Riding at 70+++

I hear you EC! I'm in my 60's, too-had a lovely ride today & another planned for tomorrow-my riding neighbor still works, so we take advantage of the W/E's!

I admire anyone over 50 and riding. I just started riding at 53! Have only had a handful of rides but have an older mare that is very patient with me. Biggest issue has been my sturdy leather saddle. Lucy is 16.1 and I don't have the strength to lug the saddle out and about and then get it up on Lucy. It has taken a lot of fun out of ridding. Bought a synthetic saddle this year. Hope to get more rides in with less stress on my shoulders.

I hope and pray that I can still be riding that age. So far my arthritis hasn't crippled me consistently enough to consistently keep me from riding, and I hope that doesn't change for worse in the future. Usually a few days out of the month my knees can't handle being in the saddle or my arms can't handle saddling. On many of those days I feel like I'm 20 going on 90. :( I'm grateful for every day I have on my four legged kid.

Barry, another fan of yours here! I look forward to your well-written and insightful additions to this forum.
As for riding into the 70's, I fully expect to do so! Longevity and good health run on both sides of my family, so I at least have that going for me. There are also quite a few active and "older" horsewomen and men in my area who serve as inpiration. Presently my only limitations are in my mind, and maybe guilt for not taking care of my house and yard as well as I used to since I spend just about all of my free time at the barn. Priorities ...

If we quit riding, we'll surely get old.............

I've got another half century before I'm there, but I hope I'll still be riding and active in my 70s!

About 10 years ago I was introduced to a man whom I didn't think was a day over 50. Almost nothing for grey hair, a few wrinkles around the eyes to denote a lot of time outdoors. He spoke of starting a couple of new colts when he got home. After we left the fellow who had introduced us told me this fellow was 91. 91!!!!

Barry - I happened upon this post and after reading what other people were saying, curiosity got the best of me. I looked up your numerous articles and, while I have only gotten through a few at this point, I am hooked. We have all had similar experiences and horses that have touched us deeply, but few of us can articulate it so well that it transcends the reader to that moment in time. Not just to read about it, but to actually feel it. I am a fan and I would like to say Thank You for sharing your gift.

RbR You've a lovely way in paying a compliment for which I say: 'thank you'.

If you are reading thru some of my previously written threads - then be careful when you get to the most recent ones on the subject of DiDi and her cough.
You will, I am sure, need a handkerchief - as for me, well, I'll never stop crying.

That's what a good horse can do to you.
Barry G

Yes, It is your threads about DiDi that I first "met" you, Barry. I am a rather newbie to the forum & your posts have drawn me in every single time I have read them. As I said before your ability to allow your reader to see what you see, feel what you feel, and use all of their senses while reading the words that you put down is a true gift that very few people have. I feel really lucky to be able to share your experiences through your writing. ..and I would definitely enjoy reading about the adventures of the "boys get together." :)