Getting Back Into Horseback Riding After a Break: Our Tips

Taking a break from horseback riding can happen for many reasons: lack of time, a change in lifestyle, an injury, moving, pregnancy, work commitments… And when you finally make your way back to the stables, one question often comes up: how can you get back into horseback riding without rushing the process?

The goal of your first few rides is above all to rediscover your feel, rebuild your confidence, and reconnect with the joy of riding.

Here are our tips for a gradual and confident return to the saddle.

1. Ease Back Into Riding Gradually

After several months or years away from riding, it’s completely normal for things not to feel as automatic as they once did. Your fitness level may have changed, your balance may feel different, and reconnecting with your horse may take a little time.

There’s no need to try to do everything you were doing before your break during your very first ride back.

Start with short, simple sessions, focusing on flatwork, transitions, and exercises that help you gradually regain your balance in the saddle.

Most importantly, consider working with a trainer and taking regular lessons to support your return.

The right pace? One that allows you to make progress without exhausting yourself.

2. Reconnect With Your Horse

Before focusing on performance, take the time to rebuild your routine with your horse.

Grooming, tacking up, hand-walking, groundwork… These moments are an essential part of getting back into riding. They help you reconnect with familiar sensations and gradually regain your confidence and bearings.

Once in the saddle, take a few minutes to observe your horse as well: their behavior, energy level, and movement. Every horse is different, so this observation phase is essential for adapting each session to their needs.

3. Don’t Overlook Physical Preparation

Horseback riding engages many muscle groups, particularly the legs, core, and back. After a long break, these muscles may have lost some endurance, even if you regularly practice other sports.

To support your return to riding, you can incorporate a few simple exercises into your routine:

• core exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles
• squats to work your legs and glutes
• hip and pelvic mobility exercises
• balance and proprioception exercises
• walking, cycling, or light cardio to rebuild endurance

There’s no need to turn your daily routine into an intensive training program: a few regular sessions can already make a real difference.

Discover our article: the importance of a proper warm-up and stretching routine for riders

4. Rebuild Your Confidence in the Saddle

After a long break, it’s natural to feel a little apprehensive. A horse moving more than expected, cantering for the first time in a while, or riding in an unfamiliar environment… Some sensations may feel new again.

In this case, consider returning to riding in a familiar environment and with a horse suited to your current level.

You can also ask your trainer to guide you through your first few sessions. Their outside perspective can help you identify areas to work on and make progress without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Confidence comes back through repetition and experience, not in a single ride.

5. Get Back to the Fundamentals

When returning to riding, the fundamentals are your best allies.

Start by working on your position, balance, aids, and the quality of your transitions. These exercises may seem simple, but they help you rebuild the essential habits you need before moving on to more technical exercises.

Most importantly, don’t underestimate the satisfaction of a successful ride at the walk, trot, or even just a few strides of canter.

After a break, every familiar feeling you rediscover is already a win.

6. Adapt Your Riding Gear

Getting back into riding is also a great opportunity to check your equipment.

Your riding apparel may have aged during your break, your body may have changed, or your needs may be different. To feel comfortable in the saddle again, choose clothing that allows you to move freely while providing effective protection from the weather.

It’s also important to choose the right riding gear for each season.

Weather conditions can change quickly while riding: rain, wind, cold, or sudden temperature changes can turn an enjoyable session into an uncomfortable one.

After a break, it’s also a good time to rethink your safety. A riding airbag can help you return to the saddle with greater peace of mind while you rebuild your confidence and riding habits.

The right technical apparel allows you to stay focused on what matters most: your horse and how you feel in the saddle.

7. Set Realistic Goals

After a break, it can be tempting to try to get back to your previous level as quickly as possible. However, progress is rarely linear.

Instead of comparing yourself to the rider you were before your break, set small, achievable goals:

• ride regularly for a few weeks
• regain a stable position at the trot
• return to cantering with confidence
• take part in a jumping session when you feel ready
• gradually rebuild a routine with your horse

These milestones allow you to track your progress without turning your return to riding into a source of pressure.

8. Listen to Your Body… and Your Horse

Your return to riding should be gradual, both for you and your horse.

After several weeks or months away, pay attention to signs of fatigue, muscle soreness, or any unusual pain. If necessary, allow more time between sessions and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Likewise, adapt the intensity of the work to your horse’s abilities and fitness level. A successful return is something you build together.

What If the Most Important Thing Is Simply Rediscovering the Joy of Riding?

After a break, you may approach horseback riding differently. You might take more time to observe, feel, and enjoy each session.

So rather than immediately trying to return to your previous level, give yourself time to rediscover your own way of riding.

Ride by ride, your instincts return, your confidence grows, and those familiar sensations begin to fall back into place.

And ultimately, that may be the best way to come back: getting back in the saddle with the desire to keep riding.