for the older ladies.

[paddy555]

97 y/o Woman Rides A Horse One Last Time! | 97 y/o Woman Rides A Horse One Last Time! | By Madd Chadd | Facebook

97 y/o Woman Rides A Horse One Last Time!

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[[153312]]

ive seen this before but it brings a tear to my eye every time <3

 

[Carlosmum]

Mum is 85 and still riding, though not as much as she would like. Head girl wont let her ride on her own, and really she needs pony brought in and tacked up for her, which takes time away from other stuff.

 

[Rumtytum]

Not seen before so thanks for the link! I can only imagine how good that felt, and the horse is utterly beautiful with such a kind, knowledgeable eye

 

[Sealine]

That is wonderful. What an amazing horse. If I'm still alive at that age I hope someone does that for me.

 

[Skib]

Mum is 85 and still riding, though not as much as she would like. Head girl wont let her ride on her own, and really she needs pony brought in and tacked up for her, which takes time away from other stuff.

I am so glad to read of someone else here still riding at 85. I was 84 yesterday and I still hack, (just not this week due to high winds here). I too need someone to lift the saddle and numnah onto the horse. Someone checks the tack for me. Holds the horse while I mount and then I am off.
I can ride with an escort if I choose but I usually ride on my own. Why is your Mum not allowed to? Our YM keeps an eye on the clock and knows how long it takes me to hack the winter circuit.
True that to hack alone one needs a horse trained to go out alone. And a rider used to riding alone. I became that rider by accident. As a beginner hacker I was always asked to ride first on a very safe mare, leading the YM who was riding horses new to the yard. If one rides first in a bp, it is hard to turn round and one might just as well be riding alone.

I am not sure why my present share hacks solo. I hacked my old share solo for years, not knowing that it was unusual. And there was a day when accidents on my present yard meant there was no staff to take me out so (again ignorant) I said I would go out alone.

 

[Rumtytum]

I am so glad to read of someone else here still riding at 85. I was 84 yesterday and I still hack, (just not this week due to high winds here). I too need someone to lift the saddle and numnah onto the horse. Someone checks the tack for me. Holds the horse while I mount and then I am off.
I can ride with an escort if I choose but I usually ride on my own. Why is your Mum not allowed to? Our YM keeps an eye on the clock and knows how long it takes me to hack the winter circuit.
True that to hack alone one needs a horse trained to go out alone. And a rider used to riding alone. I became that rider by accident. As a beginner hacker I was always asked to ride first on a very safe mare, leading the YM who was riding horses new to the yard. If one rides first in a bp, it is hard to turn round and one might just as well be riding alone.

I am not sure why my present share hacks solo. I hacked my old share solo for years, not knowing that it was unusual. And there was a day when accidents on my present yard meant there was no staff to take me out so (again ignorant) I said I would go out alone.

Happy birthday for yesterday Skib! As a comparatively younger rider at only 68 years I am delighted you are still in the saddle; I always read your posts with interest and pleasure.

 

[Greylegs]

What a wonderful piece of film (and a beautiful horse). Pushing 70 myself, but planning to keep at it as long as possible and following in @Skib 's hoof prints. My current ride is now 9, so we're going to grow old (dis)gracefully together!!

 

[Carlosmum]

I can ride with an escort if I choose but I usually ride on my own. Why is your Mum not allowed to? Our YM keeps an eye on the clock and knows how long it takes me to hack the winter circuit.

The head girl is a worrier! and Mum likes to ride 'her' pony who is not the quietest. Much safer on the riding school ponies but "too quiet" Hacking out can only happen if they take the lorry out and park up somewhere. Its all got so much more difficult these days

 

[splashgirl45]

I am 77 and if it wasn’t for the fact that I am on blood thinners and had an accident last year which resulted in a brain bleed and 2 1/2 weeks in hospital I would be riding. The hospital doctors told me that I was very lucky and as I’ve had one brain bleed I’m more likely to have another and they suggested quite forcibly that I gave up. My family and friends all agree so I have stopped completely but it really isn’t what I want . If I didn’t have my dogs to worry about I would still be riding

 

[Greylegs]

I am 77 and if it wasn’t for the fact that I am on blood thinners and had an accident last year which resulted in a brain bleed and 2 1/2 weeks in hospital I would be riding. The hospital doctors told me that I was very lucky and as I’ve had one brain bleed I’m more likely to have another and they suggested quite forcibly that I gave up. My family and friends all agree so I have stopped completely but it really isn’t what I want . If I didn’t have my dogs to worry about I would still be riding

I have had a very similar experience. Accident (not horse related) last year - head injury - hospital stay - advised to give up. I'm not on blood thinners, but the similarities are there.

See my post above ..... I'm 69, my horse is 9 - a strongly built, but sensible cob: I weighed up the issues, the pros and the cons, bought myself a new (MIPS) riding hat and got back on. Your dogs will be fine ..... YOLO ............ (You Only Live Once!!) .....

 

[paddy555]

. (You Only Live Once!!) .....

absolutely.

 

[Mari]

I’m 76 & still riding / training young horse. We hack, school, do dressage , show, SJ, WH & have lessons / attend clinics. I do everything myself, 2 retired & 1 ridden kept at home. Admittedly everything at a lower level (RC) than previously & I multitask as groom / rider / driver when we go out. My 3.5 is my luxury but wonderful for me on my own. I am fortunate to be fit & healthy. No medical issues & not on any medication.

 

[splashgirl45]

I have had a very similar experience. Accident (not horse related) last year - head injury - hospital stay - advised to give up. I'm not on blood thinners, but the similarities are there.

See my post above ..... I'm 69, my horse is 9 - a strongly built, but sensible cob: I weighed up the issues, the pros and the cons, bought myself a new (MIPS) riding hat and got back on. Your dogs will be fine ..... YOLO ............ (You Only Live Once!!) .....

Not that similar as mine was a riding accident which I wouldn’t normally worry about, my first concern was whether I had damaged my artificial hips but being on blood thinners is a major problem, they had a lot of trouble stopping the bleed and I am not going to risk dying and leaving my dogs. I hate the fact that my life has changed so much but have had to accept it, I cannot afford to have my own horse but keep doing the lottery in the hope of buying a place with land and keeping a few rescues

 

[planete]

Not that similar as mine was a riding accident which I wouldn’t normally worry about, my first concern was whether I had damaged my artificial hips but being on blood thinners is a major problem, they had a lot of trouble stopping the bleed and I am not going to risk dying and leaving my dogs. I hate the fact that my life has changed so much but have had to accept it, I cannot afford to have my own horse but keep doing the lottery in the hope of buying a place with land and keeping a few rescuesI

I can fully sympathise. I am also on a blood thinner, Edoxaban. I had an accident last year and a small brain bleed. The hospital put me on a drip to infuse me with a substance to neutralise the blood thinner (sorry, my understanding of all this is rather vague). I really agree with you, it would be wiser to keep away from horses. You are the sensible one, I am the nutter as I still ride a less than reliable pony. I am afraid I would become an even less bearable person if I did not have horses in my life and my family is in full agreement. Of all the ways to die, I would also far prefer a swift one to cancer or Alzheimer. It is a very personal choice though and I would not expect other people to feel the same.

 

[splashgirl45]

I can fully sympathise. I am also on a blood thinner, Edoxaban. I had an accident last year and a small brain bleed. The hospital put me on a drip to infuse me with a substance to neutralise the blood thinner (sorry, my understanding of all this is rather vague). I really agree with you, it would be wiser to keep away from horses. You are the sensible one, I am the nutter as I still ride a less than reliable pony. I am afraid I would become an even less bearable person if I did not have horses in my life and my family is in full agreement. Of all the ways to die, I would also far prefer a swift one to cancer or Alzheimer. It is a very personal choice though and I would not expect other people to feel the same.

If I was younger and still had my own horse I would carry on but now I don’t and can’t afford my own I would need to find a reliable share horse and only riding a few times a week means my riding skills are a bit rusty. If I had been riding daily there is no way I would have fallen off as my own horse did far worse and I was very secure in the saddle so with that combination of circumstances I made that decision. However, if I came into enough money to be able to afford another and could find a very safe horse I would be very likely to ride again , it’s more the one to one relationship that I miss the most

 

[eahotson]

I am so glad to read of someone else here still riding at 85. I was 84 yesterday and I still hack, (just not this week due to high winds here). I too need someone to lift the saddle and numnah onto the horse. Someone checks the tack for me. Holds the horse while I mount and then I am off.
I can ride with an escort if I choose but I usually ride on my own. Why is your Mum not allowed to? Our YM keeps an eye on the clock and knows how long it takes me to hack the winter circuit.
True that to hack alone one needs a horse trained to go out alone. And a rider used to riding alone. I became that rider by accident. As a beginner hacker I was always asked to ride first on a very safe mare, leading the YM who was riding horses new to the yard. If one rides first in a bp, it is hard to turn round and one might just as well be riding alone.

I am not sure why my present share hacks solo. I hacked my old share solo for years, not knowing that it was unusual. And there was a day when accidents on my present yard meant there was no staff to take me out so (again ignorant) I said I would go out alone.

Well done.You make me feel like a baby.I have had one or two people suggest that Amat my age I shouldn't still be riding.

 

[cornbrodolly]

To give hope to those like me who have found riding astride has become impossible due to hips that wont abduct.
I am 68 , and recently taken up side saddle riding. I had done a little around 40 years ago , but felt it twisted my back too much. This time , I thought beggar it , I ll give it a go! I am now loving my side saddle lessons, and so happy to be back on board . Sadly, there arent so many places that offer lessons on school horses, but here in Yorks we have two .

 

[Most Curious]

Just goes to show horse riding is a timeless activity/hobby/pastime/lifestyle. The actor who played Captain Kirk in Star Trek still rides horses and he's in his 90's.

 

[paddy555]

To give hope to those like me who have found riding astride has become impossible due to hips that wont abduct.
I am 68 , and recently taken up side saddle riding. I had done a little around 40 years ago , but felt it twisted my back too much. This time , I thought beggar it , I ll give it a go! I am now loving my side saddle lessons, and so happy to be back on board . Sadly, there arent so many places that offer lessons on school horses, but here in Yorks we have two .

wow, lovely pic. Well done

 

[Cortez]

Unlike the rest of you I am more than happy to hang up my riding boots and move gently away from horse ownership. After a lifetime of working with horses full time, I now find my overworked body is not capable of taking on the physical hard work of looking after them any longer. I do still teach a little, and can ride if I feel like it, but just don't. I've done everything and more that I ever wanted to do with horses. Time for other stuff.

 

[Ruftys mum]

To give hope to those like me who have found riding astride has become impossible due to hips that wont abduct.
I am 68 , and recently taken up side saddle riding. I had done a little around 40 years ago , but felt it twisted my back too much. This time , I thought beggar it , I ll give it a go! I am now loving my side saddle lessons, and so happy to be back on board . Sadly, there arent so many places that offer lessons on school horses, but here in Yorks we have two .

I too have had to give up riding due to contracted abductor muscles. I have just had a hip replacement and several of the exercises concentrate on these muscles. I am hoping that I improve enough to ride again

I am 78 and have ridden from the age of 11. I would love to get back in the saddle. Need to find a suitable horse as mine is now 30 and arthritic

 

[tda]

To give hope to those like me who have found riding astride has become impossible due to hips that wont abduct.
I am 68 , and recently taken up side saddle riding. I had done a little around 40 years ago , but felt it twisted my back too much. This time , I thought beggar it , I ll give it a go! I am now loving my side saddle lessons, and so happy to be back on board . Sadly, there arent so many places that offer lessons on school horses, but here in Yorks we have two .

Where is this please?

 

[palo1]

A brilliant friend of mine who is 80 and has some medical issues has just decided to take on a young tb. Her older horse needs to retire and she says she fancies something a bit finer and faster now. Whatever people want to do with their time, it is lovely if they can continue to do those things as long as they want before perhaps moving on to other things. I think the trick is to stay engaged with whatever you are enjoying.

 

[Cortez]

I have two friends in their late 70's & early 80's, respectively, who have taken up driving together, using their two older cobs as a pair. They're having great fun, as are the horses.

 

[cornbrodolly]

Where is this please?

I am going to Back Lane stables, Farnley , the south west of Leeds. I live an hour to the north east of Leeds , so there s no easy way to get there for me, either through the middle of Leeds , or use the ring road in either direction. I chose it because they have various horses/saddles to use , and more than 1 instructor , plus they do the side saddle assoc tests. In other words , they are geared up for aside riding! I believe Acrecliffe also do lessons , Otley- I thin. I have nothing but praise for my lessons - back in the 80 s I just had 1 lesson , with someone who became a fellow of the BHS - she did say she knew nothing really of side saddle , but took my money anyway! Instructor at Back Lane stables is a qualified SSA coach , I m learning so much, and loving it.

 

[cornbrodolly]

Unlike the rest of you I am more than happy to hang up my riding boots and move gently away from horse ownership. After a lifetime of working with horses full time, I now find my overworked body is not capable of taking on the physical hard work of looking after them any longer. I do still teach a little, and can ride if I feel like it, but just don't. I've done everything and more that I ever wanted to do with horses. Time for other stuff.

I thought I could deal with not riding , but after 2 and a half years the yearning to get back on board was getting worse , not better. I d vaguely thought of driving , but tbh, seeing my OH go off hacking , schooling , showing etc , was increasingly difficult for me. The fact that you can ride gives you the choice of whether to or not , I felt I had no choice but to stop , and it really peed me off!

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Doesn’t Harrison Ford do the riding in 1923? He’s 81. And Kevin Costner who’s a youngster at 68!

 

[spacefaer]

There're several people still hunting locally in their late 70a and still jumping - one is renowned for being the first to kick on across an open field
As a teenager, i used to work for a 83 yr old lady who still rode her Grand Prix dressage horse that she'd been to the Olympics on. She had lessons from her long term trainer but only at one end of the school. If she went down to the other end, she couldnt hear him (and he couldn't see her either!)
At 84, she bought herself a just backed 4 yr old. Thankfully her groom wouldn't let her ride it!

 

[palo1]

There're several people still hunting locally in their late 70a and still jumping - one is renowned for being the first to kick on across an open field
As a teenager, i used to work for a 83 yr old lady who still rode her Grand Prix dressage horse that she'd been to the Olympics on. She had lessons from her long term trainer but only at one end of the school. If she went down to the other end, she couldnt hear him (and he couldn't see her either!)
At 84, she bought herself a just backed 4 yr old. Thankfully her groom wouldn't let her ride it!

I love this story! I know a number of people still hunting well into their 70's. They are all incredibly fit and well and yes, along with the tiny children on ponies, the most likely to jump something sketchy lol.