Horse Experts?

Question

Do you think 20 is too old to get into riding horses? Like actual competitions and shows?
Mainly I want to take lessons to learn about horses and how to ride and care for them, but i think it would be fun to compete too.

Answer 1

Of course you are not too old !!!!!!!!!! Go to a riding school that is well equipped . Try one or two and find a teacher you really like . You will find that they have little riding scholl competitions when you get a little experience and if you find you like it you will naturally advance into inter riding school and etc . Competing is no big deal as the jumps will be lower than you have practiced and as with everthing you will only do it when you are ready and very capable.
Riding is not a macho thing it is very much an art and if you are willing to learn and trust your teacher you should be well away in a year or two and in the ring like an old timer !!!!

Answer 2

No definately not! While you may see many young riders, don't let this discourage you. You will be mainly competing at schooling shows at first, which is low key shows that are mainly meant for fun and learning. It is a lot of fun! I am a teenager and have been riding in shows for a while, and I love the competition and the riding. I have also seen many older women who compete in my classes, some as old as even 50! Just be glad you aren't that old yet ;)
You will definately want to take lessons at a local barn. I have helped out with many 40-50 year old ladies having mid-life crisis's and just beginning to ride a horse. So compared to that, 20 is like a child!
Remember, you only have one life, so live it to your fullest! When you look back, you won't be regretting things you have tried, but rather things that you haven't. Have fun and good luck!

Answer 3

It's definitely not too old. When you eventually begin competing, especially if you choose to do so on the national rated circuits, you might be at a disadvantage compared to those kids who grew up moving through the ranks of children's and junior's competitions, but it's nothing hard work and discipline can't cure. I'm good friends with a woman who didn't start until she was nearly thirty. She ended up doing clinics with George Morris and riding with some of the greatest names of our sport. She'd go down to Florida every winter and show on the winter "A" circuit...and she pinned! Now, she also had the money to devote to lessons and training, but she got that money by working hard for it, and devoted that same enthusiasm and perseverance to her riding. I really admire her for it. So if you're interested, by all means start by taking lessons and maybe volunteering at the local barn if you have the time. It's a great way to get a feel for all aspects of horsemanship, from stall cleaning to grooming to how to cope with injury or illness. It's a fascinating sport and there are so many aspects to it. And when you do start showing, you'll probably start at open or schooling shows, where the environment is much more relaxed and there are usually plenty of classes for beginner/novice riders. If you have the work ethic and the resolve, you really can go as far as you want in this sport, and I think you'll find that having a partnership with a horse can be very rewarding.

Answer 4

I started when I was 20. I'm 22 now. I learned at my college because they offered phys ed horseback riding classes and you got credit for them! I wasn't good enough to make the team until last year, so I've been showing for a little over a year now. I showed last year in the IHSA, a collegiate competition program where we drew horses at random and got on and showed without any time to get to know your horse... I was in walk trot because I had been riding for less than 2 years. Then I showed in the summer in walk trot and was riding against these little kids on ponies, so that was kinda awkward... but there was actually an older lady (50 years or so I'd say) in my class too, so it's ok to ride against the kids. I show as an alumni in the IHSA now because I graduated last year, so I do walk trot canter and I started jumping and am learning to jump 2 foot now.

so... NO, 20 is not too old! There's actually a woman at my barn at home who didn't start until she was 50 and now she has her own horse! I was actually happy that I started when I was 20 because if I had started when I was younger, I probably wouldn't have tried as hard and learned as quickly as I did. I taught lessons to younger kids over the summer and plan to again this summer. You'd be surprised at how much you can learn in 2 years!

So my advice is to go do it! Find someone who can start you in lessons and who will take you to shows in after a few months of lessons so you can learn what's involved in horse showing. Then you'll be ready to get your own horse in a couple years if you're still excited about it!

Learning to ride was the best decision I ever made, so go for it! You'll love it. Good luck :o)

Answer 5

It's never too late believe me. If you think you personally enjoy it definately try it. It does take time, effort, the courage to accept dissapointment and patience. But no you are never too old. I know people in their 50's who still compete professionaly and win. I know you enjoy it very much and if you do decide to go into riding find a training/lesson facilaty that uses alternative therapies and natural horsemanship. It uses the language of horses and you will understand more and so will the horse. Good Luck!!

Answer 6

You're never too old to learn!
Go get started! Competing is a blast, but wait until you're comfortable and a competent rider. I'd go for it! Sure, people who started early will have an edge, but there are competition divisions for people like you-if you're doing english, the amatuer riding level takes in adults that aren't experts. Go for it, you will not regret it!

Answer 7

Are you kidding? I know someone who started riding at 45, then she thought that she should enter in competition, she did and she won prizes in horsemanship and showmanship and is now teaching about horses.
I found out that lots of people have horses or even birds for years and still don't know how to care for them. I'll tell you, we learn everyday, there's always something new to learn.

Answer 8

Your never EVER to old to ride and take care of a horse, older people can do doubt about it ride horses.

Answer 9

Your never to old. I used to teach a couple well into their 70's and they were both very conpetitive! Its a great hobbie and sport, get out there and enjoy

Answer 10

your never too old to ride. even in competions. Really. Welcome to horses. It will be hard work but very rewarding.