So Sore...

[lupinfarm]

I'm taking private lessons at a local riding stable to get back into riding. At the start of my first lesson I was so scared and nervous but my new coach took me slowly through everything, I walked, we did work on the 1/4 line, leg yielding, worked on my seat, but most incredibly! I went from a person who hadn't ridden in 5 years to cantering in one lesson. This is a huge thing for me, back when I rode 5 years ago I was terrified of cantering, I hated jumping and was equally terrified of that, and now I feel free and confident in my skills. To add to it, my coach told me I was a really good rider

However, I'm SUPER SORE, oh my gosh... I have no problems with mounting, we have a pick-up truck and for the past year I've been getting stuff from the bed by jumping up on the wheel so that's mounting practice and exercise enough for me! Do you guys do any kind of stretching prior to riding?

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

You should walk prior to riding to warm up, then yes some stretching is good. During riding use your legs more and take opportunities to have your feet out of the stirrups and move them if safe or get off and walk for a bit. Walk for 20 minutes after the ride. The sensation of stiffness is lactic acid build-up in the muscle due to circulation not moving it out, so get some circulation happening, and keep it going till you muscles have recovered.

Good for you getting back into it!