When we are too old to ride?

[prudence]

Do we go until we or the horse has a bad fall? Is it a physical reason or lack of a safe horse?

We all admire people like this 86 year old woman http://considerthis.endurance.net/20…ing-at-86.html but most people quit riding sooner. A top endurance rider told me she quit in the middle of a trail ride - her friend noticed her leaning too far to the side without realizing it so she got off, led the horse home, and never rode again.

Seems like many of us COTHers are getting “more mature” and may have dealt with this or know someone who has. I’m 70 and my horse is 22. We trail ride several days a week. I want to do it forever but don’t want to hurt my horse or me.

[Foxglove]

There are two issues here: horse and rider. I think most of us could ride well into our 80s if we were moderately fit – and if we had someone else to do the horse chores of care, saddling, training/maintaining.

I think my horse care will become difficult as I pass mid 70s —I will either need more help (have one part-time young person now) or more equipment. The daily aspects of putting out hay and putting on/taking off blankets will start to become difficult at that point or soon after. I ride English so saddling/bridling isn’t difficult. However, hauling the horse will become increasingly difficult. Hooking up a trailer isn’t exactly light work, nor is driving a few hours to a venue. I am sure I could continue to hack around my 40 acres (adding nice neighbor’s woods on to my 20 to get that number) --but keeping pastures up with spraying and mowing will need to be hired out or again, bigger, better equipment.

I think I will ultimately end up boarding my last horse at a full-care facility —and hiring someone to saddle and bridle him for me, probably have to pay someone to ride with me, too.

But I am content with a quiet walk around the farm —there are others who are not.

The people I know who have quit horses do so because of infirmity —mental decline and physical decline --but these men and women rode at a very high level and were not content with anything less —one woman, still a friend, rode hot spicy jumping horses over really big fences --she no longer rides because she can’t do that any more after she broke a leg the 4th or 5th time. Same with a high level event rider --he could ride a quiet horse slowly, but that holds no appeal for him. Other friends have quit because of weight or loss of physical ability. Riding at 130 pounds is different from riding at 180 pounds —and these are women friends who “can’t find riding clothes that fit,” so gradually stop riding at all – it’s not so much that they can’t --they just don’t want to.

I’m almost 70 and horse is 14 – I hope we will be together for at least 10 more years —then we’ll see what happens next!

[Willesdon]

My inspiration is a women who died at the age of 108, partly as a result of a fall when she was 102. It was a short snippet in Western Horseman, years ago.

[tabula_rashah]

One of my best friends (aside: I love that being involved in horses makes age between friends irrelevant ) was right around 80 when she quit. I think she would have been fine physically but she lost her horse of a lifetime to a bad colic and decided she was done.

[Redlei44]

I’d say it’s 50% concerted effort to remain fit and 50% luck. Most of us breeze through our (relative) youth without thinking about functional fitness. That becomes a common liability as we hit middle age and beyond. Older folks who remain active both in riding and in other complimentary fitness routines (such yoga and weightlifting) are setting themselves up for continued success.

Regarding luck, well, I suppose it’s important to make our own luck in some respects, by choosing appropriate horses and disciplines. But there’s only so much we can do. I have a dear relative who was well on her way to becoming one of those stories we admire. Older, fit, more active every year. Then she tripped over her pet. Both the injuries and the extended recovery period have been catastrophic for her overall well-being and lifestyle.

[GoodTimes]

@tabula rashah

One of my best friends (aside: I love that being involved in horses makes age between friends irrelevant ) was right around 80 when she quit. I think she would have been fine physically but she lost her horse of a lifetime to a bad colic and decided she was done.

This.
I think a lot of older people quit riding because they don’t want their horse to outlive them, and it can be hard to find a safe horse to part-board or lesson on. At that point the effort can be more difficult than it’s worth.

Some other reasons…
As we age the body isn’t able to regulate temperature as well either, so that can make much of the year too hot or too cold to ride.
Some may no longer be able to afford it.
Some may experience pressure from family or friends to stop (probably non-horsey ones).
Some may no longer be comfortable driving and find it difficult to get others to take them to the barn.
Some may not have enough time, ie if they’re caring for someone else
And of course and illness or injury to horse or rider.

[Saddlebag]

I enjoyed my 80th birthday a couple of weeks ago, on a lovely fall Saturday where I rode in first flight with Mells Foxhounds, followed by a surprise hunt tailgate. They did have to hold a gun on me to get me to wear the crown, sash and tutu, that my bff commanded that I put on! But I was a good sport about the costume requirement, and I can’t imagine a better way to enter my 8th decade.

I feel very fortunate that I am (so far) in good health, and am able still to ride, jump, foxhunt, and occasionally show . I am a semi-retired trainer, have been riding, showing, training and teaching all my life, and am still able to do the barnwork and care for my horses. My husband is not a horse person, but he helps with chores such as unloading hay and shavings, but I pretty much do the rest. And while he doesn’t ride, we do still play tennis together…which is how we met, some 30 years ago. I don’t think of quitting …not yet. So far, the fun is still there for me, and I try not to dwell on what lies ahead. Face it…it doesn’t “end well” for any of us, so I hope to keep riding actively as long as I can, and when the party us over, I will deal with that situation, whatever it is. I am fortunate to have a wonderful horse. He is a home bred, and is equally wonderful in both the hunt field and as a Show Jumper. It is sort of funny to remember, back in the day, when as a Junior and Amateur rider, I hunted and showed the same horse. Everybody did, back then…we’re talking the '50s and early '60s here. Well…guess what. If you have a good horse, that can still work. My guy is perfectly happy in either job. He is a bit keen out hunting, so I up his bridle from a 3 piece 2 ring bit, to a Segunda mouth D ring, or a broken mouth Tom Thumb Pelham when we hunt. But other than that, he is pretty much the same either place. But I am beyond appreciative that at age 17, he requires minimal maintenance on the soundness front, and I hope we both can keep on with our wonderful partnership for a few more years. I don’t think that I am a superwoman, I have had a few injuries here and there, but I have no plans to stop…until I’m forced to. Not anytime soon, I hope!

[BatCoach]

I was thinking about this very thing after talking with a fellow boarder who has owned horses for the last 40 + years. She is in her mid 60s and her horse is 30. She enjoys caring for the horse and being at the barn, but no longer rides. Once this horse passes, she said it will be her last, and then she has a lifetime of acquired gear to “give away or sell or whatever.” It made me sad, but I also appreciate the practicality of it. She has physically slowed down and getting a new horse (and the cost and work involved) just no longer make sense for her. Her kids have grown, she has grandbabies to care for now. If her (adult) daughter really wanted to get a horse, I’m sure she would love to fuss over it and care for it, but this old retiree is her daughter’s old 4-H horse and she is giving her retiree tons of love and attention and enjoying the sunset of her equestrian life.

On the other hand, I know a 70 year old who still does team penning and manages his little farm. He needs to hire out help for big jobs, and he doesn’t ride everyday, but I feel like he will have horses up to the time he goes to meet his maker. He has a trust and large family in addition to his own barn and acreage, so if he outlives his horses they have a home and care set up. I think its quite different to deal with the idea of your horse outliving you if you come from a non-horsey family and are boarding.

[TheresanAppfurthat]

When retirement resources can no longer manage the vet bills.

[cheval_convert]

My grandfather raced roadster ponies until he was 70 years old, but then he was involved in a crash, was badly hurt, and decided that it was time to retire. I’m hoping to outlast Grandpa Gus when it comes to working with horses. (I’m 63 and going strong.)

[SharonA]

I am so appreciative of this thread… it’s liberating, in a way, to have people spell out their expectations. I’m approaching 60, and just do basic English pleasure stuff. My current horse is a senior (but he’s chronically lame and therefore will live on, costing me the equivalent of a mortgage in monthly board, forever, for which I am absolutely and profoundly grateful). I would love to have a small farm someday, but I’m getting old for it. But I realize, in reading this thread, that I can have a horse farm when I’m 80 (with enough hired help)… It will just be a farm full of retired or rescued oldies. I will hand-graze and groom and kiss velvet muzzles and be perfectly happy. If the hired help can haul me into the saddle for a gentle hack around the trails or a lesson, that will be icing on the cake.

[Red_Barn]

@Saddlebag

I enjoyed my 80th birthday a couple of weeks ago, on a lovely fall Saturday where I rode in first flight with Mells Foxhounds, followed by a surprise hunt tailgate. They did have to hold a gun on me to get me to wear the crown, sash and tutu, that my bff commanded that I put on! But I was a good sport about the costume requirement, and I can’t imagine a better way to enter my 8th decade.

I feel very fortunate that I am (so far) in good health, and am able still to ride, jump, foxhunt, and occasionally show . I am a semi-retired trainer, have been riding, showing, training and teaching all my life, and am still able to do the barnwork and care for my horses. My husband is not a horse person, but he helps with chores such as unloading hay and shavings, but I pretty much do the rest. And while he doesn’t ride, we do still play tennis together…which is how we met, some 30 years ago. I don’t think of quitting …not yet. So far, the fun is still there for me, and I try not to dwell on what lies ahead. Face it…it doesn’t “end well” for any of us, so I hope to keep riding actively as long as I can, and when the party us over, I will deal with that situation, whatever it is. I am fortunate to have a wonderful horse. He is a home bred, and is equally wonderful in both the hunt field and as a Show Jumper. It is sort of funny to remember, back in the day, when as a Junior and Amateur rider, I hunted and showed the same horse. Everybody did, back then…we’re talking the '50s and early '60s here. Well…guess what. If you have a good horse, that can still work. My guy is perfectly happy in either job. He is a bit keen out hunting, so I up his bridle from a 3 piece 2 ring bit, to a Segunda mouth D ring, or a broken mouth Tom Thumb Pelham when we hunt. But other than that, he is pretty much the same either place. But I am beyond appreciative that at age 17, he requires minimal maintenance on the soundness front, and I hope we both can keep on with our wonderful partnership for a few more years. I don’t think that I am a superwoman, I have had a few injuries here and there, but I have no plans to stop…until I’m forced to. Not anytime soon, I hope!

Basically, I want to be you.

[Bluey]

Grandma rode out with me the first two colts of the morning, riding in the canyons.
She could not walk very fast, but once horseback, she could ride with the best.
I saddled her at that time 24 year old horse that in his time had been a top cutting horse and world champion calf roping horse.
I helped her on him and away we would go, walking, trotting and with some gallops.

Once her horse, in a cool morning, as we reached the bottom of a canyon, took a few good sized bucking jumps with her.
She rode that out just fine and then laughed and laughed.:lol:
I was afraid that would set my colt off, but he just stood there watching the action, thankfully.
That winter one morning the old horse was just laying there, had died in the night.
Grandma after that, she was 84 then, “just didn’t want to start another horse”, so she quit riding, but she could have, if she felt like it.

[Belle_Beach]

I am going to be 65 in December, I have been on Coumadin since 2015 and because of that, too much weight, my older horse being foaled in 1994, and my 2006 horse being a little too ‘happy’ I have not ridden since 2012. I cannot tote tack, after going to get horse up, nor can I risk getting hurt now. So they will stay with me for the rest of their lives. Just be pink flamingos.

[Mallard]

I just turned 68 and ride a 13.2, 11 yr old pony. He is practically bomb-proof, although I did take a bit of a tumble in the summer when a bird flew out at him. We dabble in dressage and hack out. My 14 yr old granddaughter started him over fences a couple of years ago.

We have 60+ acres and our neighbour has another 100 we can hack on. I have a nice sand ring.
My retired dressage pony, two 11 hh aged pasture puffs and a 14hh super quiet fellow who will tote friends on hacks are also here. They all live mostly out 24/7 unless the weather is freezing rain or a blizzard.

I do all the work…hubby has heart issues. Granddaughter lives 45 minutes away and can’t get here on weekdays. So far I have no issues with any of it. We do hire help to put the hay up in the loft! I do have a friend who would come in an instant if I needed help tossing bales or mucking etc.
I wear my protective vest every single ride and carry my phone in a waist belt.

That all said… we did decide to board the riding pony at the grandkids coach barn for part of last winter and have decided to do the same this year. They have excellent care - up to my standards! - an indoor and it is 10 minutes from the grandkids house, making drop-off very easy for the non-horsey parents.

I’ll just carry on until I can’t carry on!

[IndysMom]

I’m 63 and my horse is 16. He’s my last one. When he passes I won’t get another. But, I am hoping for a good many years yet!

[drkrysia]

My partner is 88 and still riding. He wears an air vest and a helmet every time and rides a really reliable 21 year old Arab with another friend on another reliable Arab. I’m 66 and am currently just the groom and assistant, since he can’t drive and I run the household. He was a long time endurance rider, many 100 mile rides and 50s, so there is a lot of toughness there.

[dressagegirl123]

I’m about to turn 61, and have ridden at Grand Prix dressage level most of my life. I’m riding better now than I ever have. But, I see riders in their 70’s unable to maintain the suppleness that made them good riders (at this level). I don’t want to be bouncing stiffly in the saddle. And, over time, your priorities change, both in horses and life. I’m no where near as ambitious as I once was (Olympics Sholympics), and I want time to travel and visit family and friends (post covid, now). I have a 12 year old and 9 year old. Will they be my last dressage horses? Maybe.

I had planned on getting out of horses entirely at 70, but I probably won’t be able to. I’m thinking that a placid horse that lives out and doesn’t care if I ride or not might be perfect. A far cry from the intensive way I currently keep horses.

I can’t imagine my life without horses, but, we do change…

[prudence]

You all have given me much to think about - thanks. I’ve insisted that this horse will not be my last; I’m planning to be riding after he gets to hang out in the pasture. I have a small farm I take care of but the other day was noticing a trailer park with a nearby stable where I could keep a horse or two near trails. Not saying anytime soon since I have big dogs and three horses, but it might be fun to be closer to folks. And good to have more help. And more economical. I can’t imagine my life without horses either.

[amb]

I have a friend I lesson with sometimes who’s 73 and has been finishing a half-trained horse. She says she’s slowing down some, but I’m terrified at how much energy the non-slowed-down version of her must have had.

When I was a kid in a hunter barn one of the barn workers was, near as I can tell, older than dirt, slightly stooped, I would guess 80’s or more. Didn’t move very fast, mostly was in the background mucking or taking care of horses or whatnot, didn’t talk much. One day the trainer who ran the barn needed somebody to trot a horse around and tapped the old guy, and my reaction was “wait, he rides?!” Not only did he ride, he had the best equitation I have ever seen, both completely classically correct and creating a harmony with the horse (who went along calmly and perfectly for him) that was a wonder to behold.

I wouldn’t mind being either of them if I make it that far. (I’m just barely the near side of 50 and still hurt some from riding XC a couple of days ago.)