Want to start riding in your mid life? Some suggestions

(Originally in Atlantic Horse and Pony, winter 2008)

Find a trainer who would never dream of intimidating you. The riding teacher should be gentle with the horse and you. Virginia Cummings says, “Too many friends of mine have gotten hurt because they were pushed beyond their abilities and were too afraid to say no to their trainers.

Ride older horses. Every horse will test you, but older horses are often more mellow and forgiving, and help a rider to build confidence in themselves and in their horse.

Are you interested in trail riding? Dressage? Reining? With so many disciplines and reasons to ride, you need to choose the horse and teacher that match what you want to do. Virginia says, “Research stables and trainers and watch them before you take a lesson or make a big commitment of time or money. There are excellent books to read, and the Internet can be a source of excellent information.

Wear proper safety equipment, which includes a properly fitting helmet and good boots with heels, never sneakers. Some riders prefer to wear chaps or suede-seated breeches to help hold them in the saddle. Body protectors such as those worn by cross-country/eventing riders are also useful.

Before going out to ride, do some warm-up and stretching exercises, to help relax muscles and minimize stiffness after your ride. Other exercises such as bicycling, walking, using a treadmill or trainer help you to keep in shape over the winter months when you might not ride as often. Physiotherapist Shelley Fleckenstein recommends yoga as a year-round regime, but especially in the off-season, as a tremendous technique for maintaining flexibility, overall strength and well-being.

Dr. Rallie McAllister says, “Take good care of your health--physical, mental, and emotional. You've got every possibility of living to a ripe old age, and the better care you take of yourself, the longer you'll remain vibrant and energetic and active. And the longer you'll be able to enjoy riding and caring for horses. The promise of a long, active life is well worth the investment of regular exercise and a nutritious diet.”