Riding at 70+++

Do you write about your experience with horses or other general subjects? There are a lot of american stories out there but I haven't come across many british experiences. I love to hear stories from wise horsemen who can recall many a story and lesson learned. Maybe this could be something to bring to the forefront should you decide to take things easier in the saddle. When I was growing up I was always around the old school "dealers" of the horseworld that used old methods and magic potions instead of shop bought products. My dad would sit me down and share his lessons learned. He sadly passed away last year and that is one of the things I miss the most, the sharing of stories. If you do decide to share your work I for one would love to read it.

There was an old rancher that I worked for last summer and we were sorting some cows ina corral and while there was a lull in teh action I was noticing his horses shoeing job. It was a very nice job. Everything was fitted just right and all the nails were even and it just looked good. I ask him who did the shoeing job and I was suprised when he told me he did! Just a few weeks before he had turned 70. He moves a little slower than he used to but he could still keep up with any man around especially when he's mounted. You can't stop aging but there is no reason you can't keep a positive attitude and do MOST of the things you've done your whole life.

Barry: I'm still waiting for you to come to Utah for a visit. I have the perfect horse for you and plenty of VERY rural riding.

Get in line behind me! If there's ever a book I want a signed first edition.

Netty. On HorseForum you will find several articles telling stories about my mare DiDi and my old cob Joe. Then there are articles discussing various problems to be found when dealing with horses - ie bolting. Look up my CP and you'll find a list of threads and some photos of the horses in my life.

I do write about other topics but horses form my favourite subject.

Kevin, you are No 1 on the list.

Barry

Kevin is?! But ... but ...

I, for one, would love to 'see' the triumvirate of Kevin, Barry and Bill on a horsey adventure in Utah. Oh the stories Barry would write about!

Please? ;)

I'm up for it! Any time from June to October.

J&D, I'd buy a copy of that for sure! Sounds like an adventure in the making fellas.

I hope to join the club someday. I think it's fantastic seeing people still riding later in life. One of my biggest horse influences growing up was an older man named Paul Schuh. I'm not sure quite how old he was, I just remember thinking that he was older than dirt. I'm sure he was in his 70s anyway, which to a 7 or 8 year old me seemed ancient. He was still training reining horses at that age, he was amazing. I learned so much watching him ride and listening to his thoughts on training horses.

My grandfather will be 82 this year and recently had back surgery in hopes to get back in the saddle. The way his physical therapy is going, I have great hope that he will be able to. Before the surgery he told me that come hell or high water he'd get back on a horse. We decided together half jokingly (much to my mom's dismay) that if surgery didn't work we had 2 options. Option 1, wench in the rafters of the indoor arena, option 2 - dump him on one out of the skid loader bucket onto my old mare

Bill Dorance could barely walk and had to use a block and tackle to saddle his horse but he rode and roped till he was 92.