From the High Seas to the Saddle: Laura’s First Riding Lesson as an Adult
At Lavant Equestrian, where people and horses thrive, it’s not just about learning to ride, but about finding confidence, connection, and freedom in the saddle. For Laura, an experienced sailor more at home on the ocean than in a stable yard, her very first lesson brought all of that and more.
Nerves in the Saddle
For many adults, the idea of riding for the first time feels daunting the size of the horse, the unfamiliar movements, and the worry about “getting it wrong.” For Laura, the experience was both nerve-wracking and unexpectedly familiar.
Laura’s first horse was Popcorn, guided by Mills, one of Lavant Equestrian’s expert instructors.
“I wasn’t nervous about Popcorn himself,” Laura explained. “Over the past couple of months, I’ve gotten to know the team here and I completely trusted them. The horses are so well cared for, the coaching is so professional, and the whole atmosphere just makes you feel safe. I knew I was in good hands.”
Instead, her nerves came from within.
“What made me nervous was me! How I’d sit, what my movements would mean for the horse, even something as simple as how to stroke Popcorn properly. I didn’t want to do anything clumsy that might confuse him.”
Mills quickly put those worries to rest, guiding her gently through the first steps of riding: rising and sitting with the trot, keeping her heels down, and learning how to stay relaxed but engaged in the saddle.
Teamwork in the saddle
It didn’t take long for Laura to draw a parallel between sailing and riding.
“The moment I got into the saddle, I instinctively sat straighter,” she recalled. “In dinghy sailing or rowing, tiny shifts in body weight really matter. On a horse, it’s even more obvious because the Popcorn would have to compensate for my poor form. I didn’t want to make Popcorn’s job harder.”
That awareness transformed the lesson into more than just an exercise. It became a conversation between rider and horse, where communication and trust were essential.
A New Kind of Freedom
For Laura, the experience of riding tapped into something she already knew well from the water: the release of being fully present.
“Riding has everything I love about sailing,” she said. “It’s the excitement of learning, the physical workout, the partnership with something bigger than yourself and that same mental freedom you get on the water. Once you’re moving together, the rest of the world disappears.”
By the end of her lesson, Laura’s initial nerves had melted into joy. “Thank you, Popcorn, Mills, and the whole Lavant team,” she smiled. “Not just for teaching me the basics, but for creating such a safe, positive environment. When my ocean adventures eventually come to an end, I’ll be back in the saddle for good.”
Why Not Give It a Go?
For adults who might feel apprehensive, the right environment makes all the difference. At Lavant Equestrian, trust is at the heart of everything we do: carefully matched horses, expert coaching, and a warm, encouraging atmosphere.
If Laura’s story has inspired you, perhaps it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and into the saddle. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning after years away, riding has something unique to offer.
There’s no better time to start.
Get in touch to book your first lesson:
riding@lavantequestrian.co.uk
01243530460