Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Linda Hokanson on July 13, 2010 at 12:08pm

Although I don"t speciallize in teaching riders 50+, I have taught several in that age group. And, being in the age group myself seems to be of assistance as I deal with many of the physical problems of this age myself! My long range goal is to be riding at 80 as my mother did and am doing everything I can to see that through. I do speciallize in teaching those with fear issues (both horse and riders) which is always a very rewarding experience.

Linda

Permalink Reply by Cindy Jeffery on July 13, 2010 at 1:37pm

My specialty is teaching beginner riders (all ages) and "rusty" riders (helping experienced horsemen and women to get back riding and continue riding) The most important thing about continuing on as a rider is to stay mobile, with exercise starting out slowly according to you fitness level and working up from there. I am in my 60th year and deal with issues many of my age are dealing with. Some people think they need to quit at a certain age, I plan to keep riding as long as my body allows it. Some people absolutely can't ride but still love to be around horses anyway, at our facility we provide that opportunity as well as instruction and encouragement for the "Rusty" rider. The first step is accepting that we aren't as limber as we used to be, lets face it parts wear out no matter how much good care we take of them, so our approach here is slower than at most facilities. The next step for me was accepting that I am doing more damage to my horse mounting from the ground then from a mounting block, stump, picnic table, slope of a hill (horse on the downside). Simply by adding extra pressure to his back and girth area as I try to drag my fair size "bucket" into the saddle :-)))) For me I can't mount like I used to anymore because of the arthritis in my left hip, heck I can't even stand on the ground and jump and jogging is a real effort, actually it's more a little trot right now. But I persevere, keeping one step ahead of the wheel chair so to speak :-) I haven't competed for a number of years, but recertified as a CHA Western Instructor Level 1, in the process I achieved CHA English Level 1 and while at the 5 day clinic rode all the horse (10 of them) I could in both english and western and decided to try jumping which I hadn't done for 42 years. It was like I had never been away from it but my body ached for a week and a half later. But I'm not sorry I did it, I proved to myself that I could do it which was good enough for me. :-) I'm looking at ageing with horses as a series of small miracles and achievements and I give thanks everyday that I can still do the job.

Permalink Reply by Laurie J Blake on July 13, 2010 at 1:57pm

I can relate, particularly to the mounting part. And, I'm "only" 53. A bigger problem (if you'll pardon the phrase) is my weight -- can't seem to get it down. I feel guilty riding any horse, and actually haven't been on one since February! Miss it...

Really like you last line. Can we talk a bit more privately?

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on July 13, 2010 at 3:38pm

Hi, Laurie:

I spent the weekend teaching a dressage clinic in Maple Ridge, in BC. Of the 8 riders, one was 16, and the rest were over 40, and several were well over 50. This morning I spent with a delightful client, who is 62, and bringing along her 5 y.o., while recovering from a torn rotator cuff and torn biceps muscle. While recovering from those injuries, and unable to ride (she couldn't risk having a lurch or jerk), she taught her youngster to lie down on command, be saddled, and lie down again to be mounted after the girth was done up. All of this has resulted in (a) her being able to ride again now whilst still being unable to mount from the ground or a mounting block; and (b) a very attentive, obedient, and submissive horse!

I myself am fairly slim, and turned 53 on Friday, but I have used a mounting block for years, and would not dream of mounting without one. Check out Hilary Clayton's findings on wither pressure and saddle tree twists when riders mount from the ground!

All of us in our 50's and 60's fight weight issues, or at least my clients and I do. I have had to change my eating habits considerably as I've aged, and I have to work much harder to maintain my fitness and strength. My Mum's still riding competitively at the PSG level (she's 72), and she goes to the gym daily, cleans her own barn and paddocks, and rides 5 days per week. Don't feel that weight is such an issue - it's more about how you manage your weight in the saddle than the size you are. I have a terrific client who's over 200 lbs (she's 5'6"), and she rides extremely effectively at the Grand Prix level, and is a pleasure to watch. Do your best to be as fit and strong as you can be, so that your balance and control are good, but don't be hard on yourself about your weight.

Cindy's made a lot of great points, and I'd love to hear that you're back in the tack! There are lots of us in this age bracket who are fighting various health issues (Meloxicam is my FRIEND!), who'd be happy to support you in your endeavours. Here in BC the "lighted aged" Adult Amateurs outnumber the juniors by miles, so there are lots of us around. Is it that different where you are? I would check out the entries in local Discovery shows, I bet you'd find a lot of like-minded "ladies of a certain age"!

Permalink Reply by Laurie J Blake on July 13, 2010 at 5:23pm

I'm impressed that your mom is riding at the GP level -- I have a quite goal to start competing in dressage -- and although I started riding when I was 9, and after a break for university, early work career, have been riding ever since (except the last year or so), I have never really competed. Knowing that someone can be in their 70s and still actively competing means there's hope for me!
BTW, what is Meloxicam?

Permalink Reply by Margaret Langlands on July 13, 2010 at 5:04pm

Hi - I don't know where you live - but I have found a good personal trainer who takes into account the age of her clients and doesn't push too hard. I just turned 60 and didn't like what I saw in the mirror - losing weight is very difficult for me so I decided I would focus on fitness instead. My diet has definitely changed for the better and while I am working out and walking I feel much better about myself. Have just bought a new puppy dog who can walk with me (actually 6 mos old and just getting into the heeling stuff but he is very good) which is a great way to get up in the morning with a wagging tail pushing you out the door. The barn I ride in is mostly over 50s and we are our own self-support group. When anyone has a down day (or a fall off) we all work with them to help to encourage them to keep going. Most of us have different backgrounds - one of the most supportive and encouraging developments I use is working with the Parelli methods and taking the clinics. I want to ride as long as I can although I have some soreness issues in my hips - so I am educating myself on how to keep those muscles warm and moving...I also have a gaited horse which helps considerably. I would hope that most trainers are experienced working with the older rider - as the population ages so will the rider population.

Permalink Reply by Laurie J Blake on July 13, 2010 at 5:25pm

I'm in the GTA, Ontario, near Newmarket. I've thought about gaited horses and do really like some of those breeds, but given that I am a closet dressage rider dreaming of some competing, guess I'll look at that option more seriously down the road.

Permalink Reply by Laurie J Blake on July 13, 2010 at 5:27pm

So, I see I'm in good companies among the women, but there have got to be older guys riding, too. (Now, I'm not looking for a date! Just like to hear both sides of the discussion!).

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on July 13, 2010 at 6:40pm

Hi, Laurie:

My Dad's still competing too! However, given how few men compete in dressage in North America I think you'll be looking for a long time...

Anyway, if your back gives you problems look for Andalusians, Lusitanos, or crosses thereof. Those horses don't have a lot of natural cadence, but they do have a lot of natural collection, and very soft backs. They are usually very easy to sit, and very trainable. I have a client with an Andalusian/Arab cross, who's not too big, has lovely soft gaits, and a fabulous mind. He was bred in Northern Alberta, was relatively cheap, and started as a 3 y.o. She's now had him for 3 years, and he's making his Second Level debut two weeks from now, along with his 56 y.o. rider/owner/trainer.

Margaret's right on the money with her focus on fitness. There's no reason you can't have a competitive goal - I have a client on the Island who's a 55 year old veterinarian (small animal) who started riding 4 years ago. She's very competent, very teachable, and a ton of fun. She's working on getting her Andalusian/TB cross mare into competition, and she's going to kick butt when she gets there!

Permalink Reply by Laurie J Blake on July 13, 2010 at 10:18pm

I had forgotten about those lovely Baroque horses! I think I need to go to Norther AB, though, to afford one ... maybe time to visit the cousins in Edmonton!

Can we talk off list a bit? -- I sent a friend request to you so we could have a private message.

Permalink Reply by Sit_the_Trot on July 14, 2010 at 5:49pm

Hi Laurie and all,
I work with a lot of older riders, both competitive (eventing & dressage mainly), they are the main part of my clients because I work with balance, movement & fitness in a non-stressful way. I'm a Feldenkrais practitioner and find that combining the movement lessons of Feldenkrais which keep us mobile, flexible and efficient in our muscle use with dynamic balance exercises that help one gain dexterity, fluency of movement, as well as strength that riders can not only maintain but also regain strength, flexibility and balance. I'ma believer that with humans and horses pain only means no-gain--but by teaching our bodies to move with the horse and the horse our language we can attain supple fluent and athletic movement together.

Permalink Reply by Laurie J Blake on July 15, 2010 at 10:28am

This sounds very interesting and I'd like to learn more -- maybe off list. My email address is ljblake@rogers.com ...

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