Comments on: Not Quite out to Pasture

By: Eileen

Eileen — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 04:58:38 +0000

Didn’t play with horses for 50 years…now at 65 ride Peruvian horses….they are awesome and will continue to recommend them for older riders….small (14-15 hands) smooth easy gait, easy keepers, willing, great trail horses and can act like a parade horse if you want “brio”

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 08:36:18 +0000

I’m 68 and like you my mind is set that I’m in my 30’s. I had about given up on ever riding again due to the aches of old age. After reading your article, I feel like I can do this again and enjoy it. I just need to take it easier on my self. Also there is the possibility of helping out with a 4-H club or judge local shows as I used to.Sarah

By: gail

gail — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 16:25:52 +0000

As a lifelong horse lover, with no opportunity to learn to ride, I began learning at age 60 (now 66). I ride a Rocky Mountain walking horse, a lesson horse with a nice easy gait and a gentle disposition. I don’t expect to become a great rider, but I’m learning a lot and having a lot of fun learning with and from my horse.

By: Becky

Becky — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 07:37:47 +0000

Yes,even though I have reached 60 I still love riding and hope to do so for many years to come. I don’t bounce like I use to either,but at least the falls I have had I have gently slipped off the horse laughing as I came off.

By: Lizzie

Lizzie — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:16:00 +0000

I loved this article. I too am not afraid of riding but of the injuries coming off can cause! I don’t bounce as well as I used too. Currently nursing a broken arm after an accidental kick from a brood mare. (She meant to get a gelding she felt was threatening her foal! Her reflexes were much faster than mine.)
For those used to English style riding but wanting to feel more secure (and very comfortable!) try an Australian Stock Saddle. I train dressage on my Spanish Andalusians in my Wintec Pro Stock saddle as it puts me in the correct seat but it’s like having a seatbelt for safety.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 09:52:01 +0000

I now have a dead broke quarter cross gelding who is bomb proof. I feel much more confident on him now that I have accepted the fact that my reflexes are slower and I like being pain-free 😉 My previous horse has a perfect new home with riders who match his energy level. I also grieved the changes with getting older and now I am at peace with them. I look forward to many more years as an “easy rider”!

By: Galadriel

Galadriel — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 23:43:54 +0000

Oh boy, something to look forward too! With all the injuries I’ve accumulated over the years I’m not sure the vintage years are going to treat me very well.

By: Sunny

Sunny — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 10:38:29 +0000

Susan is right. Balance does become a problem. I’ve switched to a Western saddle as well. And oh, the brittle bones! I’ve broken a number of them over the past few years with just the slightest of mishaps. But here’s another idea. We have a huge park where I ride alone much of the time, so I’ve now signed up with the County Sheriff’s office as a member of their Mounted Volunteer Unit. Now when I ride around the park, I’m on duty and making good use of my time as another set of eyes for the police who can’t patrol all the areas all the time. I’m sure many areas have programs such as this one.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:47:49 +0000

My biggest problem as I have aged is loss of balance which makes me feel very insecure in my english saddle. I now have a light-weight western saddle which helps a little. I’m hoping some senior yoga classes will help with my balance a little.