At 20:45:40 on 08.01.12, kmg wrote:
I had horses growing up but have not owned a horse in over 30 years. Have always loved horses and due to time and financial constraints have never had horse since my young adult years. Getting on in years, 52 when i think about getting a horse my age keeps getting in the way... wondering am i just too old now to start riding and owning a horse again?

At 06:32:26 on 10.01.12, noneotherthan01 wrote:
Absolutely not! unless you yourself can't walk... I'd say you're never too old! Even if you couldn't ride, you could still own and just have as a pet! Don't feel obliged to ride a horse just because you have one! I feel some people make that mistake... If you didn't ride, get to know your horse inside and out. I could tell you every single spot, scar, location of hock, and issue with my horse, and she's currently at a barn 30 minutes drive away! Grooming is not only theraputic for horses, but for people too! Horses teach you more than seat position and gentle hands, they teach you patience and compassion, which are virtues that follow you to the grave! My advice is if you buy a horse, I wouldn't buy a stallion, or a baby... they've got a little too much energy and may not have the best ground manners... that should probably be your focal point in purchasing, if you decide to, GROUND MANNERS. It's key in all the horses I own/have owned, and it carries over into manners on your horses back, if you decide to venture into that territory. I have a friend (she's 18) that rescued both her horses from abuse. One's sire was in the olympics, and the other is a grade quarter horse. She doesn't ride either, but keeps her horses in tip top shape, and makes them as happy and comfortable as possible. She loves to draw and paint and has shown me countless sketches of both her horses. One day I came over and we just gave them baths. Didn't ride but washed! In conclusion... your never too old for a horse! Don't feel obligated to ride, and make sure, if you do buy, to take your time in the buying process and find a horse that suites you well. Best of luck, noneotherthan01. X

At 08:30:12 on 10.01.12, JaymeeLS wrote:
Your age definitely isn't a factor on this one(my aunts 51 just had two foals to break to ride, she just hasn't had an ownership break in 40 years though), that is unless you have major health complications, where you'd'need constant help if you don't have it. It's'only really the 30 year break, you need to ask yourself the question, are you ready for the commitment?

At 11:43:23 on 10.01.12, NMH wrote:
OMG definitely not! go for it! your own fitness is important, but it becomes a motivator! And I so agree with noneotherthano01 about ground manners; ridden ones too, as it takes it out of you more when you're that bit older, & nerves aren't necessarily what they were. It might be an idea to find someone with 2 horses you can help/hack out with a bit first? Where are you in the country? You might find someone thro' trot on! Do let us know how you get on, & good luck!

At 15:56:28 on 10.01.12, Dazzle wrote:
52, you are a mere spring chicken! Take Hiroshi Hoketsu, he rode at the last Olympics, aged 67. Lorna Johnstone rode at the Munich Olympics aged 70. It is never too late to pick it up again. Although the hips might creak a bit, the fun will out weigh that!!!!

At 23:04:57 on 10.01.12, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
You are never too old ;) i agree with all of the above!

At 21:04:52 on 11.01.12, La Palma wrote:
I'm 51 and my horse will be 3 in a few months. I bought her when she was 9 month, and I had been riding for one year after a break for 11 years. Before the break I had been riding since I was 6 years old. I don't find a problem in buying a young horse at my age. Today I have time and the patience to create a good relationship with my horse. My plan is to make my horse as bombproof as possible, so the day I will ride her she will be a safe horse for me. As you get older you learn to appreciate things/life better and to have a horse in your life its just great! I choose to buy a foal because I wanted to be able to shape it from the "start" But I also like ex.Racehorses and there are a lot of them out there who need a good home. I'm "training" one now, just hacking out showing him that life can be nice and calm. Listening to your heart! Kim

At 03:23:58 on 12.01.12, kmg wrote:
Thank for all your encouraging comments. it makes me feel much better about my moving forward in considering getting a horse.

At 22:53:08 on 16.01.12, franpark wrote:
Hi Please get yourself a horse :) x x I'm 51 and bought my first horse 5 years ago and have never looked back - I love it x x There is also a chap at our yard who is 73!!!!! and still riding x x

At 19:05:30 on 17.01.12, bee20 wrote:
Go for it, I'm 47, bought my pony 3 1/2 years ago after a 20 year break. We do cross country, show jumping and fun rides plus we are going on our first hunt on Saturday. I have made so many amazing friends and had such fun that it is definitely the best thing I've done :)