Have any women out there taken up horseback riding in their 50's?

Question

I rode only a few times as a kid. Recently heard about this breed - Peruvian Paso - that is supposed to be a very smooth ride! Any riders out there with advice - pro? con?

Answer 1

I am only 23 but I have been riding for over 17 years now and I hope to still be riding when I am in my 50's! Congratulations to those of you ( men included) who take up riding in the later years. It is one thing to start riding when you are a little daredevil of a child but to be an age where you know what the risks are really involved is something else indeed!. Yes Peruvian Pasos are a very smooth ride. If it is one that you think you want to buy or at least try, make sure that it is one that is a little older as he probably will have been trained a lot more and knows what he is supposed to do. Tennessee Walking Horses are also very smooth. Finding a gaited breed of horse will be of your best interest as they having smoother gaits than the jarring trot and even the canter. I know that as a 23 year old I am really starting to feel just how bad the trot really can be. It requires a lot of work to counteract the jar of it and riding the canter can be hard on your body with certain horses. Best of Luck on finding a horse for you. I hope you find a partner that will last a long time.

Answer 2

I started a filly for a lady new to riding - she was in her 60s.
Peruvians are AWESOME!! They're not deadheads but are sensible, and the ride is unbelievable! I've ridden walkers and gaited horses but my first ride on a Peruvian - a green colt who had been abused - even though he was scared I fell for this breed big time. If you can find one reasonably cost by all means get one! The pros - see above. They're normally gentle natured though some have a little more go than others (like all breeds). They are good for trail riding and don't tire easily. The con - sometimes the cost to *get* one is more than other horses. They are awesome for any back injuries and other issues - much easier than sitting a trot. The colt I mentioned had been treated very harshly by a "trainer" but he had a sweet forgiving nature and wanted to please...he was a bit skittish for wanting to do the right thing. Traditional trainers can be harsh with them. A good, solid well broke one is a good choice if you can find and afford one! Good luck.

Answer 3

Yes, I have heard off riders starting when they were older, even though I'm only 17. I would go for it. But DON'T try to learn on your own. All beginners should have a good, reliable, safety oriented and preferably certified instructor. The ARIA has an on-line list of all their certified instructors by state. They have a great program, and all their instructors have to get re-certified every 5 years or so, so they stay up to snuff.

So look at a few instructors, decide what your riding goals are, pick one you like and take lessons for a year or two. Then, when you are beginning to feel confident you can ask your instructor to help you look for a suitable equine partner.

Listen to her advice, don't buy a horse just be cause he's "pretty" or "sweet" or has "great potential." I've seen inexperienced riders buy young horses that seemed sweet against instructor's advice, but the riders didn't have the experience, and the horses were green, and even though they were sweet horses they got confused, mixed up, and began to have major behavior problems. The riders ended up loosing their confidence and gaining a few bruises (they were young riders that still more or less "bounce"). I'm not trying to scare you, just say that if your instructor says a horse is unsuitable, then you need to find a different horse.

As for gaited horses, I unfortunately never had the pleasure of riding one :( But I've heard that they offer very smooth rides for those with back problems, but are not so good on steep terrain and difficult to find properly fitting saddles for. If you go with a gaited horse, try to avoid big time show horses.... they are bred and trained not for the smoothness of their gaits but the look of said gaits. Always try before you buy any way, because if your going to buy a horse, you want one that fits your leg. And that isn't as simple as how tall the horse is. My current horse is 14.3 with a wide back, and she fits me well. But I've ridden horses taller than her and felt like they were too narrow.

Might I suggest a book called "Riding for the Rest of Us : A Practical Guide for Adult Riders" by Jessica Jahiel? I have not read it, but I've read other books by her and find she talks in terms most people can understand without an advanced degree in dressage. She also has an on-line news letter that you may find helpful. (the archives are at Horse-sense.org.)

Best of luck with your riding! It truly is rewarding and I think you should go for it, or at least try.

Answer 4

Of course! I was an instructor for a lady who was 67 and taking hourly lessons on a weekly basis. She wasn't as flexible as the younger ones, due to arthritis, but she was still taking on small jumps and cantering around beautifully.

With regards to the horse thats right for you- I definately agree with getting a trainer on side with you before you buy a horse- some people will lie through their teeth to sell you their horse, and you don't want to put yourself in danger through lack of knowledge (regardless of age). Also- research, research, research. Ask as many questions as you can, and if in doubt- wait. Trials are also a good option with horses, as it gives you an opportunity to see how they go with changes in environment, food etc... And don't forget a vet check! Vets will be able to tell you if the horse is physically sound and healthy or not. Just because a horse looks good- doesn't mean that he's necessarily sound. A vet will be able to spot any problems and potential ones, and let you know of the horses capability.

Well to sum it up- take your time and make sure that you feel right about the horse you buy, and the direction that the horse will take you. Figure out exactly what you want from yourself and the horse, and then find one that fits. Don't worry about how long it takes- it will be worth it.

Answer 5

If you do ride I highly recommend you get a instructor with you at all times when your a beginner. I am only 14 but I have seen women in their 60's ride, but of course they give them a nice calm horse. Also remember that almost everyone falls off every once in a while. Good Luck

Answer 6

Yes,I used to ride, then stopped and I started riding again 2 years ago,taking lessons,and I am in my early 50's.Icelandic Horses are smooth also and small.Good luck!! Do stretches and exercize as riding can make you sore.

Answer 7

YA WOMEN AND MEN CAN RIDE IN THERE 50S AND 60S. IN FACT IM TRAINING A COLT AND FILLY FOR A LADY WHO IS 90. AND SHE JUMPS FIVE FEET.

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

No they would hurt theirselves !