Comments on: The Near Side: Riding While Old

By: Sandi

Sandi — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 14:59:29 +0000

All articles about senior riders keep me going. I got my first horse when I was in my 20s and my third with my heart horse. Unfortunately, going through a divorce and a two-year-old child to raise I had to sell him. But over the years I have continued to take lessons and I’m still riding occasionally and looking forward to having a Morgan. I love these articles but they remind me to never quit

By: V'lé

V'lé — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 20:34:42 +0000

Dear Mr. Shatner, I’m envious; I am only 58 & you’re running circles around me.
Here’s my problem. I broke my 5th lumbar into several pieces in 1991 & it never really healed. Nonetheless, I was back in the saddle by 1995 on ASBs Saddle Seat & Western, and Jumpers.) After that, the addition of 3 missing discs, making it too painful, I finally gave up in 2002. Having only recently lost both my mom, whom I took care of for 20 years to dementia, & husband to lung cancer, I’ve turned to the only thing I know, horses. I’ve been back in the saddle sporadically for a couple months (on an ASB & a ¼ horse,) and I’m trying to make an effort, but the combination of living alone & am unable to take any type of medication makes me terrified that something awful is going to happen.
Any suggestions or words of encouragement would be welcome.
V’lé

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 08:31:45 +0000

Correction to my previous comment: The average age of the drivers in the *2010* World Singles was 63.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 07:12:06 +0000

RE: Ride a carriage – More older equestrians should consider this option when the rigors of being in the saddle start to take a toll. The median age of members of the American Driving Society is mid-fifties. The average age of the driver in the World Driving Singles in 2003 (haven’t researched other yeas) was 63. The show type jog carts referred to by the author were never made for any kind of driving than in a groomed ring or a smooth road. The majority of the carriage used today are direct descendants from the horse and buggy age where the primary goal was *comfort* while travelling. USEF would be wise to steer their aging riders who are considering hanging up their stirrups to try carriage drivng sports. They already know most of what they need to know. Having taught many, it’s an easy transition which can extend the involvement with horses for many years.

By: Terri

Terri — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 18:07:37 +0000

I ride a gaited horse and I drive a mini. The cart is fun. It is a pleasure cart and the ride isn’t bad at all. When I can’t ride anymore,I will stick with driving my mini.

By: Donna

Donna — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 12:59:52 +0000

We have a 92-year old woman in our barn. She and her 30-year old Tennessee Walker retired from showing and winning multiple national championships only three years ago. Please check them out!?! http://fridayflyer.com/2015/03/06/a-woman-and-her-horse-nine-decades-of-passion

By: Donna

Donna — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 12:51:06 +0000

I totally get it!!! I am 60 – still riding and (ocasionally) showing. Don’t jump the big four-foot oxers anymore, but riding and being around horses is as much a part of me as my heart and lungs. Leather, fresh shavings, and hay are my perfume. The sound of horses munching, the sweet little nickers, snorts – the sounds of these glorious animals are the sounds of living. Riding is intoxicating and my life-giving drug. I’ll stop breathing before I stop riding and being around these magical creatures.

By: Beth

Beth — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 10:43:43 +0000

I am 64 and have just unsaddled my my American Quarter Horse. We had a lovely ride.

By: Michell

Michell — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:21:39 +0000

I’m 61, have been riding since I was 9, started nursing school 6 months ago and I’m not about stop riding or making a dream come true. Age is a figment of one’s own imagination!

By: cathy

cathy — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:12:32 +0000

I am 62 and have been riding since I was 7. I am still riding arabians and giving lessons bit no more training. My biggest fan and backer is my family doctor who says it’s great physically and mentally. After my stroke I didn’t need physical therapy I was told go ride and take care of your horse