I sat on my first pony at a pony ride venue in Stanley Park, B.C. in 196- something.
After that I was hooked and it seems as though I have been riding ever since!

Now middle age has caught up to me and have found I have to pay better attention to my  riding so I may continue to ride well into my middle aged years.

Here are some things I think, as middle aged riders, we may have to consider:

1. Stay fit. Being in good physical condition has allowed me to continue to ride. Get a physical fitness program and eat a well balanced diet. I have found the spare tire around the middle a little more prominent these days.
   Doing stretches, sit ups and some yoga moves helps keep my back, core and legs relaxed and strong to continue to ride.
2. Get a responsible horse. A seasoned horse may be the safest bet. I have opted out of riding and starting young horses. They are unpredictable and as much as I hate to admit it, I am not as fast or as strong as I used to be to sit on the silly young’uns.
3. Get a responsible coach. A seasoned coach will help in many ways. Being seen as a seasoned rider and understanding physical limitations of students is important. Setting goals, and a suitable warm up is a beneficial part of each class.

Other options are:

• get a sheepskin pad for the saddle or a ‘Cashel – Tush-Cush’ to help absorb the shock. I find the sheepskin warm in the cooler months and it is comfy.
• ride in 2-point. This may help alleviate any concussion on tender spines, necks and hips. You must however, have a strong core to keep yourself off the saddle.
•  Vary your stirrup length to assist with any ankle problems or knee soreness.
• Thick fat rubber reins for easy grip.
• Get comfortable stirrups that don’t twist your knees.

Consistencey

There are a few steps that you should consistently do.

keep moving and take the lesson you learned on the horse home with you. Horseback riding, like any sport requires some effort.

So practicing in between lessons is important. This means practicing and keeping in shape as well as making your horse and your lesson a priority.

Make the quality time with your horse a priority.

Leave your baggage at the door so that you can be totally with and focus on your horse. The quality of time as well as the quantity of time you spend with your horse is important.

If you can commit to 1 hour per week for a lesson then be engaged for that time.

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