Horse Riders of A Certain Age: Feeling Judged By Other Riders?

[@RideConfident]

We all face judgment at times, but we can support each other. Drop a comment sharing how you overcome feelings of being judged while riding. Your story might inspire someone else!

[@TheTayseen]

Hi Anne. Follower from Malaysia. Yes to all you questions at the end. I simply walk on my horses in a stable full of fast polo riders and people obsessed with TROT! CANTER! I am just trying to focus on walking to feel confident on my horses. Well my kids horses...one older TB and one pony which does make me nervous because she is a bit jumpy. After 5 years of watching people ride..I managed to bring myself to walk on the TB around the polo field after observing he was calm with my daughter each time...Funny thing is I learnt to trim my horses' hooves and that was SCARY as hell but better with time. Being below feels safer than on top. I did take a rider confidence course with Karl Greenwood...flew all the way there in 2017...but not too optimistic then...maybe a little now. Still can't bring myself to trot or relearn canter. Used to many years ago. Fell just once in the 14 years I have known horses and no serious injury but having anxiety and all after menopause makes it ughhhhh. Anyway..keep posting! Thank you!

[@RideConfident]

I have some ideas that might help you if you're ready to stop feeling anxious. Happy to have a chat with you soon (my treat). Would you be interested in that?

[@TheTayseen]

@@RideConfident awhhh so nice of you. Friday or Saturday maybe?

[@RideConfident]

@@TheTayseen I'm traveling this week. You can use this link to my online calendar to schedule a time. bit.ly/TalkWithAnne If you can't find a time there that works for you, please send me an email (you'll find the address in my Bio) and we'll figure it out.😊

[@RosemarieSpurling]

Oh yes! Judgmental people be to am 70 and ride very well in the AA division. I’m discriminated against because of my age in the show ring and at home barn. Can you discuss older rider feeling a loss of confidence.

[@RideConfident]

Hugh Graham won four Grand Prix events in the summer of 2018 at the age of 68. Ian Millar won the Spruce Meadows International Grand Prix (beating at 22 year old rider) at the age of 67 Leslie Burr Howard is still competing in her 60s Keep doing what you love. The people who matter don't care and the people who care don't matter.