I have had horses in my life from as far back as I can remember. They have been my best friends and a source of great joy. There was often little else that provided a sense of purpose, and self-esteem in my life but horses and my continuing knowledge of them provided just that. I spent my time with them at home, dreamt about them at night, read every horse book I could get my hands on and drew them in class at school. I have been fortunate.
Many is the little girl who reads, draws and dreams of her own pony/horse. Many of those children never get to have a horse and as adults want to pursue that desire.
I was probably riding (such as it were) at about the same time I began to walk. Because of this, it has become almost as natural to me as walking. I do not think, however, that it is ever too late for anyone to learn to ride. There are too numerous benefits awarded a person by having a relationship with horses to leave that dream by the wayside.
I would caution people of every age to take at least these five things into consideration before mounting up:
1. Horses are benevolent and gentle but they are very big animals and instinctual by nature. Remember that by instinct, a horse is an animal that is prewy for others. Many of their natural behaviors come from this fact. Horses do not, as a general rule, go after humans to hurt them. Only in spending time around horses does one get to know how to read them. Uninformed and uneducated people are easily hurt. On the other hand, very small children, under proper tutelage, remain safe and unharmed.
I have seen many bad experiences leave such fear behind that the person never goes back to riding.
2. Educate yourself so that you have at least a vague idea of what you want out of the experience. Read and be informed. What kind of riding do you want to learn? Do you want to just trail ride or is your ultimate dream to show? Do you want to round up cattle like the cowboys of old, barrel race, learn dressage, jumping, ride the trails, or ride those fancy gaited beauties? (there are many kinds of horses and styles of riding).
3. Ask for advice at local feed/farm/tack stores. Many stores have ads and flyers up for people giving lessons, training horses etc. Go meet them and then ask for references.
4. Shop around for horse people to learn from. Lots of horse people. Take in all the information they share, you will find horse people to be a very helpful but opinionated bunch. Go for reputation with horses above how many ribbons are hanging on a wall.
5. Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions….and always let people know that you are a beginner and just learning. Most importantly, have a wonderful experience with on of the most incredible animals on earth.