Is it too late for me to learn dressage riding and to get my own horse?

Question

Ok, so I've always loved horses, and from the age of 10 til 15 i took horseback riding lessons, English style. Then my parents and I moved to Belgium for 2 years, I continued there, but the instructor and I didn't get along well, and basically completely ruined my confidence. I returned home when i was 16 but didn't take up horseback riding, even though i would occasionally ride out in the countryside. Anway so now here I am, 23 years old, studying, and I miss horseback riding so much:(    I'm studying abroad now, and have no opportunity to ride here, I plan to start again when i return to Europe (im from Norway) and this time i want to actually learn everything. I know how to brush a horse, and how to put the tack on it, but that's about it. I want to learn enough so that I can actually own my own horse and my dream is to learn dressage, now i just know basic walk, trot, canter, gallop and I can jump a little, but i never learned much dressage  AND i feel i need to "catch up" last time I was riding i felt i had lost the rythm, I'm sure i can get into it again with proper lessons, or am I naive?   I know some people who own horses and it's my impression that they've been riding pretty much all their life.  So is it simply too late for me?  or can i become an good equesterian if i try hard enough?    
Thanks for any insight or advice

Asher · Accepted Answer

Its never 'to late' to learn how to ride horses. Working with horses is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. 

There are people who ride horses that are in their 80's so there really is no 'proper time' to start riding. 

You should get back in the saddle :-)

All you need to do is before you go out and buy a horse is take a couple of lessons to get you back into the gist of it again. Once you have a lesson or two it will probably all come back to you. 

Once you decide your ready to own your first horse I strongly recommend you take someone with you to look at the horse that rides and knows a lot about horses so you can find the perfect horse for you. I know some people who had turned away from riding because they bought a horse that was to 'experienced' for them. 

Just keep having lessons and treat your horse well, if you put your mind to do something it can always be done!

Jennifer Jasmin · Answer

it's never too late to learn dressage and have a horse but if ''become an good equesterian'' for you means national or even olympic level, without the neccessary finance you have no chance. I suggest you take lessons for a few years before you even think about buying a horse. It's every little girls dream to have a pony but you say ''I know how to brush a horse, and how to put the tack on it''. There is sooooo much more to actually OWNING a horse. Stable, food, tack, vet, blacksmith; all that costs a lot of money. Owning a horse (if you do it right) is one of the most time and money consuming thing ever. Taking lessons once or twice a week is a totally different ball game to mucking out 3 times and feeding every day or you pay someone to do it but then you'd still have to exercise your horse daily or, again, pay someone to do it which is probably not what you'd get a horse for.
Go with lessons for a few years and then go from there.

? · Answer

No manner! It's not ever too past due to coach a horse, I informed a 17 y/o horse dressage. He used to be an Arabian x Quarter horse he used to be so beautiful! He's passed on to the great beyond now, however in any case I'm joyful you might have an curiosity on this, congrats! I'm definite she could be excellent for dressage :)

Emura · Answer

It is never to late as long as you are physically capable. There are a lot of riders who don't start riding or owning a horse until they are adults. Get private dressage lessons and you will be just fine.

partly cloudy · Answer

Geez, your just a kitten!  Many of my friends who now enjoy showing dressage, did not get their first horse til they were in their 40's  or 50's!  One of my friends is 83 and still rides at dressage shows.  Her horse is 18.  They are now part of the Centurian Club!

Anonym · Answer

no, it is not too late. plus you already have the basics, so you will be able to learn much faster anyway. as someone else stated, don't rush into buying a horse, take it slow and make sure you are ready before jumping into that commitment. Other than that, good luck!

Miss. · Answer

It's never too late ;)
Just remember to take lessons for 2-3 years again before you buy or lease a horse is my recommendation.

Janian · Answer

It's never too late, many people started riding later on in life and have become very good. Just don't rush yourself and make sure you're ready before you get your own horse.

keezy · Answer

At 23 you are still young and definately can learn to ride and do dressage.
You will likely never be an olympian - but you can enjoy your passion

Is it too late for me to learn dressage riding and to get my own horse?

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