40 somethings - Time to 'man up?'

[Alibear]

Well this doesn’t relate to me as I am only 20, but my mum however(48), is a VERY nervous rider, constantly saying how she couldn’t possibly do this or that as if she did and it went badly and she fell off and was injured e.c..t.

I'm 37 and going through exactly the same thing as your Mum was. Totally lost what litte bottle I had now. However occasional rides on a friends lovely cob mare are heliping a bit.

Fingers crossed hey, it's hard when you do man up and all your worst fears are realised.

 

[Magicmillbrook]

I think the biggest problem as you age, is the fact you become aware you don't bounce like you did when younger! If I fall off, it hurts! It never used to! I am defo not as brave and gungho by far- used to think nowt of riding bareback down main road in headcollar
Now, I will still jump if egged on by teenaged daughter, but not often. I can't sit the huge bucks one of our boys puts in, and if he starts to hoon about, I get off and let daughter get on him. (what's that maternal instincts shouldn't I protect her!!- no, self preservation and she sits like glue!
I now enjoy hacking and endurance instead of jumping and xc...

Same here!

 

[Hippona]

What an encouraging thread.

I'm a 50 something but, unlike many of you, didn't spend my childhood developing stickability and fearlessness. I had a few riding lessons and 'pony treks' but never achieved what I would now call competency and I certainly never imagined I would ever own my own.

However, I did get my own horse in my mid 40's after a period of loaning (a highly unsuitable, hormonal, green anglo-arab mare but that's another story). My problem, and what holds me back, is that I still believe horsey activities, especially competitive things, are for other people - the ones who can actually ride! I have done a few pleasure rides but no-one watches you doing that!

With a lot of encouragment from friends, last year I did finally enter 2 w&t tests and a prelim, but I always feel like an imposter amongst the real riders! I need to have more self-belief. Where can you get that from???

Isn't it funny- the difference between how you feel, and what others see when they watch you. I bet no-one spectating knows how you feel- they probably think you are one of those competent horsey women....which you ARE!

 

[onlytheponely]

What a lovely thread

I've been lucky enough not to ever have a break from horses so I think you're all incredibly brave, especially those of you who didn't start riding until 'later in life'!!
I think the problem is that, deep down, we all know that horse riding isn't the safest sport to choose for ourselves but it's how our bodies react to the adrenalin as we get older that changes our mind set!!

I have to admit that I do get the 'colliwobbles' occasionally now which is quite a recent thing but mainly when backing the youngsters and I'm subjected to a 'lurching' session!