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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 764
  
Location: Stephenville, TX | sophiebelle - 2013-12-21 7:42 PM I am 51 and just coming back from a buck off that broke my a$$-literally. I am having the hardest time keeping myself sound. When I try to ride, my lower back swells up or I get horribly sore to the point I can't walk. I started injections in my back and go for round 2 in January. I have been off due to this injury since April. I am just now attempting loping, but I have lost my balance, my confidence and my left leg still goes numb. My hope is to begin hauling in January, but I'm not sure that is realistic. I'm afraid the longer I am off, the harder it will be to get back going. I have considered selling, but my husband says no way. He says he can't enjoy life if I have no horses. Lol...Guess I'll keep chugging along probably at a much slower rate than I was a year ago. Do they let seniors in lead line?
So sorry this happened to you. Take small steps in getting back both mentally and physically. Maybe get a riding partner for support and encouragement. Have you checked with your doctor for any advice? Best of luck and instead of being in the lead line be the senior in line to get a check! |
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Mrs. Troy
Location: western Nebraska | I am also in this great catagory. I had two bad wrecks the last two years so I think I have really slowed down. But I do have four nice horses and plan on going to lots of jps this coming year. June Holeman is planning on making the nfr this coming year and she is running tough. A hero of mine is Pat Spratt from Wyo. She is 70 and tough as nails. She makes her circuit finals every year. We also have another great lady we run against- Jean Reeves- she is in her 80's and I am sure I can't keep up with her.
So I am not getting older-just getting wiser!!! haha
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 764
Location: Stephenville, TX | doglady - 2013-12-21 8:52 PM I am also in this great catagory. I had two bad wrecks the last two years so I think I have really slowed down. But I do have four nice horses and plan on going to lots of jps this coming year. June Holeman is planning on making the nfr this coming year and she is running tough. A hero of mine is Pat Spratt from Wyo. She is 70 and tough as nails. She makes her circuit finals every year. We also have another great lady we run against- Jean Reeves- she is in her 80's and I am sure I can't keep up with her.
So I am not getting older-just getting wiser!!! haha
I remember Pat Spratt when I competed in the Senior Pro Rodeos. Another one is Wanda Cagliari. This was several years ago when I was in the 40-50 year old group and trust me the 50-60 and 60 and over group of women were tough. They outran us young-uns. They had more fun and nothing to prove. I had a blast at the finals. They didn't pay very well but I gained a ton of inspiration from those gals. |
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 Purveyor of unconventional wisdom
Posts: 17112
Location: CA | Ran today. A 22 year old that placed the 4d, and a 21 year old that just missed placing in the 3d. I had a ball! I am looking for my next horse, but until then the oldies are a blast! |
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 As Good As I Once Was
Posts: 1211
Location: frozen tundra of pa | Im over 50 and dont get to ride near as much as i used too,but my father will be 74 in feb. and he is still going strong so i cant slow down or i will never here the end of it! lol |
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 I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | BroncoBetty - 2013-12-21 8:34 PM sophiebelle - 2013-12-21 7:42 PM I am 51 and just coming back from a buck off that broke my a$$-literally. I am having the hardest time keeping myself sound. When I try to ride, my lower back swells up or I get horribly sore to the point I can't walk. I started injections in my back and go for round 2 in January. I have been off due to this injury since April. I am just now attempting loping, but I have lost my balance, my confidence and my left leg still goes numb. My hope is to begin hauling in January, but I'm not sure that is realistic. I'm afraid the longer I am off, the harder it will be to get back going. I have considered selling, but my husband says no way. He says he can't enjoy life if I have no horses. Lol...Guess I'll keep chugging along probably at a much slower rate than I was a year ago. Do they let seniors in lead line? So sorry this happened to you. Take small steps in getting back both mentally and physically. Maybe get a riding partner for support and encouragement. Have you checked with your doctor for any advice? Best of luck and instead of being in the lead line be the senior in line to get a check!
My husband rides with me a lot. I've went to a horsemanship in November which really helped me a lot, but because of my injury, was only able to ride 1/2 days. The clinician was very kind to push me but not too hard and it really helped my confidence. I've worked up to trotting, but I keep most everything in straight lines and avoid circles because of my lack of balance. I've only added in loping straight along the fence line this past week, but I can't lope long.
As far as my doctor...he doesn't want me on horses ever again. My guess is he isn't a horse person.  This doctor isn't my primary doctor. He's my pain management doctor. I've had 3 out of 4 doctors tell me it's ok to ride, so I do.
It is just frustrational to want it so bad, but to be limited. #feelingannoyed. LoL |
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | T turning 3 - 2013-12-21 11:36 PM Ran today. A 22 year old that placed the 4d, and a 21 year old that just missed placing in the 3d. I had a ball! I am looking for my next horse, but until then the oldies are a blast!
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 323
| I'm 53 and having the time of my life! Have a nice finished horse that is 17. She takes good care of me. I have had her for 6 years, but just decided this year to sit up and ride and ask her. We have been clocking 2D against some tough horses , with a little more to give. She is still in great shape, has never been hauled hard. I'm going to hit a few ammy rodeos this summer. Just something I want to do for myself. I know I wont win a rodeo, but in the right pens, I could place. My mare is a gritty, tough horse, that can run on anything, so I'm hoping to have a little luck at the rodeos.
I hauled my daughter for years, making sure that she got to go and have fun, and I enjoyed watching her success. She is getting married next summer, but still plans on hauling. We are going to have such a good time next year! Its time for Mama to have fun now! |
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 Horsey Gene Carrier
Posts: 1888
Location: LaBelle, Florida | I have discovered that just having the horse still relaxes me even when I can't ride. I work full time and have only my pasture to ride in unless I haul out. So if weather or lack of time won't let me ride,I can still sit in the barn and listen to the girls eat their grain.
I have given up on hauling to barrel races because I just can't motivate myself to it. If I get to trail ride or just train in my pature will have to do until I have more time to do more.
I do treat myself to a clinic once a year to hone my skills and have an awesome time each trip. |
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Purveyor of unconventional wisdom
Posts: 17112
Location: CA | Kasaj... I get that. I was totally undermotivated for a couple of years. I would venture out once in a while, but my head and heart just wasn't in it. After yesterday I have the old addiction back again. :) But I can't imagine my world without horses in it.
For those with back problems, look in to Chi Machines. Most Chiropractors have them. It seems kind of weird that just movig your legs back and forth can do any good, but it has kept me going for a few years. I only see my Chiro now if I acutally crash... or something. lol (of course, it depends on what is wrong with your back, I have a couple of bad disks in the lumbar region and it really seems to help. )
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  Ms. Potato Head
Posts: 9162
Location: BFE, Idaho | I will be 50 in two years, I was raised showing hunters, and then life changed me over to western after about 20 years of struggling with the going fast thing, I stopped trying, then I ended up with a 'show' horse back and now getting ready for my first show season this summer in over 22 years, I am stoked, but it is taking me forever to get my core back...(and need to loose all that non riding weight!)
I do not think I will every do colts again, but I am enjoying my finished 14 year old steady eddy.I plan to show until I just fall off and die.
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 Regular
Posts: 78
| I am 56 and didn't start running barrels until I was 44. I have noticed my back hurting more when I ride but I can't imagine the day when I can't race. I cheered June Hollman at the NFR. She is an inspiration to all of us! I have also ran Senior Rodeo in the US and in Canada. The 50s and 60 are very tough running! I spent a year and a half healing a broken arm. The longest year and a half of my life!!!!!  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 616
Location: Texas | Jump into a pair of Depends LOL, don't think about how old you are just ride it like you stole it, do what you love, you only live once!!!
Edited by kickincans 2013-12-22 2:07 PM
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Purveyor of unconventional wisdom
Posts: 17112
Location: CA | ~~Horses with sound minds, big hearts and great spirit,
Stand near the gate so my name I can hear it.
Fly to the first like my horse has wings,
These are a few of my favorite things. Secured my pee pad in case I might tinkle
Don’t need much bling, I don’t care if I twinkle
Can’t see too well, things are quite blurry,
We seem to have flown we are at the first in a hurry.
Horse is quite broke, turned on a dime,
Flying to second, we’ll have a good time!
When the third’s done, and the time is in
And I’ve completed my run
I simply remember my favorite things
I can’t wait to have more fun! (to the tune of my favorite things)
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 764
Location: Stephenville, TX | kickincans - 2013-12-22 2:01 PM Jump into a pair of Depends LOL, don't think about how old you are just ride it like you stole it, do what you love, you only live once!!!
Great advice! LOL!!!! |
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 Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | I am 54 and still going strong!! As Ive gotten older Ive learned to enjoy the ride more than the victories, not that I dont like to win but they are just icing on the cake. As long as I can swing a leg over I dont care if I can only walk, Im going to enjoy every minute with my horse!! |
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 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | Go for it!!! I have a hard time cause I live with a freak. My horses haven't had shoe in over a year and no place to ride. |
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
Location: southeast Texas | Lurker2 - 2013-12-22 1:04 PM I am 56 and didn't start running barrels until I was 44. I have noticed my back hurting more when I ride but I can't imagine the day when I can't race. I cheered June Hollman at the NFR. She is an inspiration to all of us! I have also ran Senior Rodeo in the US and in Canada. The 50s and 60 are very tough running! I spent a year and a half healing a broken arm. The longest year and a half of my life!!!!!
Chiropractor!! That's what keeps me going. |
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Expert
Posts: 3147
| Lurker2 - 2013-12-22 1:04 PM
I am 56 and didn't start running barrels until I was 44. I have noticed my back hurting more when I ride but I can't imagine the day when I can't race. I cheered June Hollman at the NFR. She is an inspiration to all of us! I have also ran Senior Rodeo in the US and in Canada. The 50s and 60 are very tough running! I spent a year and a half healing a broken arm. The longest year and a half of my life!!!!!
I'm older than you-started running barrels again bout ten years ago. My back hurt me just bout every day I rode-just thought it was due to my age. I bought another saddle and my back no longer hurts. i ride 3 to 6 days a week about an hour a day. |
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 A Barrel Of Monkeys
Posts: 12972
Location: Texas | I'm older than you.....
I didn't run barrels for close to 10 years.
I was just getting back into shape, working out and getting stronger when I had a very bad buckoff.
Broke my C2 spinous process, collarbone, rib, and 2 small thoracic vertebral compression fractures. Can you tell I landed on my head?
So after about 6 months of no riding, I am healed and riding again. I know my limitations. I really don't have that burning desire to compete, but I do enjoy training the horses. I have a young daughter who can ride behind me, and that's good enough for me.
Meanwhile, all my friends have retired and we are riding together, trail riding, etc. and having a ball.
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