Old age (me, not horse)

F

FlashHarry

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 February 2009
Messages
173
Visit site
I recently bought a new horse (welsh cob) having only plodded with my elderly TB for the last 10 years due to me having 3 kids & then him being too old to do much else. Old horse is now happily retired & new cob is fab. However, am struggling a bit physically. My hips are uncomfortable when I ride & I struggle to keep my thigh back & knee away from saddle when I use my leg. Canter seems much bouncier than it used to be. I fell off yesterday (big spook!) and can hardly walk today. I know I could do with some lessons but feel so useless that I'm a bit embarressed to be seen by an instructor. Help please!
 
Oh poor you, hope you are ok.

I think it is because you havn't done anything more than a plod around for ten years, i had a long break from riding years! and when i had a lesson i couldn't walk properly for about a week :o I was in agony. Canter was definitely more bouncier! i think if you keep it up and start off by trotting around and build up from there your muscles will get used to it. If your hips hurt and don't improve i would consult your doc
.
Good luck :)

ETA definitely have some lessons, it will give you confidence and they won't be judging you.
 
I should think your hips are noticing the difference in width between your old TB and new cob, If I don't ride for a while I too look like John Wayne. Just keep going - I'm sure your instructor won't mind - that's what they're there for - confidence as well as instruction. Mean while dig out the glucosamine, cod liver oil and deep heat! It will get better - us oldies are a stubborn lot - keep with it.
 
Do take some lessons. Look around for an instructor you like, an older one if that makes you more comfortable. Good instructors will be just as interested in helping you as in working with young, athletic competetion riders so don't be embarrassed. Book short, private lessons as you may find them hard work!
Canter probably is bouncier now because you have a shorter striding cob and yes, the ground gets harder as you get older!
 
I am the same, I cant ride in a saddle that has knee rolls as it makes it that much wider, I have a very old saddle very basic, it must be 50 years old. Nobody else likes it but it suits me and has made all the differance. I still have to dismount throughing my leg over the pommel though!! You will be used to the narrower tb aswell.
 
whereabouts are you - if midlands way can recommend a fantastic instructor -
i think you'll benefit from some lessons and try to find a biomechanics trainer they will help you - alot of instructors are only interested in geting horse going well not making you ride well
 
What did you expect, to be able to just bomb around like a nutter, you will get better as you get used to your new beastie, as far as an instructer goes, a decent one will help you, if they dont you havent got the right instructer ;)
 
There are things you can do to help yourself. A good physio or osteopath can help you release some of the tightness in your hips and a saddle with a narrow twist and memory foam seat and possibly a single flap could make you a good deal more comfortable.

Riding can still be fun you just need to make some slight adjustments
 
I only recently bought my first horse at 46 (me not horse), so I doubt you are 'too old'. I regularly have an instructor and my lessons can be quite hilarious ('cos I am sometimes so useless). I doubt you will be the worst that an instructor has ever seen, and even if you were, imagine the feeling of satisfaction for the instructor as they help you improve.

Definitely get yourself a good instructor (I can recommend my one if you are in Kent). Limit your lessons to 30 minutes, that is enough to make me walk funny for a couple of days.

When I was at the riding school and rode a variety of horses, they all had different canters, some like an armchair others rather more bouncy.

I can also suggest using an osteopath to help the flexibility in your hips, back etc My one works miracles :)

Good luck, and stick at it, you'll be having fun in no time :)
 
Another oldie saying stick with it, a good instructor should be able to adapt to suit the pupil. Glucosamine and cod liver oil get my vote, also Pilates.
The ground may get harder as you get older, but it's probably closer with a welsh cob. If yours is anything like my little asbo, you can also look forward to greatly expanding your anglo saxon vocabulary.
 
Join the gang hun :D :D

Stretches before and after will help, as will the things listed above :D

Also, as others have said, get yourself a good instructor - I know I'm rubbish, that's why I have an instructor :D. We started off doing figures of eight in trot and we haven't got much further really lol. It doesn't matter though, we will get there eventually! :D
 
Try some shock absorb flexi stirrup irons they are great I do like the look of the moffat saddle pad also you are going to feel a difference between the width of a T/B compared to a cob !! my cobs are vey boucy in canter and trot but thats a good thing I just go with it and almost bounce with them if you know what I mean keep going I think you have chosen a good breed to stay in riding you will get there good luck and enjoy.
 
Having had almost a year out of the saddle and just returned too it, I found my legs and hips a bit sore if I rode for too long, and I'm only 20, so definately do it in short bursts rather than trying to ride for ages straight off. I found short hacks really helped me build my muscles back up. A good instructor is a fab investment, and a good confidence giver.

From young, to old, stick with it!!
 
Thank you all for your encouraging replies. I'm in somerset and someone has suggested an (older) instructor who should be able to help. I'll definitely try the glucosomine & cod liver oil too, & look into the other suggestions. Yes, the ground was a lot closer from my cob, just harder than I remember! Thanks again!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top