I did not have to improve in leaps and bounds. I read books. Lyons on Horses , How to Ride Your Pony , and Rita Mae Brown's novel Riding Shotgun. Caution is healthy, if you listen to the message. In middle age, our aches will be worse than in the teens, so it makes perfect sense to take it slow.
Lessons are good.
Although we may have experience from years past, someone half your age with twice your knowledge may be your teacher. And that is okay. Humble pie tastes better than dirt. Most 12 year olds are very benevolent to older beginners. I still scratch my head when I recall recent conversations from girls in my class about their parents.