At 19:07:52 on 29.01.11, Cockney wrote:
Hi everyone, I'm new to this site and to horse riding in general. At 55 I thought I might be too old to start riding but my husband bought me some lessons for my birthday this year so- no turning back! I have really enjoyed it, although wasn't too sure when I first sat on the horse and realised how far I was off the ground ! 'what the heck am I doing up here' I thought to myself (or words to that effect!)But I have now gone and bought myself a hat, jodphurs and boots - so I'm keen to keep going! Any tips anyone out there for us oldies? Any help gratefully accepted!

At 22:06:26 on 29.01.11, csherrenbrueck wrote:
always get back on. no matter what. oooh, and grooming is the best part!

At 22:00:04 on 31.01.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
Just remember you're never too old to ride and once you start riding you often never quit horses ;) they're infectious lol

At 22:23:33 on 31.01.11, daisydoll wrote:
Hi, I'm new to this site too...I have also just recently taken up riding again at the age of 39, after about 10 years from when I last rode, I used to have a gorgeous, fun and very old arab, but sadly in her later days could not be ridden, so after I had to sadly say goodbye I never rode again. But my daughter, now 8, has been on my case for ages about starting horse riding, so I started her at a local riding school and it gave me the total bug to maybe take up lessons again, I was a bit embarrased at first cause I thought I was a bit old? but after a few lessons I absolutely love it. The class I'm in is kind of mixed ages, some older, some young, but all very friendly and if my daughter is still into riding in a few years, then who knows maybe we will get a pony together??

At 19:57:01 on 23.02.11, dixierider wrote:
Keep it up girls! For those who haven't ridden in a while- stretches work wonders! Work those leg muscles!

At 13:40:19 on 26.02.11, EmandBlueX wrote:
just enjoy it its not about beatting everyone its about building bonds with horses and just having fun ! x be prepared for aching muscles!

At 01:11:53 on 06.03.11, blindhorsedancer wrote:
Never think that you are too old for horses. If you are healthy you can ride and enjoy horses. I have known people in their 60s, 70s, and even one person that is in his 80s that still own them and ride and care for their horses. A number of jockeys are well in their 50s. This past year a 58 year old jockey in the U.S. won his 11,000th race and has his sights on his 12.000th win. A few years ago a woman in her 70s won a hundred mile endurance ride on a 33 year old Arabian. Always have fun. You will find muscles that you never knew you had and do not believe anyone that tells you riding is not exercise because they have no idea what they are talking about. I am a 58 year old virtually blind person that owns two Thoroughbreds that I take care of their needs and ride on trails. i also sometimes show in halter classes and costume classes at fun shows. i also help care for and train five Arabians. Are you planning to buy a horse? HAPPY TRAILS

At 10:13:08 on 06.03.11, Em28 wrote:
Cockney I think that sounds fantastic you have taken up riding later in life. We get so stuck in routine and what we know that is great to try something new. Hope you are continuing to enjoy your lessons, beware you will be hooked!!!! Your husband may regret to buying you those first few lessons!! Also, great for your pelvic floor muscles, which is important!

At 19:08:33 on 06.03.11, NMH wrote:
Agree, good for you Cockney! One tip I'd say, as an oldie! would be not to neglect your general fitness- stretching/strengthening exercises & also jogging, cycling or swimming, help with muscle toning, muscle power, balance & confidence. Pilates I'm sure is good but I haven't got round to it yet!! Good luck & keep us informed. 50 or even 60 is the new 40 (as in life begins at...) they say, & there you are proving it!

At 09:18:10 on 09.03.11, Cockney wrote:
Thanks to you all for your support and interest. I'm off today to have my eigthth lesson - still haven't fallen off - yet - I'm tempting fate here ! Have really enjoyed it and my only regret is not having taken up riding sooner !!