Any other "more mature but still trying" people

[jill]

Hi. I'm, shall we say, within a few years of retiring, had horses and ridden since I was 14 and still try to ride silly young things, but it ain't easy, and getting harder by the week. Anyone else out there in a similar position to swap stories, ideas on how to keep it all together, or should I give iin gracefully and take up knitting?

[Kovey]

Never give in gracefully, I'm an older woman with two ponies and a keen daughter, I just can't keep up with her sometimes and she is a lot braver than me but I am still enjoying myself and do not plan to give up until they have to lift me off me bedpan!!

[jill]

Hi Kovey (and anyone else out there) - I find I am too aware of the things that can go wrong, as well as not being supple enough to react quickly any more. If a horse messes about, I have to consciously move the weight of my upper body whereas in my younger days I could do it without thinking. And I break more that I used to. Do you find the same? That's just one of the reasons I was so attracted to NH, I can do without battles and arguments which I used to be able to deal with. But I don't know that I'm really ready for a quiet novice hack yet - my pleasure from horses comes not only from being in their company, but from getting a tiny bit of improvement each time I ride. So I'm not sure where that leaves me - can't do it as I would like to, but would hate to be without them altogether. Suggestions on a postcard please.

[kex]

Its never too late! My Dad (67) hasn't ridden for a year and just had a lesson with my classical trainer - first lesson no stirrups or reins and his eyes closed - he loved it!

[jan]

My riding partner is 70 years old and he makes it all look so simple. I strongly believe that if you continue to ride (not necessarily competitively) each week, it keeps you supple and fit.

I hope that when I reach that age, I am still riding regularly and still having fun.

[jill]

Great contributions, but where are the posts from the people who actually do it? I'd love to know how they really feel - it sometimes brings home to me that I am getting older, is it the same for others, when we all blithely carry on thinking we're still in our twenties or thirties?

[cobby]

I'm in my 50s and 'still trying' to ride my beloved horse. He's always been sharp which I don't mind but it's the bucking (with canter excitment) that fills me with trepidation. And it's true 'oldies' don't bounce - they bruise and break. But I still want to do it and I'm always thinking about it.

By the way Jill blind dog is doing fine as you predicted.

[jill]

Thanks Cobby, on both counts, really pleased your dog is happy.
Do you find you are inclined to sieze up when something unpredictable happens, because I find I do, which makes it much much harder to deal with antics. I am aware but I can't help it, and also I'm aware that if I am a bit nervous that will alert the horse, and like anyone nervous of getting on a horse, I can't do anything about it. But the worst thing of all is that I'm aware that all of this indicates I'm getting older, and there ain't no cure for that. It's not fair!!

[cobby]

Jill, I sieze up long before 'things start to happen' in anticipation of 'things starting to happen'!
However once 'things do start to happen' I change mode and think 'Oh no you don't' and try to take action which is usually ineffective! I wish I could revert to the mind-set of my youth and not anticipate trouble. I also wish I could be effective in dealing with trouble. But its all worth for the (few) magic times when I feel in tune with my horse and anything is possible. And to be honest although I've been told to ride something quieter I would miss my boy's little misdemeanours - well some of them.

[esme]

Maturing well here and started riding again a little while ago - although very nervous and hopefully getting better now. At first it was so painful just getting on, then I could ride for about 1/2 an hour before seizing up, now I can mount reasonably well, ride for about an hour (as long as it's not all walk) but getting off is awful! Any suggestions for a more graceful dismount when hips and thighs have seized up and the pain is excrutiating (sp) if we haven't managed sufficient trotting to keep loosened up? More WD40 is my only option at the moment!!

[jinglejoys]

I'm in the same position as Esme.Sarah-lee was my "school mistress" that helped me back into the saddle.
groups.msn.com/EquinePhotos/jinglejoysmules.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=4648
Now I have Malaga who's a whole lot bigger and just learning himself.
You could also talk on the "Mature riders" forum on the New Riders Message board

[jill]

Wonderful - I was beginning to think I was the only person hanging on to lost youth, but Esme you must be really determined to continue despite all the pain. I don't think physical pain is what worries me most - it's that awful feeling of being nervous after years of being happily confident around all shapes and sizes of horse. And knowing that sometimes I have to leave things not really finished - like my boy needs to do more work but sometimes I don't have the energy or motivation. Half the problem with me is that I am on my own a lot of the time, with no-one to boost my confidence or help me out.

[rj]

As a 50+ rider have decided to make things as easy as possible for myself - just bought some flexible stirrups so no more pain in knees & ankles at end of a ride. Think my hip joints are beginning to wear tho!!
There's plenty of ways to stay more comfortable - the various seat savers on the market; the Heather Moffat one doesn't just make your bum more comfy, it helps your back too, I gather.
It's difficult at any age when you're feeling isolated, but at least age does give experience (& wrinkles!!)
I decided to go down the natural horsemanship route & have found myself in a growing group of people (prob nearly 100 of us now) between 30 & 60+ who meet up regularly to do things with our horses and have tuition with some incredible instructors.
I don't have time to feel unmotivated anymore! There's no ageism and everyone is absolutely supportive of everyone else.
There will be a group like that around you somewhere - & if not, try asking if anyone wants to start one.
Good luck.

[jill]

Brilliant rj, thanks, because another thing I find is that my group of horsey friends is getting smaller and younger, as OHs and families take on more significance. I have neither and get a bit depressed doing things on my own all the time. How did you find your group?

[Ann NF]

Hi Jill,
I`m 50+ and can identify with lot of things you have written about. I came back to riding ten years ago after a gap, and found that my nerves had multiplied along with the wrinkles! I also have a long standing neck probem that stops me riding from time to time - BUT- I have had the most wonderful time in recent years just bringing up my three young NF foals into adulthood as well as keeping a fostered veteran and my son`s pony at home. I never stop learning and have found the IH way so much better when it comes to handling and understanding the ponies. I`m now on my own most of the time ( horsey son away at university) and I do worry that I might need to move my son`s mare on one day. She`s not an easy character and needs more than one person if ever she is ill or needs treatment.

Yes, most of my local IH horsey friends, who are a great support and very good company, are younger than me. Still, when I`m riding around the lanes or leading a youngster out it is easy to feel 14 again so maybe horses are there to keep us young?!

Is there a branch of the Classical Riding Club in your area? Our local branch has a lot of older members who are also interested in natural horsemanship methods.

Which area are you in? Is there an IH RA in your area? They may know of older, like minded horse owners/ riders in your area . I have met several through our local RA. It`s good to know you are not the only one still out there feeding hay in a rainstorm!

If you want to chat to mature riders, there are also several of us on the Scary Day and Wakey Wakey threads.