What are the best things about riding/horse ownership now that you are over 50? Or why are you doing this; what moves you?

I was thinking about how horses impact us, all the ways: spiritual, physical, emotional, learning, where and how we choose to live and work.

Though I sometimes chafe at the never-ending responsibility of it all (I had to leave, after the ceremony and dinner, before the wedding dance last night, to come home and feed all those hungry mouths) I also truly like the repetition. I love to hear the nickers day in and day out, the little things like that.

And I am pleased to feel strong still, not as strong as I once did, but not too bad.

One of my very favourite things is to watch a horse who has suffered some kind of trauma in the past come round. DeeDee, the older of the two Spotted Saddle Horse mares, up from Tennessee, must have had some nasty things happen to her. She arrived very pregnant- that I was expecting- but also: thin, matted, timid, standoffish, depressed, so tricky with her feet that one farrier refused to do her. A year and a bit later: she comes hustling up to be petted, is smooth and round, will allow her feet to be picked out without a halter on, standing in the paddock or field. Very satisfying. Is she over 'it'. No, unfortunatly, never entirely with a horse that has had goodness-knows- what happen. But she seems a happy girl.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on July 20, 2009 at 7:08am

Horses, well right now riding horses keep me going. Riding horses is the only reason I'm still walking, when I had a real bad MS attack I got REAL weak, and could have ended up never getting out of bed--but I had to feed my horses when my husband wasn't home (he travels on his business). I did not have the energy to both take care of my horses AND ride my horses. After a few years I got myself strong enough to start riding again, and by riding I am getting stronger and stronger, even though this takes a lot of time. I have no horses how, I kept mine until I had to put them down, and it has been a relief not to have to feed and water and groom and trim their hooves, AND feel guilty because there was no way I could keep them up to MY standards. But I get excited EVERY time I'm going to ride, so excited that it is hard to get to sleep!
It is so fulfilling that I am still a good enough rider to work with some Arabs with past issues. I miss owning horses, but at least I am still useful to some horses!

Permalink Reply by Margaret H. Ostrowski on July 20, 2009 at 9:33am

well, don't know how much longer I can keep it up although I truly would miss Harvey if he wasn't in my life. Driving back and forth to Ohio from Michigan --- and then one hour to the barn and one hour home from the barn is taking a toll on myself and my car --- I had him closer but the barn just wasn't what he needed or I needed so I moved him and am thankful that he is at this current barn as everyone is friendly and there are only 12 horses there so he receives more individual attention. My body is quickly going -- I've had thyroid problems, gained weight and he has also had multiple problems this year -- we have not been able to show. What I love is finally being able to ride him again and hopefully be able to work towards showing in the Fall here in Michigan at more schooling shows. I love him and when he's good he's very good -- he was the most well-behaved yesterday when we had a photographer out at the barn -- in fact, he was posing like a professional model! That's when he makes it all worth it -- it's taken him 2 yrs to "bond" with me but I think it's finally happening which is more thrilling than I can say. I hope to keep him forever -- if I can't ride I hope to find a junior rider who will want to lease him.....and they may be sooner rather than later -- he's been my "therapist" and friend.

Permalink Reply by Gail Morse on July 20, 2009 at 1:06pm

I agree about the therapist and friend in my horse. When I go to see him he is glad and does not talk back. I am almost 65 and did something the other day I have not done in about 20 years. They had moved the geldings to a very far away field and I have horrible feet. Almost crippled so walking on uneven ground is very hard on me. I walked him down to the tack up area but going back with just a halter and one rope I climbed on bareback and rode the distance back to the turnout. My arse was sore the next day but we made it. I guess he helps me to do things I would never try on another horse as he is so good to me. Gail Morse.

Permalink Reply by Ann Hatfield on July 21, 2009 at 4:24pm

Gives me a lump in my throat to hear how brave people are in the face of health problems and other problems. Having horses is supportive but continuously challenges us, and that is good!

As an example of how horses are supportive, and, I think, an example of the horse feeling concern for the mental state of the human: a friend of ours was going through a divorce some years ago. He lived just outside of Vancouver, BC, and used to drive up each Friday to spend the weekend with us. At the time we had 4 Fjords and Fjord crosses, among other horses. The two-year-old Fjord-Belgian cross filly was a particular sweetie, very calm and loving towards people.

I would see our friend standing in the paddock with the small herd of horses around him, the Fjords and others. He would stand with one hand on his hip and the filly would tuck her head in the space below his upper arm, with her chin resting on his hand.

She had big, dark eyes and long blond eyelashes and I would see her eyelids drooping and her head weighing heavily on his arm. She would fall asleep, nose tucked up against him, and I would see him standing there for an hour or more each day. She did this only with him.

Permalink Reply by Shirley on July 22, 2009 at 12:42am

Ohhhhh! That is beautiful!! So sweet and heartwarming!!

Permalink Reply by Jeanette on December 9, 2009 at 11:01am

OK, now you have me crying with joy lol!!

Permalink Reply by rose lee on July 22, 2009 at 2:06am

It.s the greatest thing when you feel you have made a horse feel better towards humans. My little one still won't let me lay a finger on her in the field, but now I have stabling she's getting used to having her feet picked and sometimes quite enjoys being brushed. She may miss being part of a big herd, but here there's always enough to eat and dental care so she can eat it. To see her round and glossy and beginning to get a bit saucy is a continual joy. (and probably very good for my riding horse who has been waited on since birth)

Permalink Reply by Marti Langley on July 25, 2009 at 9:05pm

I got my first horse when I was 32, but loved them since the day I was born. I can't picture not having a horse, altho I shouldn't say that and jinx my blessedness. I have a 9 yr old Bay Quarter mare that is my horsie soul mate.

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on July 26, 2009 at 6:56pm

I often am asked this question, in various ways, and the best answer I've come up with is that riding is the closest we come to real telepathic dialogue. It's the most amazing feeling when your horse understands what you want, and wants to do it with you, without overt requests! For me it's the best "high" in the world, and nothing else matches it.

I've had rides in training and in competition which left me high for hours and hours afterwards, so pumped on adrenaline I can't eat, and so emotionally pumped I weep. It's possible to feel that way in various sports (my husband has experienced those highs racing in Ironman competitions), but the emotional and intellectual link between horse and rider makes it even better.

There have certainly been times in my life when I think "Jeez, if I didn't have horses I could have a condo in Hawaii and drive a Mercedes", but the bottom line is that I'm totally hooked, and I'm just not a whole person without riding in my life.

Permalink Reply by Marti Langley on July 27, 2009 at 12:27pm

I am hooked, too. Riding the trails keeps me in shape, well sort of, lol, better than anything else and it is good for my psyche. Now that colt is weaned and sold I can start riding my beautiful bay mare again.

Permalink Reply by Lynn on July 27, 2009 at 9:30pm

Being over 50 allows me the opportunity to do what I please. I chose to rescue two old rescue horses because I too marvel at what love and kindness can do. We have a farm and I really needed some horses. I needed a hobby of my own and I have always loved horses. I take care of things well and I shouldn't be wasted. The two horses in the pictures were mere shadows bone racks on their way to the meat man auction. I got them from a rescue in Lindsay Ontario and haven't looked back. I have lost 30 pounds and have never felt better. Who knew that two old retired track horses could change my life. My husband loves them too and we so enjoy going to the barn together at night to give them their treats and carrots and tucking them in. i think everyone who has a farm should rescue a horse or two from slaughter. It does the soul good to save a life.

Permalink Reply by Shirley on July 28, 2009 at 1:38am

Congradulations on saving a couple horses and on finding so much joy in life by doing so. Very cool story!!