Thoughts on riding lessons from a non-horsey mummy

My daughter has been learning to ride for about 16 months now. At 14, we almost felt she had missed the horse-boat, as it were, but it turns out that the teen years, with increased strength and self-awareness, can be the ideal time to take up equine pursuits.

L has always loved horses, and for years and years begged us to let her have one, ride one, muck it out…etc. She would have done anything really, but although we are a sporty family, horses (animals in general, really) were not our thing. Then, we met a lady who lives nearby and has a field, with, crucially, two horses which live in it. She asked if L would like to help look after "her boys" – L jumped at the chance.

At 13, L was beginning to think that she would never have a life which included animals, let alone her beloved horses. She had spent too much time in her room while the rest of the family watched football, rugby and even golf on the TV, and spent many days at home with her step-dad while mum (me) and son went around the country to athletic competitions. No, there was never a time for horse riding.

Then, when No 1 son went off to University shortly after L's 14th birthday and, as she had shown a strong commitment to the boys, we decided it was time for her to learn to ride.
Having kitted her out with a riding hat and riding boots – joddy boots, the man in the shop told me – off we went to the stables for our first lesson. It was a dark December evening and wasn't destined to be the dream start we had desired.