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| "Blue" |
So,
as the New Year begins, I find I’m at a loss as far as goals go. I used
to set goals but have long since decided it’s best to take each day as it
comes. Try and work on what I think needs to be done for or with the
horses. I’d like to spend more time with the herd, specifically, Blue,
Donnie, and Sami.
This
is a goal in itself because it seems there is never enough time in the days and
weeks to have to myself and do what I want. I’m not complaining (well
maybe a little bit) but I often wonder [what's the best way to strike that
difficult balance between doing the things I want to do, and that make me happy,
and taking care of everyone else's needs? I think that's just life's problem,
but I haven't figure it out yet, and if you have, I'd be happy to hear about
how!]
I’m
planning on working Donnie and Sami this weekend on the longe for a bit to
start getting them back in shape. Just because Donnie can’t be ridden safely
and Sami is too small for me to ride doesn’t mean they should be left to their
own devices to keep fit. [Both of them actually seem to enjoy the
work and] I doubt I’ll be able to ride Blue since he’s been a tad bit
lame for the last week or so. He’s getting older too and his hocks bother
him. So I have to be mindful of that and be gentle with him.
I
go back and forth about getting a younger horse to ride and retiring
Blue. There are two schools of thought running through my head. The first
is that I’d really like to spend more time riding while I still can
physically manage it. It’s a shame to waste what time I might have left
in the saddle and the property, the riding arenas and the indoor we have
for the horses, which, if not being used for the intention it was bought,
seems wasteful, too. The second is whether it's fair to get
another horse at my age (65) that I may not be able to ride in a few
years. Although I would love to ride forever, age and physical agility
are a question mark. So I’m wondering, how do some of you older riders
feel about this dilemma? What would you do?
Quote for
Today
When you’re
young and fall off a horse, you may break something. When you’re my age and you fall off, you
splatter. Roy Rogers
Interesting dilemma! I think it would be worthwhile to keep your eyes peeled for a new steed, if something feels right - go for it! If not, it's not meant to be. My pony club instructor rode a wild freisan cross in her 80s and said it kept her young... personally that horse would not be my cup of tea! Even at 30! Best of luck with your decision and happy new year :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate Rose. I'll certainly keep my eyes open for any new possibilities that might come around. Happy New Year to you too.
DeleteAh, that's a tough one. If you do get a new horse, a middle-aged well-trained one would be nice. There are some steady Eddies out there. I got Penny for $750 as a 19 year old and she's giving everyone rides. Of course we do trails so that's a lot easier than arena work. Today a friend came over and rode her bareback in the snow and she was just great. There are lots of golden ones out there.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
DeletePenny seems a like a dream horse. I was thinking of a horse that's maybe a little younger than that though. Blue is a steady Eddy and he's 19 and I trust him. I'm hoping his hock issues will be manageable and I can keep riding him for now. If not then I think I'll look for a younger steady Eddy.
I probably shouldn't have put my age out there because I think everyone will now think that I'm a decrepit little old lady. Believe it or not I'm still in pretty good shape (well, a little overweight at the moment) but I have no trouble riding or doing strenuous chores. So that's the dilemma, I still feel good but it's that number that gets me thinking.
Yeah, they're out there--all ages, really. I have two friends who bought steady eddy horses this year--12 year old and 14 year old--which I consider middle-aged--or really, the perfect age.
DeleteHmmm... How about keeping your eyes peeled, and if (and by if I mean when) a good option comes along, go for it. :D Since there are no options for steady riding in your herd now, and you have the space and resources, why not?
ReplyDeleteI like your thinking. Why not!
DeleteI've been going through the same thing. We bought Rock a little over 3 years ago because my husband wanted to ride with me and all of my Arabs were too small for him and too energetic. I don't regret buying Rock, but I wish I knew that my husband would have back problems a year later and have to give up riding, and then I would develop such bad arthritis in my spine, hips and knees in a couple of years that I'd have to cut way back on the length and frequency of my rides. I didn't realize that adding just one more horse into the mix would nearly double the amount of time I was doing barn chores, and of course, that leaves less time for riding. However, without Rock, I'd still be struggling to train my Arabs to relax and probably totally hate riding. He has allowed me to just hop on and go whenever I need to get out of the house and get some fresh air. It's nice having an uncomplicated horse. So, if you choose to get another horse, choose wisely. Make sure it is one who will help you ride more and work less. We just built our arena, horse barn, hay barn, and round pen five years ago, and our tack room a little over a year ago, so I don't want any of it to go to waste just because I suffer from fatigue and pain. I push myself to keep riding even though my body says it doesn't want to. I think I keeps me healthier and happier.
ReplyDeleteRock is a great example. And, if you ever needed to sell him, people would line up to give him a good home.
DeleteRock is a great horse and I would love to find a horse like him. He reminds me of Blue only younger and healthier. I agree that even one more horse is a lot of work and expense but I always find myself thinking, if not now then when. Time is not a friend. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteYeah, we definitely have to respect time. I meant to tell you that I did buy some of that Wellnesse Joint Movement liquid and have been taking it. I read that you have to take it for a few weeks before you feel the effects, so I'll let you know if it makes a difference. I definitely did have one pain-free day this week. It's been a long time since I've been able to go up and down stairs without saying, "Ouch."
DeleteI hope the joint supplement helps you. It did for my husband's knees but it takes about 4-6 weeks before it kicks in. Good luck I wish you more pain free days.
DeleteI'm wondering if not setting an overall goal is what leads to your dilemma? I've found that if I say "Kate and I will work on such and such so that we're ready for X in July" it helps me define my time priorities. Then I can say to someone that wants my input/help on something, whether family, friends, or neighbors, "I can do that this afternoon. This morning I have a commitment to something (my riding/training session)."
ReplyDeleteAs for horse shopping, again, if you have a riding goal in mind, it will help you find the horse best suited. I want to continue to do the mountain trail competitions and dabble a bit in western/cowboy dressage, and Kate is perfectly suited to both of those activities. If I "downgrade" to just trail riding, she's great for that, as well. She turns twelve this year, and, though she has her silly moments, she's mature enough for us to to be a good team. She's probably my last horse--I, too, am 65. I [finally] sold Maddie because, though she the same age as Kate, she was, and probably always will be, more horse than I care to ride at this point in my life.
Good luck!
You know you might be right about setting goals. Now I'll just have to think of something I really want to work towards instead of just saying I want to ride more. I think I stopped setting goals because every time I did something awful would happen. My plans for my horse Erik came to a screeching halt when he died of colic. And the same thing happened when I set goals for Dusty and me. Maybe I subconsciously got a little superstitious and stopped setting goals so nothing bad would happen.
DeleteAbsolutely something I've thought about too Grey Horse.
ReplyDeleteMy sibling Morgan horses are about to be 17 & 16, but they are powerhouses that show no signs of aging as yet, & I hope they will be so healthy & strong for many more years to come.
4 years ago, I took over a beautiful 1/2 Morgan mare (for Mr Shoes) from a person who couldn't keep her. The black mare is only coming 9, so I hope the rest of my riding life will be covered.
But, as many of my relatives (more women than men) have ridden well into their 80's & a few into their 90's, I will actually count myself very lucky if I ever have to replace a horse because I'm still riding at that age!
I think that, if I should need to, I would look for a sound horse in his teens. In my will there are instructions on what will happen to my animals & provisions have been made for their care; I really think that's all that anyone can do.
p.s. Age is only a number to mark time, it says nothing about your strength or vitality.
ReplyDeleteMy Aunt was one of the ORIGINAL barrel racers at the Calgary Stampede; & she chased cans competitively well into her 70's. She is now in her late eighties and rides one horse twice a day to keep him (& her) fit - until just recently, she rode TWO horses twice a day (in her prime, she rode 18 horses twice a day & kept such a large string of runners that she had to occasionally hire riders).
She says she might be winding down, but she can still lope the pattern, for fun, fast enough to qualify, & straighter, with better equitation than most anyone I've ever seen.
I think that, if someone were to call her 'old', that someone might get a punch in the throat. ;-)
Your Aunt sounds like a hoot! I love people like that. I hope we can all follow in her footsteps.
DeleteI'm definitely on the same page with this dilemma! It's been a busy year for me with family stuff and my riding has been shifted aside with a few brief spells of good rides. Keil Bay is 27 and although technically he is sound and we still have some lovely rides, I want him to enjoy some retirement benefits too. Cody is 14 and although he does best with daily work, his PSSM and this year a couple of nasty abscesses have really limited his riding time. The pony is too small for me but he and I do have fun playing in the arena free lunging. He is a blast and very smart. But there's still part of me that wants a horse young enough and strong enough to push me a little and keep me growing as a rider. Sensible and safe, but with some energy to spare and no issues at all. Like you, though, I know it will add work as well as ride time. And I worry that if I go for it I will end up feeling guilty because I don't have the time to ride as much as I think I might! You told me once to ride first and let everything else come after. Maybe that's the goal we both need right now! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, I sound like I gave good advice once upon a time. I just might have to listen to myself for a change! When I do ride I always try to do it first thing in the morning before anything else. It seems easier for some reason before getting bogged down with other commitments. Thanks for reminding me.;)
DeleteIt's always a difficult thought as we get older. I would say to keep your eyes peeled and see if you can find a horse. If you do then the plan is to find him a good home when you can no longer keep him. That can happen to anyone so a plan is necessary no matter how old you are.
ReplyDeleteI have no worries about a new horse being taken care of if I can no longer ride. My daughter is an excellent horsewoman and would always take care of any horse on the property. She lives there on the farm and does most of the work. I have a house next door to the farm so the properties connect. I just don't know if it would be fair to her to bring another horse in to take care of.
DeleteWell here I am at 73 and down to 2 horses. For over 25 years I had six of my own. My 32 year old is still able to be ridden (light work but she is totally sound) and my 18 year old is unsound off and on. I still take care of them every single day and ride very little compared to what I used to do. Fortunately Berlin is very good to me even when she has not been ridden for months. Because I have always ridden for pleasure, I feel no pressure to have a strict plan and never feel guilty when I am slacking off. I did not own a horse until I was 37 years old and am still totally committed to them. All have been with me for the rest of their lives....Berlin was even born here. I am a softie, love them and can't imagine not spending time with them every single day. If you want a horse, get one. I am quite certain your daughter would help you out if you are ever not able to ride it. You have the ultimate facility and should take full advantage. Do listen to yourself.....
ReplyDeleteBerlin and Abbe are wonderful horses and are lucky to have you to love them and take care of them. All of our horses have forever homes too. Thanks for your opinion,I still have some thinking to do.
DeleteI have always bought younger horses (4ish) and then trained them myself with the help of lessons from professionals. But, when I got Lucy I wasn't feeling like I wanted to deal with youngster antics and so I got Lucy -- 12 at the time, 14 now. She's not an easy ride all the time -- but she is definitely more settled; more "been there, done that." I also figured we would be more likely to retire together. I didn't want to get a 4 year old and then be done riding while the horse was at its prime. Lucy has some arthritis in her hocks, but heck, so do I. I vote that you get a horse, but get a nice middle aged one that's been trained well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input Annette. I was thinking along the same lines. I'll have to wait until Spring to make my decision. Who knows maybe Blue will be feeling better in the warmer weather.
DeleteNot being a horse owner, I shan't weigh in with any thoughts about getting another horse, although reading the other wonderfully supportive comments, I must say they do make sense. As for striking that balance between doing what makes you happy and taking care of everyone else's needs - honestly, the least selfish thing you can do is make your own happiness your priority. When you're happy, you're going to make everyone around you happy. And that's something I've got to start doing for myself :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy, as always you have great insight.
DeleteOh Arlyne, it seems like many of us are having similar thoughts. At 65, you have a lot of life left. I hear 70 is the new 40! :) Age is one of those things that is so very unique to the individual, and if you're strong, healthy and still have the desire to ride - then by all means, there are countless reasons to do so! Go for it and have fun. Do not let riding or horses become something you only wish you would have done longer. That would be a tragedy! There are so many good horses in need of good people. If you want a new horse, then I shall chime in with the others and recommend a horse in their teen years with good training and life experience. They are worth their weight in gold! Horses, like people, are living much longer, healthier lives these days. Just take your time, keep an open mind and do no exclude any particular breed. You will know your horse when you meet him or her. Trust your instincts and your heart. You know what I'm talking about...
ReplyDeleteHowever, please do not stop riding Blue. There is a very good drug on the market today that is so much better than Bute, and works better than any feed supplement out there. Previcox is the one labelled for dogs, and Equioxx tablets are now available and labelled for horses. They work over the long term and not for short term at all. A common dose is one tiny and chewable tablet daily. Drop it in their grain ration and they won't even know they ate a pill. I have been using it with Missy since last spring (she has fairly severe navicular syndrome) and she has been doing amazingly well. It is working so much better than anything else I've tried. Just start a couple weeks before riding and then continue daily use. When I'm actively riding, I give Miss 2 pills a day, and then in the off season, drop her doseage down to 1 pill daily. Much safer for long-term use and for liver and kidney health. Ask your vet about it. Equiox tablets. You just might have the perfect riding horse right there in your barn. :)
Thanks for your opinion. I'd like to keep riding Blue, he's such a character and always makes me smile or laugh at his antics. And he is a wonderful riding partner and safe and I do trust him. He's my steady Eddie in the barn.
DeleteI remember Dusty was on Previcox and I believe Mellon is still on it. I haven't heard of Equiox but maybe that would work. Thanks for the input I'll check into it.
Since I broke my hip bone going off Tucker, I haven't ridden much at all. I'm not sure I will ride him again, but I have Chance who is a super trail horse. Chance has an OCD stifle, so I can't really dressage train him, which is what I'd like to be doing between trail rides. I only have room for 3, so that's Toby, now 27--still sound, Tucker, 17, still opinionated, and Chance, 14. Since my accident, I've lost a lot of determination to ride, mostly because I completely lost my fitness and my body is stiff in too many places. (I'm 67, by the way) I've been slack about retraining my riding muscles, but I certainly would like to hop on now and then and just ride into the woods.
ReplyDeleteSo, I think about it. Now that winter is here, I don't have to think too much. Spring will be another story. If I could get the motivation to build myself back up with stretching and muscle work, I'd definitely ride. But I miss the idea of dressage schooling--not for showing but just because I love to train. What I need is a quiet, sound horse to play with. Bit of a dilemma, but as I grow older, I will just work within my limits.
I wonder if between trail rides if there is someone you know who needs help with dressage training their horse or horses. Might be a barn around who might even pay you to ride and train a horse or two. You've got lots of experience so it would be a win-win for everybody.
ReplyDeleteI need to get in better shape too. Things don't seem to bounce back as quickly as they did when I was younger. So I figure by the Spring I should be in decent shape again to ride.
Good type of dilemma to have, because you've got options. Altho I can tell it's been weighing on your mind. Everyone has given such good supportive advice & encouragement. I echo much of the above. Have you talked to your daughter about the possibility of getting/caring for another horse? My guess is she would encourage you to follow your heart. Not to replace or retire Blue, but as another riding option and part of your beautiful family farm. Only you will know when/if the time is right. Good luck with your big decision!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Aurora. It is a big decision and one I won't rush into because another horse is a lifetime commitment around here.
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