In agony

Could hardly move after my first lesson and had to sit on a cushion for days! As others have said, riding uses muscles not used much in every day life - even if you're a person who exercises a lot. It does get better though!
 
It generally only hurts for a day or so, You might find you get a touch of stiffness again next time, but I bet after 3-4 lessons you won;t feel it sore at all
 
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A couple of years ago when we were riding longer distances we could trot for hours non stop and Id be perfectly happy. Got on for 10 minutes for the first time in ages this week and hips were blooming killing me the next day. The muscles will stretch and strengthen but its definitely use it or lose it! Good luck with your lessons - dont be put off, it WILL pass (eventually! :P )
 
Totally normal! My friend has been out of the saddle for months as her horse has been having a few difficulties and so she has scrapped everything and started her again. She got on one of the other horses from our yard the other day and could barely walk the day afterwards. I found it most amusing haha
 
I still get aching limbs afterwards if I've worked really hard in a lesson. Anything that uses muscles you don't usually use will do that - I was in pain after my first Pilates class in ages because of all the abs work! if you've got a horse that is a bit lazy and really makes you work, then you'll be tired and achey afterwards. Whatever people say - the horse doesn't do all the work!
 
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