too late to start?

If you die, here is an option

I'd suggest 2-3 times a week as an optimum for buliding up riding muscles (or any muscles) in shape. Either that, or do an exercise program specifically targeting riding muscles a couple of days a week. Lot of research out there showing that one work day, one recuperation day generally produces the fastest results.

that. Is. Awesome!!!!

I agree with Darrin, it's a good way to learn about horses, how to behave around them, how to read them......go out and get a trainer or someone who knows about horses to help you with ground work with a horse. Physically ground work can be hard but you wanted to loose some weight and this might be a good idea on how you can!

Do it! Absolutely! No question....

Take some lessons and since you are not already turned toward either English or western, I would highly recommend that you give both a try before you decide which to concentrate on. You might even like both! My wife does both.... I'm strictly western... And I'm a lot older than you are! I rode and showed when I was young and the single biggest mistake I ever made was letting our horses go.

At 47 it is absolutely not too late! Go for it and you'll be glad you did. The companionship of a good horse is truly priceless.

I had the same question when I started taking lessons at 55. I'm learning to ride English, which is the only style they teach at the stable where I take lessons. I plan to take some Western lessons and have begun to consider leasing. I still feel very green after only 3-4 months of lessons, but am making progress. It's hard to see these little kids make it look so easy! Centered Riding by Swift was recommended to me more than once. I have been reading it and have found it helpful. Oh, and by the way, I was thrown the other night when it was windy and the horse spooked. I lived through it! Good luck to you and please wish me the same.

I wish you the best!

Sorry you got thrown but on the other side of the coin, it's good to have that first one behind you.... I couldn't tell you how many different ways I fell of as a youngster, but as an adult, every time I've fallen off has been a direct result of me being distracted or just generally not paying good attention to riding.

Whatever you do, don't quit! Riding horses and developing that unique/special bond with your horse is absolutely priceless...

I saw a team roping event with a husband and wife that won every event they entered. They were both extremely overweight, couldn't believe my eyes because it seems the more weight on the horse, the slower the horse will be. Well, WRONG!
Its up to you, but starting some lessons will also help you lose weight by keeping you in shape.

I know of a woman who didn't ever ride until she was 57 and then she decided to start...riding saddleseat on Saddlebreds in the show ring...after lessons of course but she did very well indeed.

While you might need to drop some more pounds, you should go ahead and find a barn to work with you on ground matters. Leading, feeding, grooming and tacking up. Good exercise for you too, and may help with weight loss too.

You can gain a lot by getting ground work right now. Learning how to do the things you will need to know when you begin riding will help. Your attitude, which will be so important when riding and handling horses, your movements, your handling of horses will be much better.

As for your height, I would think anything 15.2 and up...but much depends too on where your length is. Many people your height have most of their length in their legs, others carry more length from crotch up. That does affect balance also, as will your weight.

Go to each of the barns and ask about maybe doing groundwork and see too if they can use someone to help clean stalls while you are there, or even clean tack or water buckets. You will get more relaxed the more you are around horses doing that.

You will really enjoy horses I think.

As for a horse to ride/own, I would look at something with good bone, that is sized to carry you well, and a kind horse to boot.