Riding Horses Over 50 – LuceStellare

Riding Horses at 30, 40, or 50, + ~ Get Back in the Saddle

The time is right. As a teen, riding horses was a part of life. Everything about horses is wonderful. The promise to return to the saddle is itching inside. Spring is here.. Let’s ride!

Where to start? What do I need? Where will I go?

Let’s go! Start by breaking down the activity into manageable goals.

I am an adult amateur dressage rider at the intermediate level. I returned to riding after a gap of about 25 years. At 28, I stepped away from a life with horses. A few false starts but at 55, I gave it another go. The horse bug bit once again. The suggestions that follow are from this perspective.

Physically Demanding Sport

Riding horses is a recreational sport.. Whether you rode as a youngster or have never sat on a horse, it’s important to consider your current physical condition. A recommendation is to consult your doctor before starting a riding routine. Getting yourself fit to ride is part of the journey.

Stretch – A range of motion routine that includes stretching, especially targeting the waist, hips, calf and inner thigh is recommended. Yoga is an excellent choice. Routine practice enhances flexibility. Good riders relax in the saddle. No matter what the horse is doing, the rider stays cool, and steady.

Stamina – Walking, swimming, hiking or light jogging are excellent for building strength. A routine exercise program will build endurance. Hopefully, you already have a regular exercise routine as part of an active lifestyle. Aerobics and biking are super ways to keep fit and build stamina. Exercise at a quicker pace helps riders lungs know how to breathe despite the exertion. Sometimes riders tense and hold the breath, or breathe shallow. Not good for horses or riders.

Tension/Breathing/Balance – Yoga, tai chi and qi gong will teach you how to breathe deeply during movements.. Many a rider experiences tension when on a horse and may also forget to breathe properly. I like tai chi or a martial arts training as students learn how to lower the center of gravity. Balance, coordination and focus are part of the skill.

Watch What I Mean – Amelia Newcomb Dressage, “Tension Releasers for Riders”

Amelia speaks clearly and demonstrates skillfully the importance of relaxing while riding.. The horse is moving freely, gracefully and happily in all gaits.. The back and tail are swinging. The trot has a beautiful cadence and forward spring in each step. The horse is in a frame and elastic in the movements. This is what good riding looks like!

Summary on fitness

The experience of riding will be much smoother if the rider is fit. Riding requires flexible joints, strong, straight back, supple legs and good posture. A rider sits lightly on the horse and follows the movements. An effective rider lowers their center of gravity toward the back of the horse. Stirrups provide balance and help the legs stay in the correct position. Ankles need to give with the movement. Tension is common in all riders.

A good book to read is “Centered Riding” by Sally Swift. It’s a classic text with illustrations on how to sit and ride in balance. The imagery is helpful. Good riders have a way of melting around the horse. They don’t just sit up there, they drape their legs and relax deeply with the horse. They join their energy to the horse and become a team.

Acquire the basic gear for a safe ride

Footwear – The minimal investment is paddock boots. Ariat is a top brand but may be pricey. Check the local riding apparel shop, commonly called a Tack Shop, for mark downs or close outs. The boots must fit you and be of good quality. A pair of light wool hiking socks is best to cover the foot. An under layer of silk socks will help insulate the foot during colder weather. Tall riding boots are acquired when and if you decide to participate in horse shows. They are expensive but if well cared for, last many years.

Helmet – A helmet is necessary for riding. Falls happen and a reputable instructor will not teach a lesson without the rider wearing a helmet. It needs to fit without tightness or looseness. The chin strap keeps the helmet secure on the head.

Gloves – A pair of garden gloves is fine to start with. They are inexpensive and can be washed. Not wearing gloves runs the risk of blistering skin. Leather reins move back and forth between the fingers causing a rub in an unusual place. Best to prevent a painful abrasion.

Breeches – Jeans are okay but they will move over the skin and may cause chaffing. Riding breeches are designed to provide protection to the inner leg. The fabric helps the rider be comfortable in the saddle. Winter riding weight breeches are available and much more comfortable to wear in cold weather. Bulk is no fun, but it’s no fun being cold.

Half-chaps – These are leather or suede zippered chaps designed to protect the lower leg. Full chaps are worn by western riders and cover the leg from ankle to hip. Half chaps are much less expensive than tall riding boots. They are easy to care for and durable.

Layers – The weather will determine how many layers are needed to keep the upper body warm. A long sleeved cotton shirt may be the base layer, a light flannel shirt and vest may be enough for a cool day to feel warm. The clothing needs to fit well and be loose. Horses give off a lot of warmth during a ride, so removable layers are best to wear.

Riding Horses

Riding Lessons – Unless you have a friend willing to let you on their horse, you’ll have to find a riding stable which offers lessons. Start with a ½ hour lesson at $35 to $50 per hour. A riding barn with an indoor arena will typically charge more for a lesson. If you are brand new to riding, seek an instructor to help you through the initial beginner phase.

Horse Handling Skills – As part of the ride, a barn worker or the instructor will demonstrate how to handle a horse in the barn or in the paddock. It’s important to follow instructions carefully, especially to close a gate after going through it. A rider is expected to groom and saddle the lesson horse before and after the ride. The instructor will show you what to do. It’s important to learn how to move safely around them.

Stables – It’s important to notice how the horses are cared for at the barn. Do they seem relaxed? Are they given turn out daily? Are the paddocks muddy all the time? Is the barn clean and swept? Is the tack supple and clean? Is the manure removed from the site or at least moved away from the barn? Are the stalls clean? The place needs to be clean and safe. You’re paying quite a lot of money to ride a horse, it’s got to be an inviting and welcoming experience.

Instructors – Be careful about with who you invest your time and money. After a while, it will be evident if the instructor sees you as a customer or only sees your wallet. Stay away from instructors who get quite excited, loud or demanding. Some of them may be good trainers or riders, but teaching riding takes a different skill. If you feel pushed or the tone of voice is brisk, or tsky, consider it may not be the best place for you. I left a barn because of an instructor. I loved the horse I rode, but she took all the fun out of the experience with a bossy, bored tone of voice. She didn’t listen to me when I expressed fear. It’s okay if the riders pushes through their fears of being in the saddle. It’s not okay if the instructor doesn’t react and provide support. If you leave a ride feeling hassled or unsafe, consider it may not be a good fit for you.

I’ll talk more about finding an instructor in an upcoming article.

Time for riding – Riding horses is time consuming. A half-hour ride involves catching, grooming, saddling, riding, cool down, unsaddling, brush and return to the paddock or stall. All together, it can be an hour or more.

Expect to be Sore

Body Care Before – If possible, take a walk or take some exercise the day of the ride. Best not to eat just before riding. Water is fine, but save a snack for the ride home. If I feel stiff or uneasy before the ride, I have put two drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil on my clothing. It’s aroma will naturally calm jitters for you and your horse. Sometimes the best ride is when the body is a little tired. The less you try to ride and maintain a correct position, the more natural the ride will be. Try to leave problems at the door. Horses sense tension, anger and negative emotions very quickly. They will react or resist when strong emotions are displayed.

Body Care After – Unless you are unusually fit and limber, riding a horse will create some physical soreness. Your body is moving in an unusual way on a moving animal. The inner thigh is being stretched around their trunk. The calves need to relax and allow the heel to drop. The back needs to remain upright but be flexible to the horses’ motion. It’s a lot to coordinate. Also, being nervous is very natural at the start. If possible, some stretching postures before and after the ride can diminish the discomfort.

At the end of the ride, drink a large glass of fresh water to re hydrate. It’s important to keep moving after the ride. Walking or some type of activity will help the body recover.

Saddle time!

Practice Ride – If after a month or two of weekly lessons you feel good and the instructor agrees, ask if they permit a practice ride. A ride on your own. Sometimes being under the constant eye of an instructor can be inhibiting. Being on your own riding the horse can provide a confidence boost. Consider all that will happen. Often, you’ll have to bring the horse in from pasture. Grooming can take some time depending on the amount of mud and dust on the horse. Saddling, bridling, getting on the horse by yourself is part of the fun of riding. If you feel comfortable and it’s safe, the practice ride can include a short free walk around the property. Being in an arena is fine, but walking out along a trail or around the farm is refreshing. Done at the walk, horse and rider should return to the barn relaxed. It’s also a chance to just be with a horse and that’s what it’s all about!

Lease – If the budget and time allows, consider a partial lease on a horse. Some stables have this opportunity available. A lesson is typically expected, but two of the rides are on your own. It can be complex fitting in ride time if you work a normal full-time job. Riding arenas can limit free ride times due to a lesson schedule. Talk to the instructor and try to work out what’s best and possible. Nothing is more relaxing than riding a horse Friday afternoons after a hectic work week. Many times, these have been my best rides. It’s just you and the horse.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any comments about returning to riding or tips for readers, please share your thoughts.

A Day with Pino

Since the age of twelve, I’ve wanted to have a horse of my own. I cannot say why or how the fascination started but the ambition is one step closer to reality. Pino, I am leasing Pino for the winter from my riding instructor. He is an eleven year old Andalusia gelding living quietly in a paddock with his long time pal Bastian. So far, he’s had light duty being ridden only a half-hour on Saturday’s by a lovely teenager. His skills as a riding horse have advanced slowly these three years. However, his days are now becoming more involved.

I’ve volunteered at a horse rescue for going on eight months. I made a nice living as a small barn manager thirty years ago and was willing to give it a go with horses once more. There I was on Sundays, back in a barn giving myself one sore back for a few weeks. Curious but lacking confidence, I stated taking riding lessons and have been getting back into the swing of things since June. I attended several workshops on horse handling and training. I even went up one level in Reiki to be able to give support to the horses. However, I also kept bumping into a barn manager whose frequent comment was; we don’t do that here. A dead-end was reached.

It was my instructor’s suggestion that I attend the Tristan Tucker workshop at Ashby Farms in October that helped me see what it was I wanted to do. My on going fascination with horse communication will now be quite satisfied. TRT method is a training that starts with specific ground work and continues in the saddle. My riding instructor is one of his students, and now, I am one of hers in this program. On Wednesday evenings, I blast out of the city and speed out to the barn for the 5:30 p.m. training hour. I’ve had to be clever and find every short cut along the way to be on time. We’ve had to fetch Pino out of the muddy paddock as it’s been suddenly wet this fall after months of dry. It was quite something to be in the covered ring last week with the rain pounding on the roof. Nevertheless, there we were five women and their horses learning to move together. TRT involves a lot of circular motion as a ground work for connecting the horses hind legs to his front legs. We teach the horse how to be relaxed and confident in their body. To trust their own ability to be safe in otherwise challenging circumstances. The horse is given clear direction and clear confirmation when they make the right move. However, it is a dizzying business at first and I wonder if Pino feels the vertigo as much as I do when we pause.

So today, the lease started and I had a glorious afternoon with Pino. It was so nice and warm midday without any wind. He took a lie down and enjoyed a sunbathe as I tidied his paddock. He is a chunky horse, very compact in shape with a large Roman nose. I think it is better called baroque, sounds a bit classier. We are getting used to each other now. I learned today if the hands are light, he is too. I remembered Tucker’s frequent comment of release of pressure is the reward. When I realized the hands were tense on the reins, I lightened up by just relaxing the grip. Didn’t Pino respond instantly. He tends to weave and lean his shoulder out on circles. He’s out of balance when he gets moving at a quicker pace. He doesn’t know it’s okay to stretch his body with a rider on his back. His back is tense and he’s unsure what to do. Today’s goal was simply move forward on a steady, round light circle. We only trotted and worked on transitions. He does understand the aid for halt going right. He wasn’t so clear on the same aid going left. He is sensitive and when I let go sitting deeply in the saddle, he naturally moves well into a nice downward transition. I can see the more we work on the TRT ground training, Pino and I will both move with clearer understanding toward confidence together. At least that is the goal I can tell he wants to know what I want, and I am not so clear at this moment. But, he is curious, part of something more now. We shall see how things work out over the long winter ahead. What a good afternoon to be with Pino.

Tales from the Barn Boards ~ The Year of the Garden

Sometime in January, the thought came that this is the year of the garden. On any day, there is no more tranquil place than the backyard. The view out the kitchen is into a deep emerald glade. A trio of maple trees planted on the left side create a natural boundary cooling the space and giving a home to wildlife. After six years of care with natural enrichers, many herbs and grasses have emerged giving variety to the landscape. The russian olive tree sprawls in the sunny corner. The Rose of Sharon are mature enough to bloom. Low bush blueberries loved their winter mulch of pine needles but stalled at the lack of rains. The concord grape-vine way in the back has grown wild cascading up and over everything. A statue of St. Francis gazes out feeling the touch of chickadees at the feeder. There is everything to do back there or nothing at all.

Equine Rescue

Polly and colt at Huckins Farm Chepachet RI 1983

It was a small advertisement for an equine rescue that caught my eye. In town? There is a rescue right here? Up until my late twenties, I made a comfortable living working with horses. Occasionally, an opportunity to be around horses came by but nothing quite worked out. A full-time job, continuing education, a house and ordinary life did not allow for horses. I thought those days are over. The text came that yes, a volunteer is sought for Sundays. Only a few weeks before, I had finally decided to join a local congregation and signed on as a member after sporadic involvement for ten years. The expectation is attendance routinely at Sunday services and participation as a member in some committee. It bothered me a bit, but this could be the last chance in this lifetime to be with horses again. The stable is only a ten-minute drive from home. Finally, something I cherish, something that was put aside is renewed. If there is anything in this lifetime I truly worship, it is horses.

After six months of steady volunteering, the skills, strength and stamina to be a caretaker have returned. Horses are large animals with minds of their own. As much as I felt tingles of excitement at the opportunity to be in their presence again, I had concerns about mistakes, accidents or something happening that would take this away from me. I expanded to Wednesday late afternoons at the barn too and started taking riding lessons. The month of June was a trial by discomfort as overexertion caused a lumbar strain that made life difficult. I had trouble putting on my own socks in the morning never mind hauling water buckets. It hurt but I remembered it does take time to get back in condition. The weather turned mild and swimming at the town beach along with physical therapy eventually eased the pain. When it comes to horses, I am no quitter. I kept going every Sunday to do chores.

There really is something magical about horses. The best moment at the stable is turning Geo and the larger horses out in the large field. The gentle hillside crests away from the field gate, so often we cannot quite see them anymore but we hear the thunder of hooves as they fly over the fields. Often they swing back and canter up the crest tossing manes and tails in complete freedom. Wow! Even our shy Whisper gives a swish and flash in the herd, Laissez Aller! Let’s all go!

Above the joy of horses, the lingering thought that if not for the rescue all would be dead tempers reality. An equine rescue can be the last chance for ponies, donkeys and horses. For many reasons, horses can end up for sale in an auction house. There are several throughout the United States where the buyer is only interested in pounds on the hoof. Clearly, this animal is on the way to Canada or Mexico to be slaughtered. Horse meat is sold in Canada and Europe for human consumption. There is a network of equine advocates who collaborate through the internet to “save” horses. Several of the horses in the barn were purchased from these auctions and transported to the rescue. Some of them were surrendered by the owners, mostly because of financial costs. Horses need space and a lot of food to keep going. Horses take a commitment of time and resources by people. Sometimes, things do not turn out as planned in life.

The ponies, donkey and horses have different health concerns. A few are simply retired but most struggle in some way. Mamma cannot forget her disappointment and is terribly shy of people. Greta has a pulled tendon that is slow to heal. She is a classic Morgan and the queen of the herd. Several have been adopted to new homes and take with them a new chance to belong somewhere. The donkey is recovering from white line hoof disease and shows so much character. Even he breaks into a frisky canter when the herd moves around the fields. What a delight to hear him hee-haw at the gate. How much he makes sure we never forget him. How fierce he can be when protecting his friends. How much fun he is to groom and pamper.

Riding Over 50

My age is somewhere beyond 50 now. When I was a teenager, the majority of people involved with horses were women. This has not changed. The volunteers are mostly older women. The median age might well be 55. The stories are similar, they saw a chance to work with horses based on memories of riding or owing horses when young and decided to get involved. My eyes have been opened to limitations based on beliefs that middle age meant being less able physically to do things. Every volunteer does what she can despite physical or time limitations.

Competing at Camp Marshall Spencer MA circa 1970s

Once I got into the routine of going to the barn, the itch came to get on a horse again. After searching for a place to take lessons, I discovered White Spruce Farms in the next town and about an eight-minute drive from the stable. Susan has an active boarding/lesson barn dedicated to dressage and catering to adults. It has taken a while to say that the old skill of riding is returning. The lumbar strain caused a delay in lessons while I healed muscles. Despite years of hatha yoga practice, a regular stretching program and being a great walker and swimmer, I was not fit to ride anymore. It takes a lot of different muscles and flexibility to go with the horses’ movement. A rider needs to have a lot of spring and give in the joints, mine are half worn out. The physical therapy exercises given to ease the back pain also helped in building abdominal muscles vital to a pleasant ride.

Despite a hot relentlessly dry summer, time constraints, and limits on resources, I manage to keep going. My goal is to get back in the swing of riding and have fun. When I was riding as part of my workday, I had competent equestrian skills. Of course, I had daydreams of becoming an Olympian and riding Grand Prix dressage tests someday. Realistically, it’s all about feeling the lovely movement of a horse once again. I love grooming, tacking up and going out for a ride. When it’s over it’s over too soon and I want to go again.

I get tired. I find bruises on me at the end of the day. I get big lumpy bug bites often. Yet, I cannot say no more. It wasn’t a hobby early in life and it’s not know. Horses get to something in my spirit. I liked working with horses as it meant being outdoors. Much of the work is in a barn and while they are a shelter from the elements, you work no matter the weather conditions. The chores take all morning to do. There is less an interest in time around horses; things get done. There are also a lot fewer people.

The Garden Waits

The garden doesn’t care if I am there or not. It is a haven at the end of the day. The cool green is healing and welcoming. Summer evenings are spent tending here and there. It has struggled through a long dry spell and waits for quenching rains. I did plant a tomato vine, grew basil and tend the strawberry patch. The winter took my grandiflora hydrangea unfortunately. The tall shrub suffered from several wicked winters. It was gradually diminishing in growth and turning spindly. This spring, it did not leaf out at all. I had to take it down and it has left a whole in the side yard. The winter birds will be confused. This is where the feeders and suet cakes are hung. I am undecided about putting in a new shrub or letting things be as they are.

I never thought in my life I would be back surrounded by horses. I hear myself say this at times to others as if still amazed at what’s happening. I am where I am and going with whatever comes. I didn’t buy my house until I was 50. I learned to manage all that comes with one and be happy about it. We’ve stood up through snow storms, heat waves, tranquil mornings and bright beaming moonlight. I didn’t travel to Europe until last year and had the time of my life in Sicily. Once I get myself sorted out and past a fear of the unknown, I do just fine. Dare I even consider adopting one of the horses for myself. I am saving up to return to Italy next year. I wanted to travel down to NYC and see an opera at the Met. The shed needs repairs. I haven’t taken a day off to sit by the sea-side all year. All to do. Some kind of karma is being worked out, maybe I need to get out the way and let things simply happen.