I'm not yet 50 but I was bitten by the "horse bug" when I was about 2. I never had the opportunity to ride much as a kid but I started taking lessons in my early 40s and bought my first horse, and 11 year old Morgan gelding last year. Notice I said my first!!! I can't imagine not being at the barn several times a week to see my buddy. My grandchildren are already infected but I'm happy to share my good fortune. I definitely plan on riding well into my 90s! I have a lot of catching up to do!!

Well I will hit the big 60 in Nov. I have 27 horses at the moment. I rode yesterday, which is a treat, as I work full time and there is just my husband and I to take care of the horses. I hope to show next year in the AQHA clases if I can afford it and have the time. Worst comes to worst I will start showing after I retire.

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Maybe if we petition the Board AdMins, they will make a "50+ Gang" section.

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Request forwarded to "TPTB"

WAY TO GO WALKIN THE WALK! Would you just look at all the 1st time posters!!!!! I think we are onto something here, what do you think?

I think a 50+ posting section would be fantastic. I too, used to ride bareback as a kid and mounted from the ground, not a mounting block. Heck, we even ran up behind our horses and vaulted from their rump to their back!!! If I tried that today, I would probably bounce off Bri's bum and land on my tailbone and end up in the emergency room of my local hospital! LOL!!!!

HEY EQUISEARCH, ARE YOU LISTENING???????

I was out of the horse game for over 35 years, after selling my horse to get married. Five years ago I got back in at the age of 55+. I keep 2 horses at home, a 5 year old paint and an 18 year old Quarter horse. I trail ride with one or both of them nearly every weekend when it cools off enough. My husband says goodbye on Friday and I return home Sunday evening. I will continue as long as I can, and just regret not getting horses years ago! They give me a real reason to love life as I age!! I ride mainly with younger folks, but so far keep up with them and even pass them by once in a while!!

Horses aren't my whole life,
but they do make my life whole.

I'm over 50 and still loving every minute. My horse is my therapy, my exercise, my zen moments. How would I live without my horse? I hope I don't have to learn that any time soon.

Hey Jan! I have a Morgan, too, and - very low level - eventing is my dream. We've done basic dressage, just been to an English show, and also trot crossrails at the moment. I can't wait until I feel brave enough to do the baby cross country!

You are definatly not alone!!! I am 54, soon to be 55, and I too, was a late bloomer!!! Got my first horse at 37, she is now 20 and going strong, and the love of my life. I also have 3 other horses and a donkey, and I think that the older I get the more I love and understand these wonderful animals. So ride with pride and know that you are not alone!!!

I'm mid-50s and still riding. Also breeding horses for my daughter to ride, as well as looking after my 200-odd cows and calves.My local vet, who is in his 60s, still events (at 2-star and 3-star level) and breeds Warmbloods.So no, you're not on your own !!

I'm 59 and although like many of you I loved horses and wanted one since I was little I didn't get one until I was 49. I've since retired from teaching and can't imagine how my life would be without my horse. The barn has become family and I've made many incredible friends. Being retired I really do have all the time in the world to enjoy my horse. I mostly trail ride spending long hours in the saddle and enjoy traveling and camping with my horse. I remember reading about an 80+ year old woman and her 28 year old horse who was still competing on the Endurance circuit. They had just finished their 2nd 100 mile endurance race that year. I remember thinking "WOW! I'm not crazy--we can do this!" I hope I am just like that woman.

it never has been as much about the riding as it has been about "seeing, touching and having them blow in my nose"

So glad you said that!! I am 54 and have rheaumatoid arthritis, so cannot ride like I used to, but not a day goes
by that I don't spend hours with them, they are the reason I can still do the things I do!!! I miss not riding everyday, but I would miss the smell and warmth and just "being" with them much more than the riding!!!

Not really sure if I am a "newbie", mostly just a lurker, even forgot my username and password, had to re-register to add to this posting!! LOL But I'm all for an 'old fogies' group, bet we could out-ride the youngun's!!!

How great to see so many out there over 50! I am 52 and over the last couple of years have been barrel racing with my daughter!! Being with my horse keeps me young!!!!

I'm 52, started back riding 3-1/2 years ago,after not having ridden regularly for over 30 years. Got my very first horse @ 48 and starting eventing! I now have 2 horses, one for my husband, which I ride most of the time! I'm having a blast, even if I get lousy dressage scores w/ my horse, we usually make up points in stadium and x-country. Just moved up to Novice this summer! Also went to Equissage for their Equine Sports Massage Therapy program, and am now a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist. Love it!!!

I was one of the first half-dozen replies to your post and way back then I predicted
"I think you might find that this thread will get quite long - there are quite a few 50+ on this board"

Now, 790 views later & almost 60 replies, look what you've done .... we baby-boomers just might be getting our very own forum

And Thanks for visiting my website & sharing my little corner of paradise
This IS actually my favourite time of year (at least early autumn - I don't like it when all the trees are bare & everywhere you look, from the sky downwards, is grey ). But now is the best riding weather - not hot, not humid, not many bugs, horses happy to work for you ... hmmm what a life