The Oldest New Rider Member?

[Afellpony]

At 53 am I the oldest New Rider member? Or, can anyone else beat that? The truth please!

[HairyCob]

Get away with you! 53... Spring Chicken compared to some of the old codgers on here;) ;)

Seriously, I don't think you are the oldest:D

[Imp]

53, gimme a break :p ! I haven't caught up with being a 'mature' rider myself, I don't feel like it (did yesterday after my ride though :p ).

I can't recall the lady's name but she posted recently that she's in her 60's... I'm 43 and I distinctly recall thinking 'blimey, there's years left for me yet then!' :D

[domane]

Get away with you!

Blimey! My nan used to use that expression..... :D :D

[joang863]

I only started riding last year and Im 69. I recently switched over from western to dressage, which used to look so effortless to me. Well, all that rising trotting and posting is great cardio workout, and I already notice strengthening in my legs, back, joints, you name it. I advise EVERYONE to take up riding, just to keep you feeling younger, no matter what the age! Not to mention weight loss and a smaller waistline!!

[FRED]

I visited Jonto {john} from here a few weeks ago,it was his 63 birthday:) he's madly in love :) with a Clevellend Bay x TB mare.

[Skib]

Joang - great to hear you are still going strong. I am 66. I followed in Jonto's footsteps - been riding four years.
I have an amazing gap in my horsemanship because I haven't been cantering or even trotting in the school. My current aim is to become a real grown up rider - as opposed to riding up hill and down dale, playing girls in pony books.
Nervous Nellies, please note that, inspired by Laetitia getting back in the saddle, I have booked some lessons. But didnt dare post on the setting goals thread. Sometimes I think it will be all right, and sometimes I think it wont.
It doesnt help that if you are in your sixties, instructors take more care of you and express anxieties. Whereas I'd like to be a normal rider (aged about 46 perhaps) who can go out and try a horse to share or buy.

[Kazzie]

Its a great encouragement to hear that people are still riding - even starting to ride - well into their 60's. I'm 50 and sometimes think my riding days are limited.... Obviously not!! Great news

[ANN H]

What a great thread - makes me feel positively juvenile at 47 (48 next week!). Hoping to have a good 20 years riding in front of me (touches wood!).

[cvb]

there was an article on older riders in Horse & Hound some weeks back. I nearly got a copy for my mother - but as she just got a new 4 year old pony I don't think she needs any additional encouragement (and she's older than anyone mentioned yet ;) ).

[Trewsers]

Oooh, I feel like a baby now - I'm 36 - started riding again at 34:D ! I do love this board.........

[Morganna]

Its great to hear that some are riding in their 60's - its nice to know that I have years and years of riding left in me at 35 :D

[xxdebbie_ukxx]

well im 39 and i feel young again coming on here lol do you think im to old to start doing my B.H.S course???? as i should off done it when i was young but you know how it is driffing away from it.:)

[cvb]

debbie

I think one of the students when I did my AI was 38 or 39 (I was 24). She struggled a bit with flexibility and the instructors would shake their heads - but she certainly got her stages 1 & 2. Can't remember for sure but think she got her 3.

[RustyMary]

I've just started at 44. I agree, it is inspirational to hear of so many starting and continuing to ride - many years yet then for me :D , I might even begin to know what I'm doing a bit!!

[Little Dolphins]

Half-century coming up in a coupla months:eek: :o :D ;) ;) ;) !

[Quest]

I feel 95 sometimes - does that count :D

As Murphy is only 2 and im 34 I hope we can have many happy years together.

[Sable]

59 this year and hope I never have to give up riding :D

[HorseManiac]

noone can beat me!! im 12;) :rolleyes:

[eml]

Debbie certainly not too old

I started Stage exams at 42 and did BHSI(SM) at 48. Just don't expect any favours and be prepared to use the system to the hilt. I was advised to produce evidence of teenage broken vertebrae (horse related!!) to account for stiffness, tried with and without, guess which one I passed on!!

Sometimes I feel older ( not the oldest though!) but the main effect is a need for larger mounting blocks..or are horses growing!

[artemis]

I'm 64. A neighbour is still exercising racehorses at 71 & another is still hunting at 81:D So don't make excuses to give up:D

[Stella2]

Artemis!! I never thought of you as anything other than a 'young un'! Seems I just a slip of a thing at rising 47!

[Skib]

cvb, you never said your mother was actually older than me. I want a 4 year old too.
But the article in Horse and Hound I found depressing. All riders featured were long term riders who had simply continued riding into old or older age. And being pretty competitive at it. One woman said, I think (I dont have the copy) that there wasnt any point riding still if you didnt expect to win.
So the article implied that the vast majority of people who rode horses gave up before they were 60 or 70. And I would like to know why? The article assumed that riding after 60, even for an experienced rider, was out of the ordinary and no new rider was included. Whereas both Joang and I have started from scratch and found it therapeutic. I have just had two weeks with no riding with awful back pain. OH said my back hadnt been so bad since I started riding. I must go for my riding lesson and that would fix it. And he was right.
The BHS are extremely keen to encourage people like me and Joang to take up riding and looking at the whole question of teaching the "elderly" to ride. Indeed the BHS magazine started following an older staff member who was starting to ride. How depressing then that their guinea pig example bowed out.
I dont think yards are tolerant of older riders. There is a new yard manager at the place where I hack and she has issued an ultimatum that if I wish to continue hacking in (my own) safety stirrups I have to be back early and can no longer ride round the normal hack route.
But the only reason I didnt get round the route inside the allotted time, is we are continually waiting for younger staff and riders to have their canter. Even as we leave the yard in walk, they push past and overtake. If you are older, it is assumed you will be the one to wait. We are more polite to other riders and more aware of loose dogs. And also of safety. Is it superstitious of me not to want to go back to hacking in ordinary stirrups? I started taking my own stirrups when I got my boot caught in the RS stirrups (too small) in a fall two years ago.
I am in a dilemma about whether to stop hacking in my own safety stirrups which is what the new yard manager wants. I understand the bottom line is the yard income. They get my "old lady" money even if I only potter 100 yards along the road. And any staff who are not back with me 5 minutes early get their knuckles rapped. Yet £20 could equip the lightening horse I ride with a pair of William Funnell approved safety stirrups of her very own.

As long as riding school staff regard making allowances for older riders, as us older riders expecting undeserved and unpaid for priviledges, then there is really no room for over-sixties in riding schools. The BHS believe that retired people taking up riding will bring money into the industry, taking up week day slack. But now I have learned to ride and am in many ways a normal client, the regular income I bring in is ignored. I take longer to dismount and it has been made clear to me by the staff that I am an inconvenient interruption in the cash flow.
The change has come about not because of my age and infirmity, but a change in stable organisation. Three years ago we riders were expected to turn up 15 minutes before the due time, we were mounted by yard staff and ready and waiting for our allotted instructor to return and take us out on the dot. Horses were not usually hacked for two consecutive hours. I imagine it is to cut costs that the 15 minutes has disappeared. These days the instructors mount their clients and we hang about waiting for both horses and instructors to return, so the change over time is deducted from the hour's ride.
Every obstacle to older people riding arises from the business priorities of the riding schools. That was my conclusion when I reported my experiences to the BHS and it remains so more than ever.
We have heard from RS owners about the high overheads. And the pressure feeds down through the employees onto us the elderly clients and the staff who take us out. Tomorrow I shall pay £74 for 2 hours just to get the yard manager off my back. If I do that all the time my riding bill will go up to £9,800 p.a. Not a sum that most oaps are going to fork out.
I now think that Jonto was right to buy a horse though I felt at the time he did it a bit early. Your mother is so lucky to have you cvb. I am lucky to have you too. But you are not at the bottom of my garden.
I have written this ungrateful post because I think the commercial issues need to be aired. It is rather like the question of integrating special needs children into normal schools. We oaps can be encouraged to bring our money into the riding schools, but there will also be some on-going extra costs to the schools. Reducing the margin.
This reduction could be tolerated as the acceptable cost of bringing in a new clientele. But it is not perceived that way in any individual case, because as long as I am the only oap novice rider who comes in, I am the only client who reduces the profit.

[eml]

Sorry taking this slightly OT but must reply to Skib:

I cannot believe your yard manager begrudges the time to change pair of leathers it probably takes longer to alter theirs to your size! I am also horrified by the behaviour of the staff pushing past you on rides. Not only illmannered but potentially dangerous.

The only thing I have sympathy with is the move to mounting under the instructors supervision as this has insurance implications but surely all they have to do is increase the pace of the ride slightly to allow for this mounting and dismounting time, that is not an issue of your age just their organisation.

[cvb]

Skib

I was working on the theory that its impolite to remark on women's ages ;)

and given the power of the "silver dollar", you'd think the riding school would be treating you somewhat better than that ! I guess in London they have less issue with getting business than out in the sticks... and it allows them to be less customer-focused than they should be :(

[bexj]

Skib, I am absolutely horrified by your bad experience. Is there no where else you can go that will appreciate your maturity?

[Gill]

Goodness I can hardly believe all that stuff above, is that what riding schools are like these days? Do you pay to be treated like an ancient monument by the young?

My ponies are at home and I can ride when I like so I am lucky. Permission to kill myself granted.

I'm feeing very old today as another birthday is celebrated. 52 sounds so ancient! But hey ho, when I'm 62 I'll think I was a spring chicken at this age, and I'll still be riding too.

[cazrider]

I'm 48, so nice to feel fairly junior on here.;) The big 50 coming up June 07. Boo! Still, Sen doesn't care.:D

As I PMed you a short while ago Skib, I'm horrified by the attitude of your school. I won't ride at all without safety stirrups, btw. Good to see you're over the flu now. Will be back in touch.:D

[artemis]

Stella2 thanks for your kind remarks:D

[Purple Hugs]

Not in the running myself but it's lovely to know some of your ages!

It's funny not knowing each other properly. :)

As for 'predjudices' which is what age-ist are showing, then they go along with size-ists, so I can totally understand that one!

I don't know of any mature horse riders, but i was taught my CBT for motorbikes by a 74 year old! :D he had to have annual medicals and turned up at his GP's in his leathers! GP was very ***-respecting of his riding but he loved it! That was 10 years ago now, and I often wonder when I drive past his riding school if he's still around. You just never know with Jack! ;)

Keep riding! :D

[Laetitia]

Pleased to hear you are back in the saddle Skib, but appalled by your post.
You use safety stirrups - end of conversation. The attitude of your yard leaves me speechless. Have you had a word with the manager and voiced your concerns. Can you go on a private hack? Can you vote with your feet and go elsewhere?
I read that article in H&H, yes, they did all seem to be riders with many years behind them. I know several people well into their 'golden years' who hunt, compete etc. more power to their elbow - that's my goal.
I think so long as I have the health and the werewithal to keep my nag, I shall continue to ride and drive until I go out feet first. And I've passed the 'golden mile' too. Even if I have to hay up nag on me zimmer I shall be there.
You'll never believe it but because I find it so difficult with this wretched leg, I use a stepladder as a mounting block. Can't drive yet as can't actually get into the cart even with a step ladder - it's too high and awkward. Another month and we'll be on our way. L

[esse]

Skib, you need to find somewhere else to ride. Somewhere that is more attuned to "customer service". I suspect that a ***- or differently-abled person wishing to ride there would receive the same very unhelpful reaction.

I am approaching 60 with a very dodgy knee from an old skiing injury. I ride wherever I go; I find a likely-looking stable, ring them up and say I want to book a ride, I am an experienced rider but an older person so I need access to a mounting block and I will bring my own seatsaver and caged stirrups. I tell them I prefer a narrower horse to a wider one but am not worried about height as long as there is a good mounting block. I am a lightweight so am fine on quite small ponies, too.

I am sure I sound very bossy about it. And have never had any problems; in fact usually 10 minutes into the ride the escort or the instructor is asking me about the seatsaver and saying that their grandma would love to ride but is worried about being too old, and aren't the stirrups a great idea, and can they have a try of my seatsaver at the end of the ride or lesson ...

Maybe my companions on the ride will mention my aged presence to an older person who will then be encouraged to give it a go, and dispel the idea that you have to be young to enjoy riding.

[Miriam]

I visited Jonto {john} from here a few weeks ago,it was his 63 birthday:) he's madly in love :) with a Clevellend Bay x TB mare.


Wow hope you wished him a Happy Birthday from all of us. Don't think I've seen him around for a while

[FRED]

Hi Miriam, he knows:) and remembers people here. John still does weekly advanced lesson and has entered jumping competition and got 3rd place.
Stevi is huge 17h and gorgeous, erm, I did tell him I might nick her, but he said no chance!

[LizH]

Skib, I'm horrified having read your RS experiences .There must be somewhere else you could go where your enjoyment (as the PAYING client) would be put before the whims of the staff? I admire your restraint in the face of such rudeness - if it happened to me I'd be tempted to crack them over the head with my safety stirrups:rolleyes: You've made me realise how lucky I've been to have found a friendly, helpful RS with a gentle giant of a horse where my age (56) and size have made no difference . I hope their attitude improves ... perhaps we could all e-mail them in protest:rolleyes: :D

[Skib]

Look, here from a letter in todays H&H is something to keep us riding:
"Maurice Saint, the leading (endurance) rider in world rankings is 69 years old"
and to think I was tired after 2 hours last week.

PS Thank you for the good advice. My instructor there said the same. I'll go on taking my safety stirrups. It's not a question of going somewhere else. I like the horses and instructors and dont want to leave them.

[Afellpony]

Skib, this is just blatent discrimination - report them! Being no spring chicken myself (54) I've ridden all my life and certainly dont intend giveing it up. I'm luckily I have my own pony and dont have to rely on opinionated riding school owners to supply the horse (thank God)!
You aren't too old to ride. When I used to keep a horse at Hyde Park, London there was an old Polish man (who'd been a cavalary officer in the Polish Army) who was 82 and he still rode out alone on his friend's horse 3 times a week! He rode very well and enjoyed his rides. He liked to canter up Rotten Row. So dont take any c*** of this female. Sock it to her!!!!!!

[eml]

Just to prove age discimination is rife I was talking to one of our customers about DD (my welsh coblet older lady sports car buying moment) and how he had now entered hooligan age and discovered brakeless cantering.

'Oh aren't you a bit old to be riding young horses like that' says she :eek:

What I will take from daughter by way of helpful ...I don't want a broken mum....offers of help I really don't think is anyone elses business.

Anyway I am not that old, obviously need another trip to hairdresser :rolleyes:

[Skib]

I should not have used this thread to say how miserable I was about my own riding. But I now want to thank you all - both older riders and riding structors who helped me sort out my thoughts, and provided support and input.
It is all resolved. Today the Yard Owner was there, found out what has been going on and everything has been sorted. My riding life is back to normal i.e. blissful. I hacked with my favourite young escort (the one with a mother the same age as me) and it was the best ride we had ever had.
And, guess what, because we weren't pressured, we got back well inside the hour.
I am very bad at dealing with things and do thank you all. Without this board, I dont think I could have managed.

[ANN H]

Glad things have turned out well for you in the end. Keep posting!

[cvb]

I should not have used this thread to say how miserable I was about my own riding.

I thought that was the point of support systems ??? isn't that partly why we are here ? (and so we can express ourselves when we need to as well ;) )

I am very bad at dealing with things and do thank you all. Without this board, I dont think I could have managed.

I rest my case :D

united we stand, divided we fall

and none of us LIKE falling :p

[Whatanejit]

I'm delighted for you that you had a great day Skib.

Phew! It is nice to get all your grumbles out over the airwaves to these guys too.

Most yards have a huge customer service problem no matter what age their clients are.

No offense to anyone but often horsey people are not great people people.

Please don't take offense anyone!!!:o

Enjoy the rest of your day

:D :D

[teabiscuit]

know what you mean whatanejit :) ;)
just hope i don't turn into an overbearing patronising mad old horsey lady (or haven't already :o )

[cazrider]

just hope i don't turn into an overbearing patronising mad old horsey lady (or haven't already ) Definitely me;)

Really pleased to hear you had such a good hack Skib.;) We do it for fun after all.:D

[teabiscuit]

:D CR i think it must go with the terratory (sp) we all feel so strongly about our horses and our riding. wow its like a way of life for me, and for a lot of you i'm sure.
Skib i admire your get up and go. Glad you're not giving in to the doubting thomases

[Megans mum]

great posts and great support' I don't think you are ever to old to take on a horse young or old' I got my first horse' a total nut case but loved to bits' when my eldest daughter was 16 and I was 41 since then they are married and moved away and the horse has long gone to Rainbow bridge' much missed ' I now have 4 horses' two got from sales against good advise' one was in foal and she had a lovely filly which I am riding now' a couple of years ago I got another foal from a sale 6months old and she has been a right chalenge she is nearly 4 now and starting to be ridden' I have been bitten trod on etc but I wouldn't change anything' I love my 4 to bits and get endless hours of fun with them' I am 66 next month and value each day' I didn't get the chance to ride when I was a youngster so every thing is harder but I love it all' so keep it up you aged ladies and chaps' your never to old so don't let anyone tell you otherwise' Ps I am looked on as a bit mad round here as I ride bare back a lot and only have a treeless saddle anyway' bitless bridles and no shoes' I trim my own horses feet'

[Stella2]

Megan's Mum - that has inspired me. I'm 47 and only a few years into my 'horse career'. Maybe I'll be able to achieve more that I've thought, maybe I do still have time :)

[fitz]

I had the pleasure of meeting a 75 year old man out hunting last weekend, and he was a gentleman, and looked 20 years younger than he was.

A little of what you fancy does you good I reckon.