Riding a horse can provide you with a sense of freedom as the wind blows in your face and you leap to new heights. Horseback riding is often attributed to children and younger adults, but what about senior citizens? Horse riding for adults can be a fun and fulfilling journey since it involves improvements in exercise, mental health, general mobility, and socialization.
Horse riding for the elderly involves several things to consider. Whether you’re engaging in horseback riding for seniors or if you are returning to horse riding after many years, we will arm you with the information you need.
Am I Too Old To Learn To Ride A Horse?
If you have the time and money, then you can absolutely join hundreds of people who are horseback riding over 50. Since it requires the same amount of strength, agility, and balance as any sport, it helps to be in reasonably good physical health. Starting horse riding at 50 or older should not be an issue if this applies to you. However, you don’t necessarily need to be a gym rat to enjoy it. Just be sure to start at a slow pace.
Staying Safe
Horse riding for older adults requires the same safety precautions for any age. Be sure to have all of the appropriate gear—such as an approved riding helmet, boots, comfortable pants, safety stirrups, and chest protectors—and to choose the proper horse and instructor for your needs. However, there are still steps to take when engaging in senior citizen horseback riding.
For starters, pick a horse that’s more mature and requires less exercise. Younger horses often need to be ridden every day and require more intense training. Choose a more forgiving horse who will be compliant with your less-strenuous activities. Take frequent walk breaks to give both you and your horse time catch your breath. Ultimately, the most important thing to do is listen to your body and avoid overexerting yourself.
Health Concerns
Horseback riding for adults can involve numerous health issues, but these shouldn’t be a burden if you keep them in check. Riding horses involves using muscles you’re not used to using and could result in knee pain and soreness on the inside of the upper leg. Some riders will take ibuprofen or acetaminophen before or after riding to ease the pain. Furthermore, it may be a good idea to participate in aerobics, strength training, or flexibility exercises much like any athlete would. A team of massage therapists or chiropractors may also be of assistance, but if you’re looking for something more cost-effective, a hot bath with epsom salts could also ease any post-ride soreness.
Horse riding can be a rewarding experience, so gallop away and enjoy the ride!
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FAQs
Since it requires the same amount of strength, agility, and balance as any sport, it helps to be in reasonably good physical health. Starting horse riding at 50 or older should not be an issue if this applies to you. However, you don't necessarily need to be a gym rat to enjoy it. Just be sure to start at a slow pace.
Is there an age limit for horse riding? ›
Horse riding is an activity that's open to all ages and all abilities, it's never too early or too late to start learning.
How do I know when to stop riding my horse? ›
Just as some riders stop by their 60s and others are still at it at 80, I've known horses still in work over 30, and heard of others in their 40s and even one in his 50s, but 20–30 is far more common. And the attentive rider will feel when the horse deserves to stop.
Is a 30 year old horse too old to ride? ›
When you're riding your 30-year-old horse, it's a lot like taking your 90-year-old grandmother on a hike. And while some in their 90s might relish the idea, most would probably prefer a somewhat less-demanding activity. If your 32-year-old horse seems to be “slowing down,” give him a break!
What is the best horse for older riders? ›
The American Paint Horse is well-known for its calm, friendly demeanor and trainability. This makes it an excellent choice for older riders that want to enjoy a safe, peaceful riding experience.
Is 70 too old to learn to ride a horse? ›
Since it requires the same amount of strength, agility, and balance as any sport, it helps to be in reasonably good physical health. Starting horse riding at 50 or older should not be an issue if this applies to you. However, you don't necessarily need to be a gym rat to enjoy it. Just be sure to start at a slow pace.
What is the weight limit for horse riding? ›
Current research has proven that horses should only be carrying 10- 20% of their own bodyweight when being ridden, this includes the clothing and tack used. With the maximum being 20%, as there is a substantial effect on the horse's gait and behaviour in response to rider's weight.
What are bad habits of horse riding? ›
Here's a list of some of the most common bad riding habits, with advice on how you can correct them:
- Poor posture (looking down, slouching and tipping forwards) ...
- Tension (not breathing) ...
- Bad hands (too restrictive, too high or too low) ...
- Insecure leg (toes out, heels up, leg forward)
That all depends on what your horse needs and what your goals are. Some horses really require consistent work (4–6 rides per week) to keep problems at bay, others do just fine being ridden only a few times a month.
What age should horses be retired? ›
For some, it's age 55 or 62. For others, it's a milestone—typically 20 or 30 years. It isn't as cut and dry with horses. Neither age nor years under saddle are good predictors of an ideal retirement age, according to veterinarian Reynolds Cowles, founder of Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Earlysville, Virginia.
You're never too old to start something new. I didn't start riding until I was 18 and wouldn't change a thing. When I started there were others even older starting too. If you want to learn to ride do it, it's your life, go for it.
How often should a senior horse be ridden? ›
Generally, older horses benefit from exercising at least two to three times a week. Exercise should be in addition to turnout time. Declining muscle mass and a lifetime of wear and tear on joints, ligaments, and tendons can cause pain and stiffness and increase the risk of injury.
What horse should a beginner ride? ›
The Morgan horse nearly always tops the list of recommended breeds for newer riders. Considered America's first breed in the 18th century, the Morgan is known for being kind and courageous. They are particularly eager to please and will work hard to try to figure out what their rider is asking of them.
Can you start riding horses at 40? ›
Is 40 too old to learn to ride a horse? - Quora. Good grief no! There are Facebook pages for mature riders, that's what some people call us, and there's posts from women in their 40's 50's and 60's who are BUYING their first horse. Riding is one activity that you can get into it as deep as you want.
Can a 25 year old horse be ridden? ›
If your horse is healthy, it's good for them to move. As long as the horse is happy and sound enough to be ridden, yes, absolutely.
Can a 20 year old horse be ridden? ›
As long as the horse is healthy and sound, regular exercise is good for them. Sure, I have a 20 year old horse and ride her regularly. She's still fast with lots of spirit. Some horses can live for 40 years.
Is a 21 year old horse too old to ride? ›
Just because he's getting older doesn't mean it's time to quit. In fact, in recent years we've seen 21-year-old horses compete successfully in World Cup jumping. Besides, why not consider letting the horse step down to a less demanding job rather than retiring him completely?
