What is a re-rider?

I’m new to the world of horse blogs and therefore have only recently discovered there is a term for the type of rider I am: re-rider. As in I grew up riding but then let the horsey world lapse for a while before returning to the saddle as an adult.

Being a re-rider is a humbling, challenging, and difficult experience. It’s also something of a relief, like I haven’t entirely forgotten who I am or who I once was, as well as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue an activity you love.

In my own experience, being a re-rider means showing up to group lessons as the only adult with a bunch of 13-year-olds…and then to discovering all too quickly that those 13-year-olds are way better riders than you. Or it means feeling embarrassed about forgetting simple things about riding or horse care that someone who spent years in stables should really know. Or feeling regretful at how much time you wasted not riding, and wistful when imagining how much better you’d be if you never left or came back earlier. It means feeling guilty for essentially turning your back on something you once loved more than anything, and being hopeful that the horses and trainers and fellow riders in your life now will accept you, even with all your flaws.

Sometime soon I'll share my specific story of how I came into the horse world, the heartbreaking way I left it, and how I found myself right back in the saddle again. For now, I’m thrilled the term “re-rider” exists because it means I’m not alone. Lots of other riders leave for some reason or another but cannot resist the pull to come back. I’m glad to join those ranks.