Wolfie
Well-Known Member
Ok, I am not quite that age yet, but I am of the opinion that you are a long time dead! I hope to still be galloping around when I am a haggard old wreck, with one foot in the grave and the other on a bar of soap!
A question for the more mature rider......
- Thread starter TicTac
- Start date
Fairynuff
Well-Known Member
I've just turned 52 and haven't ridden for a few years. I broke my back in a riding accident and have Rheumatoid Arthritis so I tend to creak around quietly dreaming of 'getting back on'. I've had a moment of madness and have offered to break in my friends Friesian - she accepted!!!!! Although I haven't really ridden for the last umpteen years, Ive always had horses in my care (Ive got a rest home for old crocks) and have been too busy looking after them. This is all going to change. Ive got the Friesian coming then Im off to take up western riding. You're only as old as the horse between your legs
Now, where are the painkillers.......?
Now, where are the painkillers.......?MerrySherryRider
Well-Known Member
I've just turned 52 and haven't ridden for a few years. I broke my back in a riding accident and have Rheumatoid Arthritis so I tend to creak around quietly dreaming of 'getting back on'. I've had a moment of madness and have offered to break in my friends Friesian - she accepted!!!!! Although I haven't really ridden for the last umpteen years, Ive always had horses in my care (Ive got a rest home for old crocks) and have been too busy looking after them. This is all going to change. Ive got the Friesian coming then Im off to take up western riding. You're only as old as the horse between your legs
Soooo, 'broke back in riding accident... R. Arthritis.... not ridden for a few years...have offered to break in friend's Friesian'.
All makes perfect sense to me, but then I'm crazy too. Good on you, have loads of fun, and enjoy the Western.
Fairynuff
Well-Known Member
Louby
Well-Known Member
Im 40 and have said no more animals after my horse and dog go 
. We have started going away a bit more and Im loving it and wish I could go away more often. Saying that, my lovely dog is nearly 3 and by quirky boy is nearly 12. Ive had more than my share of bad luck with horses, losing fab horses at young ages, then I bought my current horse as a 3 yr old, hes had a fractured leg, GA for tooth extraction, was always in the wars but seems bullet proof 
so I can see us growing old together
. We have started going away a bit more and Im loving it and wish I could go away more often. Saying that, my lovely dog is nearly 3 and by quirky boy is nearly 12. Ive had more than my share of bad luck with horses, losing fab horses at young ages, then I bought my current horse as a 3 yr old, hes had a fractured leg, GA for tooth extraction, was always in the wars but seems bullet proof so I can see us growing old together 
Elsbells
Well-Known Member
I'm fat and fifty!
I rode other peoples ponies as a youngster, but didn't realise my dream of owning my own until two years ago. I had kept away from horses and yards quite succesfully for years and then one day a friend asked me to help with her wounded mare. As soon as I heard and smelt them again, I was lost.
I later bought a 7 year old, burnt out 16hd SFx bay mare who seemed nice and quiet although with with lots of hidden issues
Once I'd fed and loved her up of course, she blossomed into a proper sports horse Gulp!! Not really a good choice for the older novice owner perhaps and we have caused a few stirs, and stares when we have arrived at a new yard as you can imagine
We have been through so much together. I nearly gave up on her more than once, so we hack, hack, and hack loads, which has sorted her out funnily enough and I can now take her anywhere.
We bump along nicely, we have an understanding and she's the most favourtist thing in the world to me and she will be with me for life.
So, as for when will I will give up?
To be honest, you'll do better asking her because as long as she likes to step out with me and have some fun, then I'll be stepping out with her
I rode other peoples ponies as a youngster, but didn't realise my dream of owning my own until two years ago. I had kept away from horses and yards quite succesfully for years and then one day a friend asked me to help with her wounded mare. As soon as I heard and smelt them again, I was lost.
I later bought a 7 year old, burnt out 16hd SFx bay mare who seemed nice and quiet although with with lots of hidden issues
Once I'd fed and loved her up of course, she blossomed into a proper sports horse Gulp!! Not really a good choice for the older novice owner perhaps and we have caused a few stirs, and stares when we have arrived at a new yard as you can imagine We have been through so much together. I nearly gave up on her more than once, so we hack, hack, and hack loads, which has sorted her out funnily enough and I can now take her anywhere.We bump along nicely, we have an understanding and she's the most favourtist thing in the world to me and she will be with me for life.
So, as for when will I will give up?
To be honest, you'll do better asking her because as long as she likes to step out with me and have some fun, then I'll be stepping out with her
Well I am eligible for my bus pass and having recently lost my super safe horse have been toying with the idea of packing it all in. (The riding bit not the looking after) I have the chance of a young horse who is not my type at all being very forward going and on one hand am thinking go for it you've got to go sometime, rather than fading away, and not wanting to end up with bad injuries! Still pondering this one
Avonbrook
Well-Known Member
Had a good friend who took up endurance riding in the early 1990's when she was in her mid 60's as she had decided that hunting falls were getting a bit much. She took her hunter to advanced level and then bought an arab who looked after her throughout her 70's. She stopped competing when his knees became too stiff (she had been ignoring hers for years ) and hacked him for some years after, only retiring eventually when he did. She felt that, well into her 80's and after two lots of spinal surgery she didn't feel like starting again.
) and hacked him for some years after, only retiring eventually when he did. She felt that, well into her 80's and after two lots of spinal surgery she didn't feel like starting again.
TicTac
Well-Known Member
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P6aJ7h8uLc&feature=player_embedded
Blimmin heck, what an amazing woman. I've got another 50 years left in me yet then!! lol
Blimmin heck, what an amazing woman. I've got another 50 years left in me yet then!! lol
Echo Bravo
Well-Known Member
Im 62 and no way, am I ever giving up
Spot_the_Risk
Well-Known Member
I'm 42 and have just started breaking our home bred four year old. It really takes me out of my comfort zone - having had my cob for 14 years, it's hard to deal with any new horse, let alone a baby, but I'd better man up as I have a two year old waiting in the wings too!
We have quite a few elderly customers who still hunt, one lady is 87 (I think) and is having to retire her arab mare, but she's on the hunt for a new hunter, just marvellous!
We have quite a few elderly customers who still hunt, one lady is 87 (I think) and is having to retire her arab mare, but she's on the hunt for a new hunter, just marvellous!
Archangel
Normal, 10 cats ago
I'm 51 ridden for ever am just about to go off to Hungary to blast about 
and was today thinking if I put my mare in foal now, would just about be retiring that horse when I am 75 ish - just in time to get a Highland pony to hunt side saddle. Perfect.
am just about to go off to Hungary to blast about and was today thinking if I put my mare in foal now, would just about be retiring that horse when I am 75 ish - just in time to get a Highland pony to hunt side saddle. Perfect.
MrsHutt
Well-Known Member
I was a bit unsure about taking on first a loan and then buying my first horse at 50, but there are a number of ladies at our yard who are older than me and still having lots of fun. One lady who is 87 and has two knees and a hip replaced (and just going for an ankle!!) still rides regularly, inspired me that it was a 'goer'!! I think you should carry on as long as it is still fun - nothing else matters!
soulfull
Well-Known Member
Fantastic
I'm 51 ridden for ever
That is great
AS for me I have rheumatoid arthritis, started riding when I was about 33. Then 2 years later bought a just backed WC X TB he was a little toad but taught me so much and we did DR SJ XC and hunted oh and trec. aged 45 I had a really silly fall from him and badly broke my ankle needing surgery it didn't heal well so ended up with an ankle replacement in August last year aged 45. Was back riding within 3 months both times. In between the accident and the replacement surgery I bought a bouncy 5 yr old WB
I am loving getting back into it again. I do DR, SJ and hope to do some XC this year.
I don't hunt any more as it is too long for me I can't do it any more. I would have loved to event BUT I just can't managed it, my RA is too bad.
My son and friends have been told the only time I will stop riding is when they put me in a box!
Our song is 'Flying without wings' which is too be put on my gravestone lol
RideYorkshire
Member
Good Lord, 50, that's nothing ... I've came back to riding regularly a couple of years ago at 55 after a loooong break, I mean 35 years! Went hunting last year, fab, now looking to buy my own horse again and have a further 3 decades of riding. Aiming to follow in my godmother's hoof-prints, well over 80 and still rides out regularly on her 2 horses.
rosy
Well-Known Member
All these stories are so amazing and inspirational. I joined this forum because I was thinking of starting riding lessons again after a 30 years+ break and I was hoping to come across one or two people who had started riding at a more mature age or gone back after many years.
I am feeling so much more confident about my decision now.
I am feeling so much more confident about my decision now.
Archangel
Normal, 10 cats ago
Oh yes, Rosy - go for it
miss_bird
Well-Known Member
Gosh i feel dreadful, some mornings when i cant get out out bed without my painkilers i wonder how much longer i can do this, but the minute i am at the yard doing the horses i feel 18 again.
My mum and aunt and uncle all only got into horses 2 years ago when i moved, they now come to the yard and do everything with the horses mon-fri and they love it in all weathers and they are all a bit off 70.
I will hopefully being still doing it will they are measuring me for my box
My mum and aunt and uncle all only got into horses 2 years ago when i moved, they now come to the yard and do everything with the horses mon-fri and they love it in all weathers and they are all a bit off 70.
I will hopefully being still doing it will they are measuring me for my box
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
I bought my current cob when I was 46 and after having had a break from horses, I did wonder if I was doing the right thing, having said to myself that after I'd lost my last old boy, that was it, I'd be e-baying my riding clothes and gear and that would be that. Then Himself came along and I was hooked.
I'm 50 now, and the secret is to find a horse that will really look after you. That might mean making a different choice; the horse that would frighten the shite out of you at 20 but you'd still enjoy the challenge of, just ain't gonna be what you need for a nice quiet days hunting when you're 50, no way.
There's all sorts of things for the "more mature" to have a go at; personally I think I'd be too kn@ckered to have a go at endurance, but we've recently had a go at a Trec taster day, plus a Horse Agility taster class - and it was great fun! Not physically testing, but a decent challenge and definately do-able, for us anyway.
I think its a matter of doing what you can and not worrying about what you can't, or where body says "no/can't/shan't/won't".
With horses, I think one has to be real with oneself and have the horse that suits the way you are now, and if that's a nice quiet cob with hairy heels that the more unenlightened might turn up their snooty little noses at, then let 'em. Meanwhile those of us with hairy cobs will somehow hitch ourselves up into the saddle and ride off and have some fun - then when we need to decant, will somehow or other manage it without hopefully collapsing in a heap!!! OMG it gets embarrassing heh?
I'm 50 now, and the secret is to find a horse that will really look after you. That might mean making a different choice; the horse that would frighten the shite out of you at 20 but you'd still enjoy the challenge of, just ain't gonna be what you need for a nice quiet days hunting when you're 50, no way.
There's all sorts of things for the "more mature" to have a go at; personally I think I'd be too kn@ckered to have a go at endurance, but we've recently had a go at a Trec taster day, plus a Horse Agility taster class - and it was great fun! Not physically testing, but a decent challenge and definately do-able, for us anyway.
I think its a matter of doing what you can and not worrying about what you can't, or where body says "no/can't/shan't/won't".
With horses, I think one has to be real with oneself and have the horse that suits the way you are now, and if that's a nice quiet cob with hairy heels that the more unenlightened might turn up their snooty little noses at, then let 'em. Meanwhile those of us with hairy cobs will somehow hitch ourselves up into the saddle and ride off and have some fun - then when we need to decant, will somehow or other manage it without hopefully collapsing in a heap!!! OMG it gets embarrassing heh?
Trinity Fox
Well-Known Member
My dad was riding in point to points in his late sixties the only thing that has stopped him was a cancer he is trying to get fit again now, my mum is 68 they are both riding there tb pointers every day.
They do all sorts on their horses and hunt and do not intend to give up any time soon, my dad would happily ride in The grand national tomorrow if offered a ride, it is nerve wracking for us kids now watching them talk about role reversal.
I hope i can keep going as long as they have my mother has suffered from several illness and beeen in intensive care life support more than once she is always keen to get back to horses even after being ill, she says it always makes her feel better.
My dad does says he would rather end his days on the back of a horse than in a nursing home and i would have to second that, i do think being as active as you can for as long as you can is good for you and it is good for your mind to do something you love as they say use it or lose it.
They do all sorts on their horses and hunt and do not intend to give up any time soon, my dad would happily ride in The grand national tomorrow if offered a ride, it is nerve wracking for us kids now watching them talk about role reversal.
I hope i can keep going as long as they have my mother has suffered from several illness and beeen in intensive care life support more than once she is always keen to get back to horses even after being ill, she says it always makes her feel better.
My dad does says he would rather end his days on the back of a horse than in a nursing home and i would have to second that, i do think being as active as you can for as long as you can is good for you and it is good for your mind to do something you love as they say use it or lose it.
dreamcometrue
Well-Known Member
I'm 55 and started riding when I was 11, so 44 years. I don't have any aches and pains from riding and I am more intrepid than many much younger people that I know. Me and my horse go all over the place and have a great time. Sometimes he broncs like a good un but I stick on there!
All this age thing is daft and I don't think people should be applauded if they carry on a normal life, as if somehow each passing year adds up to some sort of disability. You carry on as normal and you will be like normal.
All this age thing is daft and I don't think people should be applauded if they carry on a normal life, as if somehow each passing year adds up to some sort of disability. You carry on as normal and you will be like normal.
rosy
Well-Known Member
Oh yes, Rosy - go for it
Yes, I really intend to - as I was reading through the thread I kept thinking that, if I was mad in wanting to ride again, then I certainly wasn't alone.
I am planning to get the OH to read through all these posts, he thinks that I am verging on senility and should be knitting or something.
dianeholmes
Well-Known Member
I have a friend who is probably in her early 70s - she will not tell anyone her age but there are enough clues!! She is still doing competitive endurance rides of 50k and over (30+ miles). She has aches and pains but enjoys her horse and her riding to the full. I only wish I will be like her at her age!
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
I, too, have been riding for 44 yrs.
When I bought Pearl, aged 6, I really though that she would be my last horse. However she had to be pts 4 yrs later and I've bought 2 more since then! I am now looking forward to retiring, in 4 yrs at the most, and then I intend to spend LOTS of time riding. Mind you both mares are very well-mannered and sensible. Good job as I've certainly found that I don't bounce as well as I used to. I can't ride for as long as I used to either - 5 hrs is definitely my maximum now and when I dismount after that, I crumple.
Our RC has reduced subs for pensioners - one over-60 rider has 2 replacement hips and has just decided to stop jumping (she's riding against medical advice) because if she fell it could be disastrous. She's one of the best riders in the club and will ride any horse.
When I bought Pearl, aged 6, I really though that she would be my last horse. However she had to be pts 4 yrs later and I've bought 2 more since then! I am now looking forward to retiring, in 4 yrs at the most, and then I intend to spend LOTS of time riding. Mind you both mares are very well-mannered and sensible. Good job as I've certainly found that I don't bounce as well as I used to. I can't ride for as long as I used to either - 5 hrs is definitely my maximum now and when I dismount after that, I crumple.
Our RC has reduced subs for pensioners - one over-60 rider has 2 replacement hips and has just decided to stop jumping (she's riding against medical advice) because if she fell it could be disastrous. She's one of the best riders in the club and will ride any horse.
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rosy
Well-Known Member
Apart from me, my great-uncle was the only person in our family with any interest in horses and he worked with them for years. He was out riding every day well into his seventies and one day he was out and just fell off. When they went back to check on him he was dead. My grandma said it was exactly the way he would have wanted to go.
All the best to your dad.
TicTac
Well-Known Member
They breed em tuff t'up north! I agree that age is but a number but please tell me the secret to your ache free life lol
hairycob
Well-Known Member
Just remembered there's a lady I've seen doing unaffiliated ODEs at Keysoe & she must be in her 70's. Actually I didn't remember, a friend reminded me when I said I didn't think I'd ever do over 2'6" on Jason. Now she's gone & set me a challenge dammit
mcnaughty
Well-Known Member
Look at this guy and make yourself feel better - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshi_Hoketsu
Seriously though - I am 43 and my mare is 10 - I expect that if I lose her for some reason I will probably hang up my hat and concentrate on my daughter's riding. I really don't think I would want to go through the ups and downs of getting to grips with a new horse in my 50s.
Seriously though - I am 43 and my mare is 10 - I expect that if I lose her for some reason I will probably hang up my hat and concentrate on my daughter's riding. I really don't think I would want to go through the ups and downs of getting to grips with a new horse in my 50s.
VoR
Well-Known Member
Been riding for 6and a half years.....starting to get tired now!!
Gave up playing football when I had to hall myself upstairs on a Saturday night by the bannisters (due to aches and pains not the after match beer!), when I get the same through riding I'll..................buy a bungalow and go on a few more years!
Gave up playing football when I had to hall myself upstairs on a Saturday night by the bannisters (due to aches and pains not the after match beer!), when I get the same through riding I'll..................buy a bungalow and go on a few more years!
Graureiter
Active Member
I started riding the year I turned fifty, that was thirteen years ago. My first horse was retired, been there, done that, schoolhorse. After she turned thirty I got a green seven year old who is coming along nicely.