Riding when you're older... it's different

[@michellegarry1872]

I had horses for over 50 years. Sold my last one in 2015. I finally returned to riding in July this year with a 10 lesson refresher. After the 3rd lesson, I bought myself another horse from an online auction, something I would never have considered before. I spoke with the seller and was confident in his assessment of this horse and I being a great match. He was absolutely correct! I paid a lot of money for this horse, but it was money well spent. (You can’t put a price on safety) The horse, a gorgeous buckskin, knows a lot of stuff and has been to a lot of rodeos, including children’s rodeos. He was used for team roping, team penning, ranch versatility, obstacles, and even hunting in Colorado. I’ve done many of those activities with horses in the past. No need to repeat them on these older bones of mine. Now when we go for a ride, we mostly just mosey along, a little trotting and short canter. But we are both really happy with “our” purchase. (I bought him, but he got me. I made a choice, he didn’t have that option) He is only 9, I am 71. We are a perfect match.

[@gilliangirl1]

I STARTED riding at 50, a childhood dream. Young people at the barns don't understand the fears and physical challenges of riding when you're older.

[@NotFalling4it]

Oh wow, so good to read. I’m 50 and haven’t owned horses or ridden in 20 years. How is it going for you? I’m a bit worried to ride again at this age, an injury would be so much worse.

[@jeanm.peterson6890]

Why do I want/love horses in my life? 1. They are beautiful. 2. They bring me peace. 3. Senses - I love to feel the horse and the tools and to hear the sounds that accompany the horse. 4. I love the challenges they bring me. Thank you for sharing. I am 65.

[@devorah1134]

I am really excited about this webinar! I began riding two years ago at age 70. It was just something I wanted to do. I now have my own horse and even through my own aches and pains that come with age, I am always so happy to go to the barn and ride. I love being in the outdoors and interacting with my horse. Absolutely nothing like it. I never realized I was such a 'horsey' person! It's so wonderful to see the concerns of older riders being addressed! Thank you - I don't feel so alone now in my journey!

[@dianem1159]

I was horse crazy as a little girl and rode till college. Watched my daughter ride/compete for 10 years and got back on after a 40 year break .. at 77 I love being with my horse more than ever and hope for us to Ride Off Into The Sunset together.

[@milfuentes]

😊 I'll certainly follow you,on what you've got to say, quiet eagerly so😊❤

[@juliecramer7768]

I and my instructor are 65. I raised 8 kid and got my first horse at 38 but was so busy homeschooling. I have more time now so I take more lessons. Glad I never really got into competition. I just love riding. I stay fit so I can keep riding.

[@daveanderson8776]

That was really awesome , I started riding recently and very new at it. I have a connection with animals , that I don’t have with people 🐴 . I am taking lessons right now and I am 64 and enjoy it very much and like you it brings me peace in a world that seems very broken . I look forward to the next class , Peace from Happy Valley Oregon 😊🐴

[@HorseClass]

I can relate on the easier connections with animals :)

[@giovannalepore5946]

This is great ! Thank you for doing this . Have been riding for over 60 years and still at it . I trained my own 2 year Arabian -but was criticized by a dressage “ professional “even though my mare was the best behaved in a dressage camp at this persons farm and my mare still has her spirit(they had never seen an Arabian before ) . When I told this professional my goal was to have a light soft horse and to have fun -she looked at me like I had two heads !!!Another centered rider advance instructor i observed had blood marks on her horse after she rode with another”french classical “ professional. I did not say anything and I regret it -and this centered riding instructor is still out there “teaching’ others . Another world renown trainer I did a clinic was demeaning and sarcastic in a 4 day clinic and wanted me to “kick my horse” I refused . Beware of these world renown clinicians !! I learned never ride in a clinic without observing this person first!! ( even though I read every book she wrote !!!). This most important thing is to keep yourself in shape develop your core and learn to develop your horses core -it is hard work -am learning this now. Exciting and my horse is so happy. And to have a fun and happy horse who trusts you . Why:, Joy and freedom, being in the now , being challenged and listening to the horse ,developing the best relationship and friendship with my horse. She is my best friend !

[@allisonburd6935]

why? It satisfies my soul. I do not want to even imagine not having horse in my life.

[@faithfarmforever4795]

I'm with you..work with your horse your way..I'm 53 and got a wild mustang who isn't wild anymore - I took him to a barn hoping to get him going - the dressage people thought I was an idiot - one lady smacked my boy in the face for reaching his nose out to sniff her - it is HUGE for a mustang to engage in people..in the end I had to bring him home people were chasing him with whips - which I only found out after he spooked slightly with me on him from a woman shutting a gate 30 yards away - it wasnt like him to spook so i made some inquiries - i decided to take him home - I'll be sending him off for training soon. but people all know how to work and train my horse and are happy to tey to make me feel like an idiot..I'm not an idiot..he is gentle now except for the riding part..he is still slow to accept new people (the Vet) - but I've seen domestic horses act worse then mine - he just needs a slow hand and time to think - he will do about anything for me even let mean vets poke him lol - i hope he will make a good horse to reide around my farm - he may not work out for that..regardless he has a good home, he is safe and happy and not out in the wild starving for food and that in itself is enough even if I'm deemed an idiot lol

[@alicepotter8165]

Thank you so much. My loss of confidence has come after a year of chemotherapy. I'm 73.

[@thomasmumw8435]

Oh sorry to hear that, chemos a bitch! I had Leukaemia, those chemicals really knock the stuffing out of you! I do hope you get what you want, it's horrible not being around horses. 💐🏇❤️🦄🐴

[@alicepotter8165]

@@thomasmumw8435 you are so right.

[@peteyCLC]

Me too! I’m 72. Since chemo, my balance is different, trying to get on off a mounting block. I have to put it against a fence and hold on. Once on my horse, I’m good!💛 My horse does not walk off when getting on. She comes right up to the mounting black and patiently waits…it’s my change of balance and confidence that is the issue. I love this webinar!!! Thank you!💛

[@thomasmumw8435]

I was the opposite, in 2019 after loosing 4st I just started having lessons after a 20yr break, then covid struck. After lockdown l really needed to get back on a horse. Luckily last spring a new riding school had opened up a couple of miles away, so after loosing another 2st I went for my first lesson/assessment. Rode a lovely 14.1hh Cob type, managed 40mins before the torture set in! Spent last 10mins pondering how I was going to get off! Had to use a mounting block! I was doubled over and could barely stand up straight! The pony just stood next to me staring. I can't own my own any more what with my disability/age etc, so I make due with riding school horses once a week mostly lessons and a few hacks out. Now I can do a full hour, and ride all types, from jumpers to my latest who's a 6yrs old, I've even done shoulder in, doesn't sound much but surprised the teacher as she didn't think the mare knew how to do it! 😊 I'm 60yrs old next March. Just getting over tearing my knee ligaments so no riding for a few months. I'm no Charlotte Dugardin! 🤣Can just about hang on to a canter, do a few little jumps etc, but if I lost all hope of riding then I'm not sure what my life would be like, I'm not sure if I could survive the depression, even though I enjoy so many other things.... Sometimes I think what's the worst that can happen? So what if I die, gonna happen sometime! But I'd rather be riding a beloved horse and enjoying it! 🐴🏇💜 I know my hubby would understand ❤️

[@406dn7]

I've had horses now for a little over 20 years, being 72 years old presently. I have not experienced any increased anxiety about riding. I do not ride in an arena, everything is outside in the big outdoors. I just returned home from elk hunting for a week with my brother. I killed a bull, my horses packed the meat out, and everything went off without a hitch. I hope to keep riding for many more years.

[@donicaarneson578]

These are my WHY= enjoyment, outdoors, the challenge, and accomplishment. Thank you for that word accompaniment especially when I have been able to meet the challenges that riding horse presents. Thank you for offering this Horse Class for free! .

[@HorseClass]

Thank you for sharing these challenges and we are happy to provide these trainings for you!

[@gailwatson4485]

I got back into horses aged 52 after my husband was killed suddenly in an accident. Devastating to say the least. As I have started to move forward horses become part of my life. I have a farm so plenty of grass and acres and in the Tropics so not too expensive to keep being a widow. Giving birth to 7 kids has made my body different and more vulnerable when riding now compared to my teenage self and even then I was a cautious rider. The answer has been 2 lovely older quieter horses going cheap! They love their work schedule - the odd trail ride 2 to 3 tines in a month at the least. They loved being pampered and fussed over whereas before they were either expected to be in pony club and then paddock ornaments. It has helped to heal a small part of that big hole I now have in my life. I walk and trot and am working on the odd stride into a canter and my lovely horse is happy to just do that (or less!!) She's a whoa not a goer and that is what I want. My daughter rides the other one with me 😊.

[@martylesnick2032]

So wonderful those 2 horses entered your life when they needed you and you and daughter could help them. Sharing horses is a true gift. Susan

[@dianeurich9979]

Really timely message. I am 58 and adore my horse and enjoy learning from my trainer ....but i miss having that youthful confidence of years ago Look forward to learning more!

[@michellepaustenbaugh7144]

I have horses because: 1) Nothing gives me more satisfaction than doing groundwork or riding out in nature alone with my dogs; 2) their daily care helps keep me grounded, i.e., they give me a purpose I believe in...something my career does not; 3) horses are magical and give me something that I can't thrive without; 4) they keep my life interesting by teaching me in ways no human can. If I had to give a fifth reason, horses have introduced me to the most meaningful relationships with people....horse people.

[@laurablauch5954]

I am so happy I came across this video! I just turned 60 this year and am starting to ride after a very long break. The body doesn’t work like it used to and I am trying to not get discouraged. I’m looking forward to the follow up videos!

[@lorrainemarshall3475]

Thank you so much for reaching out to us older riders. I can really relate to what you are saying. I'm off to bed now to write my 'why' list!! 😊

[@joancruickshank7771]

thankyou...you are the first person i have seen doing these 3 videos......guilt and fear after covid.....my worse fear now at 70 plus is broken bones.

[@dreamgaits]

We need more training programs for older people. I have ridden for over 50 years had have switched to gaited to avoid the bone jarring gaits. There are literally no gaited training programs for strictly new older riders. Maybe you have inspired me to start one. We "rescue" gaited feed lot horses, rehab and rehome. Maybe it is time to put some of them to work giving older riders opportunity to ride a smooth riding horse.

[@zsuzsu6524]

This is a wonderful idea. I’m 63, and after owning quarter horses on and off for years, I went on a trail ride about 10 years ago on a Paso Fino. It was the most fun, enjoyable trail ride of my life. Finances have not enabled me to have a horse recently, as college educations for my children have become the priority, but I dream of a Paso Fino someday. I love their small height. Somehow that makes me feel safer now that I’m older. If more people tried gaited horses, I have not doubt they’d love them.

[@tillyme1940]

I love gaited horses ! Rehabbing and rehome to older folks to safely and smoothly ride on the trails is a fantastic idea ❤

[@christieperry9221]

After a car totaled accident and spine injury with broken ankles, my horses knew what I needed just as I knew how much exercise they needed and wanted..so we saddled up. I moved them to a sweat in the ring to their delight. They allowed me to sit the saddle and move gently thru the course. All in all, we have a relationship. They know when I need easy. They are so sensitive just as they know we are beloved.

[@jael6048]

Thank you. I appreciate you speaking about this. ❤

[@janeatonsquarecallicott19]

Interesting presentation. My “whys” are 1) Me time away from caring for my mother and family, 2) Challenging myself/my brain & body to learn more about riding & 3) Enjoying the time by being in the moment then for the rest of the week looking forward to my next lesson. Additionally exercise & trying to stay fit. Thank you. Looking forward to learning more. 😊

[@erynd2524]

I completely understand where you’re coming from. I had those feelings you just described after an accident that resulted in a broken back and 16 weeks in a tslo back brace. The damage to my confidence was astronomical. I felt inadequate, I felt like “I should be progressing. It took me two years just to get to where I am currently.

[@andreawady]

Thank you all for your fabulous comments. We are glad you are all here and enjoyed the video.

[@freddiebiscuit9703]

I went through a rough patch between early 2014 and early 2016 when I lost several family members to old age and illness. Before we had our own yard I was on one that was inhabited by a narcissist who talked a good horse but in reality, could not ride one side of one. Yet I allowed that person to eat into my confidence and destroy my self-belief; I had trained horses, exercised race horses, and competed at SJ up to Foxhunter but came to doubt my ability to even pick out their feet! When we moved to our own yard I tried to push on but actually damaged myself further both mentally and physically. I am now in a much happier place even though I cannot do all the mad things I once did in my youth. For me the four reasons to WHY are: love of all that they are and how they tick, The challenge to understand even more about them, the enjoyment I get from simply having them near, and the achievement I feel when they willingly respond to me through mutual respect.

[@PianoWanderings]

Why - 1. I enjoy being with all animals but especially horses and dogs. 2. I feel “at home” with horses and around the barn. 3. I love to ride on trails and in the woods and I worry I’ll never be able to again. 4. My horse deserves my time and attention. 61 and fell during the pandemic and broke my pelvis. Long recovery and also have a lot of anxiety.

[@HorseClass]

thank you for sharing your why. I am sorry to hear about your accident and wishing you a complete recovery. We are here with you!

[@daveanderson8776]

Anxiety is crippling and horses are healing ❤️‍🩹, Bless you and may find the strength to ride again 😊🐴

[@carolhill9934]

Thank you so much. You speak to my heart.

[@DieTigerin60]

Auf Deutsch, weil es sonst zu lange dauert: Ich reite seitdem ich 5 war, habe selbst während der Schwangerschaften weiter geritten und bin jetzt 63. Mit 57 hatte ich einen Unfall mit meinem Pferd und habe mir einen Wirbel gebrochen, als ich im Winter auf einen tiefgefrorenen Maulwurfshügel gestürtzt bin. Daraufhin ist das Pferd meines Mannes durchgegangen, er ist auf einen Felsbrocken gestürtzt und hat sich ein Dutzend Knochen gebrochen. Wir mussten die Pferdehaltung aufgeben, da sich keiner um die beiden kümmern konnte. Nach 5 Monaten haben wir langsam wieder in einer Reitschule angefangen. Wir haben dort Probleme, weil wir nicht so risikofreudig sind wie die jungen Reiter. Geeignete neue Pferde haben wir bisher nicht gefunden. Dein Video baut mich auf, weil es mir sagt, dass wir auf dem richtigen Weg sind. Zu dem WHY: 1. ich liebe Pferde, 2. es ist mir ein inneres Bedürfnis mich auf ein Pferd zu setzen (Vererbung, weil ich aus einer entsprechenden Familie komme?), 3. ich liebe es Pferde für die Dressur auszubilden, 4. es trennt meine Seele von allen Problemen der Welt und läßt mich zur Ruhe kommen.

[@sassy6292]

It’s not a lack of confidence. I could jump on my horse and ride all day with no fear except I can’t because my bones are thinning and the bounce back from injury is non existent these days. My old girl and I are retired and so we enjoy the quiet of going for walks in hand and peaceful lunging. We commune for grooming sessions and just hang out together. The horse world passes us by and we are content. The shock that I see in the faces of those I tell this to is interesting. Some go into a state of introspection! I imagine that happens because they begin to wonder if the risk to benefit ratio is worth it in the end when all is said and done. Others outright tell me that I’m being absolutely ridiculous! ‘Get on your horse and ride’ is the usual response or something very close to it. I even had a woman tell me that she would die if she couldn’t ride her horse. I told her that there is a life with horses after years of riding and she had to agree with me. At some point you have to struggle with the inner egotist that lives in all of us and just make that sensible decision to not get up on the massive dynamic beast anymore. It’s not an easy transition at all. I now say proudly that I don’t ride anymore. I used to wince when I’d say it out loud to folks but now I say it without the fear of the fallout. I had my many years of the fantastic privilege and pure joy of riding horses and I survived it all with only a slight limp, a suspected fracture of a vertebrae and a concussion or two. I will not tempt the fates nor piss them off.

[@Bewithhorsespeacefulmindset]

I am now in my life very close to make the same decision. I really enjoy just being with horses and going for walks in hand with my horse. My friends laugh at me, that it is ridiculous going for walks with horse and not sitting on his back.

[@randybutler4772]

Thank you for sharing.🐴

[@Julied319]

Excellent! Could relate to all of it! 🤗

[@HorseClass]

Glad you liked this video with Andrea!

[@jolandameivogel9006]

I feel freedom real freedom when i am with horses. The ultimed freedom is when i ride on my horse 20 years a go on the beatch whit high speed like 60 km feeling the power of your horse, i loved it and miss it so match😢.

[@grandmasgarden6402]

I had ridden for thirty years, took a ten year break, and then my husband bought me a six year old Arabian gelding. This horse would have been a perfect fit for me in my twenties, but mid fifties, not so much. I rode him for ten years, thousands of hours, and never learned so much about riding and myself as I did during that window of time in my life! Uhhh... my chiropractor thanks me now for being a regular customer!

[@mindyreid5229]

As a professional trainer of 40 years I stopped riding about 18 years ago due to fibromyalgia and just worked with miniature horses showing and training. 6 years ago I left the horse world all together for economical reasons but I am so desiring to return to riding but at 62 I am afraid that I can't do it anymore. I start to set up lessons and don't fallow through. I feel this program my be my key to return to horses. My dream is to go to Spain and learn classical dressage .

[@katiedotson704]

Why? My first answer is, "Because I can't help it." When I can no longer take care of a horse, I will hold onto my dogs for as long as I can. When they are gone, I am finished, There is nothing else to stay for.

[@christinecreeney4207]

I feel the same as you - what Would be the reason to start a new day .

[@allisonburd6935]

Roll me into the barn and let me hear those horses breath. Pure music pure soul satisfaction. I agree with your post and it brought a tear to my eye.

[@veroniqueviaudFaspasie_1957]

Thanks a lot for this video. I believe I 'm too sensitive, I was crying listening to the meaning of W. That means, horses are all to me. I had to live without them for more than 30 yearsv, impossible with my difficult private life. Now I wish I could ride again once a week but my knees or my fibromyalgia are there, various pains. I think that horse people who should try to understand us, the olders, do not make any effort of understanding. This is easier to reject us. It has happened where I subscribed for horse riding lessons... Or maybe in other places as you tell us ! 😢 I used my past year to be with my favourite horse in her stable and to become friend with the whole barn. I 've got an easy contact. (I paid for the year subscription, including an insurance.) But it doesn't please. It made some silly riders jealous. I always told the owner of the school horse when I was there, by " my mare", Punchie . I learnt in a quite brutal way in June ( that day I made Punchie a good Masterson massage, and I never saw her so happy before!) that I could not enter in a stable except for a riding lesson. This was the coach. It was confirmed by the school owner later. I should have never said it to her maybe. This is why, having other life troubles at home, I could not go to my horse school anymore. In addition, Punchie will be angry on me. I know it. She ignores me when she is like that. In July I could ride her one time who was adorable with me who was not a real good rider. I 'm working with a new physiotherapist but I think it must be a mental problem now. You said : Intuition. Mine says that Punchie and I are happy side by side, on the ground , then impossible for me to understand anything. What should I do, dear Andrea ? It makes me feel so sad. Sorry to write so long here... Lots of love.🤗🇨🇵🐴💝

[@thomasmumw8435]

Would you be able to speak to the owner and ask if you could volunteer at set times in the week for a small amount of time? And to get health and safety training. Where I have lessons, I'm allowed to go early, groom and tack up the horse I ride, then groom rug up and put back in their fields if last person. Also they do courses and you can hire the horse for the day, so your responsible for everything. Hope you are better soon! 💐❤️

[@veroniqueviaudFaspasie_1957]

@@thomasmumw8435 Today I went to the barn and I did what I should have done before. Speak to the owner ! Like you advise me to do. I thank you very much. I could not volunteer for several hours because I 'm already one with young children in a kindergarten, that matters a lot to me too - it is quite to tiring! - and I' m challenging a lot with my health issues. Or with water damages to try to solve the hard problem. That costs me so much energy, made me feel sick due to molds in my home.. Hard reality. It means I must go to the court now after three years and zero positive results. It made me feel so depressed, I lost a lot of good muscles. 🙄😔 The owner knows all about it. At first as I was apologising to enter ( not with bad thoughts !) to see Punchie, she said I can see her throughout the " metallic pieces". Out of her box. 🙁 I said I always explained her about it, and reminding her how much happy she was when I was doing her first Masterson massage, and grooming her. I was a very good young rider and hopefully I know the importance of safety inside " these close spaces". That interested the owner ! I said it was something good for me too as an old rider, I was going to send her videos. She said it requires a halter, I said yes of course. Then all in all... I think that means I can enter to be with her or it is impossible to put a halter on a horse 's head through metallic things ! 😉😅😅 I wanted to communicate with her about how great is Masterson 's method for a thoroughbred like Punchie.🐎👌🏻There are 3 others.😄🐎🐎🐎❤️ I think yes all is well now. It was a real nightmare to live. No, no massage today as Punchie had to show me she was a little happy to see me but better to keep her head on the ground to show that she was not really happy.😉 We stayed just side by side. She had a halter, I kept it in my hand . It was really good. 😁😍🐴❤️

[@gabrielehumann7935]

I am 61 years old and started riding last February. I am anxious every time, but I come back every week to the stable because it gives me so much joy. I had a handful of riding lessons when I was about 9 or ten years old, but my parents weren’t rich enough to allow me to go on. Now I am old and a complete beginner with brittle bones. Why do I do this? I wanted to find joy again after my lifetime partner quite suddenly and unexpectedly died in 2022, aged 63, leaving me alone all of a sudden. I find it most amazing to develop a kind of communication with a being as strange as a Martian, strong as a bull and as sensitive as a baby. I can often see the beautiful Trakehner/Arab Gelding who I am allowed to ride, looking absolutely confused, trying to figure out what on earth this woman wanted him to do. Jodelling perhaps? Where we ride, in upper Bavaria, we fetch the horses from pasture, brush them, feed them in the evening. The first weeks, he wouldn’t let me brush him. He even turned his back and threatened to kick me. He steadfastly refused to walk with me. Anywhere. Stood like a mountain. Wouldn’t let me mount him, for months, just walked away with me hanging in one stirrup in midair. Every time. Somebody had to hold him eventually and I was the laughing stock of the younger riders. I had to earn his trust step by step. I ask first and only use the softest of brushes and never start anywhere near his neck. Last week, after he had enjoyed rolling in the mud, he even let me brush his face just above his eyes. When I fetch him from pasture now, he is quite relaxed and walks with me contentedly. He even stood still, when I mounted these last few times. He tries to help me stay in the saddle. Really. That fills me with a lot of love for that strange being. We ride outside in the wild through forests, rivulets, up and down hills. For the last few weeks, we started to trot and canter together. Nothing is better than to canter in the warm light of a still sunny autumn evening through meadows and forests on a gentle horse who looks as if he was enjoying it, too. Yes, I am dead afraid of falling off, but when I start loosing my balance, he helps me, slows down immediately and makes a movement that shoves me back into the saddle. He looks after me, I am quite sure of that. And I do my very best to look after him. And yes, sometimes he gets a sudden fright and jumps sideways, it is quite dangerous, sometimes, but nothing is better than feeling that energy and moving in harmony with his stride. Trust, connection, mutual benevolence and yes, even a feeling of the tiny wee accomplishment of starting to develop a language together. Enough reasons why? Nothing is better.

[@marydoherty9188]

my hosre was smaked by her vet when he was trying to treat her, i propmptly showed him out! he will not be allowed near my horse again! xx

[@apbeauregard]

I think this applies to newly disabled riders. Like I'm a disabled equestrian and I sued to train horses and give lessons. My Stallion that I rbed is the only horse I have owned I didn't start and other trainers and boarding barns have treated me like I don't have a clue or like I never did any of the stuff nor had any of the experience I've had, including once judging a show.... All because I wasn't actively able to do it anymore ignoring I created this amazing stallion on my own, with a mare I owned and started and competed, before I became disabled, and sadly sold to a huge big breeder withen 3 days of putting her up for sale while I was disabled... That they were on or taking care of. I trained his ground manners, so some of it is how we r treated in the industry. And I'll be honest, at 45, I've had both younger and much older Profesionals talk down to down to me and treat me that way. So some older ppl need to also do better. I became disabled not stu p I d. 😂 Like ppl get older and older and they mentally could run wrongs around younger equestrians. We need to be a more inclusive industry as a whole. Also, trainers don't always know better. They often over face students. We have to get better at saying NO and not asking trainers know it all, I know, cause like I said, I was one. Trainers need to get humble and be ok with saying they don't know sometimes. Because that shows more strength than being an ars and putting ppl in danger. ☺

[@meaganlawler7536]

Thank you so much for this--really appreciate it.

[@johnbeyer791]

I’m excited to have stumbled on to this video, and look forward to the next two! I’ve ridden all my life, on and off, no pun intended but certainly some offs, too. I’m eighty in a few months. I got sick with Covid in September and it really drained me. I felt weak, lazy, even indifferent. Still do. Where before I was strong and confident now I’m , not afraid, but indifferent to get back in the saddle. I trail ride mostly and have always been very confident in myself and my horses. But now I have thoughts that perhaps I’m not strong enough to handle those inevitable sudden jumps and jigs and jags that horse do sometimes. So, I’ve been wondering is this the end of riding for me, do I care (my horse certainly cares, I can see he wants to go exploring again, really, his behavior is unmistakable), am I strong enough after being so sick, should I be riding at this age, and mostly, should I change my riding habits and, if I do, will I like it. You see, even at my age I love to enjoy all my horses gaits; walk, trot, canter, and run. Yep, before Covid Snoop and I would do it all, if it was safe to do so. So, I’m looking forward to “S” and “E”, can’t wait!

[@martylesnick2032]

AFTER 60 YEARS OF HORSES, STARTING AT 12 YEARS., RIDING ANYTHING, ALWAYS LEARNING EVEN TODAY. BUT

[@kalelake3067]

Very interesting..

[@sidilicious11]

At 69 my confidence is not what it used to be, especially after falling off and taking months to recuperate. Dang. I have a green horse who needs training. But is it worth the risk?

[@HorseClass]

You are certainly not the only asking these questions and weighing the risk versus reward differently in later stages of life

[@balkheidi1436]

I keep asking myself if i am plain stupid...buying me a =young thoroughbred ex race horse (3 y) and retrain her. She got an big injury a few days after i fell of her. We both did ourre revalidationperiod and now... 2 years later, we are picking things up. She is like an unbroke horse now and i am teaching her everything all over again. Buttttt... dayly i am asking myself "can i still do this? I am 51 years of age and my body has lost its competence. Why: 1. They are heavenly 2. Its freedom 3. It teaches me lots 4. I love training animals (dogs, horses etc) and figuring out what works and what not.

[@cynthiacassel]

I have no desire to ride again.

[@lucywyatt6187]

I don’t understand why you allowed the lockdown to affect you. The lockdown didn’t align with my core values and so I carried on riding regardless. I only hack and so with only two gates I have access to 2,000 acres of forest nothing could stop me. I ride because it is an amazing way to be with Nature. We have incredible views here and now I am over 60 I can ride how I want with my reins like washing lines (I ride on the buckle) just as I was told to do nearly 60 years ago. We don’t ride in an outline. Looking after two horses also keeps me fit. A 20kg feed bad is good for core strength. My only concern now is that my 16hh Irish Draught is 24 and I don’t know how much longer he will keep going. He is getting slower and has Cushings. He does a few strides of canter and then dies. But we explore the hills for a couple of hours easily and going up and down hills keeps him more flexible. He doesn’t trip as much as he did when we lived in flat country in the East (we are now in the SW). Both my horses are v chilled as they are never stabled. They have access to a coral off their field and ad lib hay. I was inspired by the American barn idea to create my set up.They come when they are called and are easy to handle. I do their rugs without tying them up for example. They get a hard feed twice a day which is mostly alfalfa and lots of supplements (more than I take). I do smack the one I ride when he tries to bite me (he has some bad habits) but I only carry a whip these days to bat off flies in the summer. Falling off is not on the agenda. Hunting taught me a lot about staying on. If you keep going, you keep going.

[@lindaowens933]

You never hit on a horse,I have old mustang and never forget what you do to them, he hates men I am 80 and I am afraid to ride now my knees are bad