical condition, an old injury, joint problems, or any concern about whether riding is suitable, speak to us before booking. In some cases, we may suggest checking with a medical professional first.
What if I rode years ago and want to come back to riding?
This is very common. A lot of adults return to riding after a long break. Work, family, finances, confidence and life in general can all get in the way. Then, one day, people wonder if they might be able to take it up again.
“I wonder if I could ride again?” they ask.
So they book a lesson and are surprised to find that things come back to them more quickly than they expected. It’s not always immediate. Your mind, for example, may remember something before your body does. You may feel less fearless than you did as a child and you may need to rebuild strength, timing and confidence.
That is fine. The aim is not to ride exactly as you did as a child. The aim is to find out where you are now and build from there.
How long does it take to learn?
There is no one answer. Progress in riding is personal, and how quickly someone moves along varies from rider to rider.
Early lessons usually focus on balance, position, steering, stopping and rising trot. Canter comes a little later, when you are ready.
Riding is not something you finish. Even the most accomplished riders will tell you they are still learning.
That is part of the appeal.
What happens in a first adult lesson?
Every adult starts with a private lesson at Bourne Vale, whether you are a complete beginner, a returning rider, or someone who currently rides elsewhere and wants to try our yard. We start adults privately so the first lesson is shaped around you, not around a group.
Before you ride, you will have completed a rider registration form and we will have a brief conversation: past riding, injuries, health considerations, and what you are hoping to get from riding. None of it is a test. It is so we can match you with the right horse, the right instructor and the right lesson plan.
If you have never ridden before, the lesson starts at the very beginning:
- Getting settled on the horse.
- Finding a balanced position.
- Holding the reins.
- Starting, stopping and steering.
- Getting used to the horse’s movement.
If you have ridden before, your instructor will spend the lesson looking at your balance, position, control and confidence to see where to start from.
Either way, the lesson is tailored to you. You may cover more than the basics. You may cover less. It depends on you and how the session unfolds.
This matters because adults often put themselves under pressure. They think they should learn quickly, or remember what they did as a child, or be braver than they feel. Riding is a physical skill, but it is also a confidence skill. Both take time.
Private lessons, group lessons and membership
Most adults begin with a private pay-as-you-go lesson. That is the simplest way to start, and it is what every adult does at Bourne Vale regardless of background.
Once you are riding confidently in rising trot, starting canter and managing simple movements, you may be ready for our novice adult group lesson. Some people look forward to that. Others prefer to stay private for longer. Some do a mixture, using private lessons for focused coaching and group lessons for regular riding and company. There is no one route that suits everyone, and your instructor will advise you when the time is right to consider group lessons.
If you decide you want to make riding a regular part of your week, our membership option is designed for that. It gives you a reserved weekly lesson slot and a more consistent routine. It is not something you have to decide on before your first lesson. Start with the first ride. Then see how you feel.
Is horse riding safe for adult beginners?
Horse riding carries risk. Horses are large animals, and no responsible riding school should pretend otherwise. What matters is how that risk is managed.
At Bourne Vale Stables, beginners are matched carefully with suitable horses. Lessons are taught by experienced instructors in a managed environment. Riders wear a riding hat and are taught at a pace that suits their ability.
We are a BHS Approved Centre and an ABRS+ Approved Riding School. We also hold a 5-star riding establishment licence from the local authority, inspected annually.
What should I wear?
You do not need to buy riding clothes or equipment before your first lesson.
Wear long trousers, a top with sleeves, and sturdy boots or shoes with a small heel. Tie long hair back and remove jewellery.
Please do not wear trainers. They are not suitable for riding.
We hire riding hats if you do not have your own.
If you carry on riding, you may later decide to buy your own hat, boots and riding clothes. There is no need to do that before your first lesson.
So, am I too old?
Age is very rarely the barrier people think it is. We have taught riders from 18 to 86.
You may be nervous. You may be rusty. You may need to start more slowly than you imagined. That is normal at any age. It means you are learning.
Many adults arrive wanting to learn to ride and find they get something else as well: time outside, confidence, a connection with the horse, a regular part of the week that belongs to them.
That is why adult riding matters.
How to start horse riding as an adult near Birmingham
Bourne Vale Stables is in Aldridge, near Walsall, within easy reach of Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and the surrounding West Midlands.
If you would like to book your first adult riding lesson, call the office on 0121 353 7174 or contact us through the website.
The office is open 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
We will ask a few simple questions and help you choose the right starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old to learn horse riding?
No. We teach adults of all ages, including complete beginners and returning riders. Age is rarely the barrier you think it is. Confidence, mobility, health, horse suitability and the pace of instruction matter more.
Can I start horse riding in my 40s, 50s or 60s?
Yes. Many adults start or return to riding in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Some start later than that. The best first step is a private lesson so your instructor can assess your confidence and ability properly.
Can I learn to ride if I have never been on a horse before?
Yes. Adult beginners are welcome. At Bourne Vale, every adult starts with a private lesson, so we can understand your specific needs and you are not put into a group and expected to keep up.
I rode as a child. Should I book a beginner lesson?
Book a private adult lesson first. Your instructor will see what you remember, how confident you feel, and what sort of lesson would suit you next.
Do adult beginners need private lessons?
At Bourne Vale, yes. Every adult starts privately. It gives your instructor time to understand your ability, confidence and aims.
When can I join an adult group lesson?
You may be ready for a novice adult group lesson once you are confident in rising trot, beginning to canter and able to manage simple school movements. Your instructor will advise you.
What should I wear for my first riding lesson?
Wear long trousers, sturdy boots or shoes with a small heel, and a top with sleeves. Do not wear trainers. We hire riding hats if you do not have your own.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. Our rider weight limit is 12 stone, or 77kg. This is for horse welfare. If you are close to the limit, please call before booking.
How much do adult riding lessons cost?
Adult group lessons are £53.50. Adult private lessons start from £55 for a 30-minute weekday lesson and from £61 at weekends. Prices vary depending on the coaching level and lesson type.
What about my child? When can they start riding?
At Bourne Vale, children’s riding lessons begin from age six through our Pony Pathway programme. For children aged three to five, we run separate Tiny Tots sessions as a gentle introduction to ponies. We have written a separate piece on the best age for a child to start riding.
How do I book?
Call Bourne Vale Stables on 0121 353 7174 or use the contact page on our website.