I am now in my mid-sixties and until a nasty fall and broken bones last winter, I was jumping and showing like I have done most of my life. I always looked younger and was short and thin, so that helped. So young that in my 40’s a judge actually told me to ask my parents to pick up my ribbons while I rode in the next class. I almost died laughing! Not in front of the judge of course! This age thing has become a problem for me because now I am starting to show my age and it bothers me a lot. I am usually the oldest person showing. I know this does not bother dressage riders because a lot of dressage riders showing are older riders to begin with. Hunter riders showing are getting younger and younger I think. Riders showing with me are usually older teens and 20’s, with occasional women in their 30s. Most of the women I grew up riding with all quit jumping, then riding altogether, when they were in their 30s. One friend told me she felt it was time to “get serious” with her \life and riding horses was not serious enough for her - the husband agreed with her. My husband has been trying to get me to give up riding for years even though I always have paid for all horse-related activities, board, vet etc., myself. My last fall while jumping ended in pretty serious injuries that kept me from riding for almost a year. A real bummer. My husband then proceeded to “forbid” me to ride ever again. I laughed at him. I believe a person can get seriously injured and/or killed no matter what they are doing or no matter what their age is. My husband was trying to cross a busy main road while on his way to work and got T-boned on the driver’s side of his car by another driver who did not see him in the dark. It was both drivers’ fault. My husband broke his wrist and pelvis and was knocked out. He was lucky. He could have been killed. I don’t think age has anything to do with it, either. Look at Christopher Reeves! Anyway, after a lot of physical pain and people reading me the riot act about how I am too old to ride, I made a decision - to hell with them!!! I would rather die riding a horse than die in a nursing home. Do you thunk I am crazy? Every one I know thinks I am. I would love your opinion and also how old is the oldest rider you know? Thanks, Sherrie
Good for you! H/J riders, doesn’t Betty Oare still compete? I am 54 and plan on riding for a very long time. Do what you love, you only live once. Age is only a number. I agree about the nursing home scenario completely! Kick On!!
If riding is something you still enjoy doing, and find that you’re physically comfortable doing so, I say - ride on!
That said, I know several riders who are in their seventies (and one gentleman in his eighties who is still happily riding - and teaching!) Most are dressage, but one of them is a H/J rider and still competes.
Happy riding to you! 
It all centers around having a sweet horse that you trust. I am 65 and only jump 2’6" or less these days, I am lucky to have my two older guys, both of whom are quiet but have plenty of stride to get down the lines for those smaller jumps.
I also only do local shows, and the main thing is to close your ears to all those kids whose measure of riding seems to be “how high do you jump?”
My oldest rider is 62 and I am no spring chicken with plans to stop riding anytime soon! As the previous rider said, “KICK ON!”
Ian « Captain Canada » Millar is 70yrs old and still going strong.
My trainer in Normandie broke a leg at 72 over a 4’ cross country jump after the horse slipped… he took some time off to heal but was back in the saddle a year later. No longer jumping that height but still… Crazy eventer.
Do whatever you want. It’s not like you are starting in the sport; you know your limits.
Have fun and F. with the rest.
I plan on riding for as long as I can.
The much bigger question is whether you have lost confidence and form from the accident. That can happen at 12, at 21, at 35, as many posts here attest to.
Go with how you feel. Don’t worry about external markers. Rehab at your own pace. Push yourself to recover but don’t do anything silly.
On the other hand don’t feel you have to push yourself to prove anything to other people. Set your own goals. Give thanks every day you can still do what you love. If it ends up that you enjoy hacking out but not jumping competitively then follow that.
Separate your own feelings from the voices of other people, and then pay very careful attention to the former.
Tell everyone the Queen still rides thank you very much.
One of my close friends is 72 and is still showing in the adult hunters! I’m half her age and she is more motivated and has more energy than I do most days :lol: So you keep on tacking up, OP, and know many COTHers younger than you are looking up to you right now and thinking “I hope I’m still riding/competing when I’m her age!”
As long as Ian Millar keeps on getting on a horse, I have 15 more years. You go, girl! Someone has to show the buckle bunnies how to get it done. If it ain’t us old ladies, who is it? Eat my dust, kiddies.
Good for you! I am 61 and planning on increasing my riding time in retirement. I will be back in competition after many years out of the show ring too. I also had a serious accident several years ago in which my hip was shattered. Being able to return to riding was a powerful incentive for me during recovery. My husband keeps trying to tell me that the doctor has forbidden me to jump. He’s dreaming. The doctor never said that. and besides, my accident happened when I was mounting, not even moving nevermind jumping. I’ll stop riding when I stop breathing.
I am absolutely in love with your attitude! Wise in mind but young in body! As long as you are healthy and having a blast, why not continue showing in the hunter jumper world? Show us young ones how to do it right!
I plan on riding and jumping, barrel racing, trail riding, showing until I can not get on, then I am going to get a mini and drive that sucker!
I do tell judges that my horse and I should get extra points for being the oldest team in the pen. He is 24, I am 51,
My mom showed into her mid-70s. Still rides and jumps in her mid-80s.
She most certainly does. I believe she is 76 or thereabouts.
There is a dressage Century Club that recognizes rider/horse teams whose combined age is over 100.
I knew of a race trainer who was still breezing her own horses in her mid 70s.
Queen Elizabeth still rides. You have a long way to go.
George Morris is coming up on his 80th birthday. He doesn’t just ride, he shows others how it’s done. He gets on strange horses in his clinics all the time, and improves them in short order. As long as you enjoy it and you’re able to do it, why would you stop?
The best thing about this sport is that you are never too old. I did the 3’6" hunters for the first time ever a couple years ago at age 36. As long as you have a suitable horse and are enjoying yourself, what could possibly be the issue??? Age is just a number.
What?? You are not too old! I’ve been around schooling shows to rateds and I’ve seen plenty of people in your age group who do very well! No such thing as too old to show if you can physically do it! I plan on riding until I’m too old swing my leg over. Look at GM, Sally Swift, the Queen of England…
My aunt is in her mid 60’s and still rides and shows (competitively I must add!). She has always done the hunters and she’s the reason my sister’s and I started riding before 1st grade. She has her own barn and sometimes gives lessons. As far as I know my uncle is totally fine with it.
I say keep riding and don’t give it up!
I have a friend who is 90 and still going fox hunting and hacking in the UK. The Queen is almost 91 and still riding. She may actually be 91 now - can’t recall. Leslie Burr Howard is in her 60s and jumping gran prix level. My view is you ride until you can’t get on the horse any longer and then you have someone shove you up there.
