Did horses sneak back into your life after a long break? I took a seven year hiatus from horses in order to spend time with Maizie. I tell about my return to riding in a new Equitrekking article, Return to Riding After 40. You can read it on the Equitrekking website and also on Equitrekking's Facebook page. Fun!
Here is my cute Pie posing with gorgeous violets on our Sunday ride. It was sunny, although still chilly. I had a saddle, but bareback rides are going to be infinitely easier now because...ta da...
...my father-in-law made me this super high mounting block!!! How great is this? I love it! I introduced it to the boys last week.
Each horse came out of the barn and immediately snorted and ducked and backed up when they saw it for the first time. I was ready though - earlier I strategically placed carrot pieces on the corners of each step. A slow approach and munchy bites of carrots and everyone agreed, this new monster isn't so bad! I've used it to mount all three horses and it works perfectly. Also, it is light enough for me to move as necessary. I sanded the corners so they are round and not pointy and will paint it after the wood ages a little.
It's the very thing for old women bareback riders like me!
I took almost 20 years off from riding - from my mid-20s to my mid-40s - career and family . . . I started back in 1997 and have never looked back - I guess that's almost 17 more years of riding - more than I did during the first riding years!
ReplyDeleteLove the new mounting block - Red's the only one I ride bareback - his back is comfy, he's only 15 hands, and he likes it. Dawn and Pie are a bit on the boney side . . .
In our case we didn't start riding until age 50. We didn't buy our first horses until 60 and we are still going at 68.
ReplyDeleteI like your mounting block. I built a table style, but it's getting old. I may try one like that.
Dan
Congratulations on your article! I also started back at 40. It was a different learning experience when everything didn't work like it used to. But I've adjusted in the last 21 years to accommodate my aging and sometimes uncooperative body.
ReplyDeleteLove the mounting block. We have one of similar height and it's great. Saves a lot of wear and tear on the horse's backs and my knees.
Thanks for the comments!
ReplyDeleteKate - as always, you inspire me!
Dan - I love that you and Betty started at age 50. How cool is that? Never too late!
Grey Horse Matters - It is a different learning experience now. I hope to say "21 years" back someday.
What a great article! I didn't get my first horse until I was 50 and hadn't ridden (consistently) in over 30 years. Harley was 8, a somewhat stressed OTTB, and hadn't spent much time on the trails. I've had my share of spills and thrills and realized I don't bounce quite so well anymore! I tend to put safety before ego now. I expect our relationship to be a work in progress as we work together overcoming fears and just enjoying his company, whether I'm mounted or not. I find myself making up for the lost time when horses were not in my life. I want to be able to ride as long as possible, and since I'm not trying to compete, what is accomplished on any given day is fine with me. It's another day in the saddle, relishing the great outdoors, from the best place in the world--on a horse's back--MY horse's back.
ReplyDeleteLove That Mounting Stair Step!!
ReplyDeleteIt Will Certainly Assist In Bareback Mounting Your Large Steeds.
It Had Been Near 30 Years Without A Horse For Me. Not Without Riding...But Not Having Your Own To Love, And Make
Decisions For, Was Really Difficult.
I Told My Man,"If I Get A Horse,I
Will Be Obsessed, And I'll Be Gone,
Alot!"
My Sissy Bought Me A Big Honking 3 Step Block, When I Turned Fifteee A Few Years Back. Though I Still Must Jump A Little From It, WA Knows She Gets A Stretchy Neck Treat, If She Stays Stock Still.
Now....I Must Go Read Your Article, It's Taken Me Far Too Long, Sorry
The ever-useful, ever-yummy carrot!! Will its magical wonders ever cease? No, I say, never!!
ReplyDeleteYou have to realize what they are stating and have the option to foresee what they are going to do. The more familiar you become in communicating in their language the simpler and more secure your pony encounters will turn into. Horses for Sale
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