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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| NoNoBadGirl - 2014-11-18 9:31 AM I am 56. My biggest problem is physical...caused by a horse related injury years ago, not so much age. The longer your tenure with horses, the greater your chances of making that flying trip to the ER with sirens a-blazin.
It has made me limit the type of horses I ride now. I don't ride broncs anymore. My biggest fear is not so much getting killed; but being paralyzed from getting bucked off. And I look for a horse with a very smooth run-around the barrel style. I lost my up and coming superstar to a knee injury a year ago and it has been almost impossible to find her replacement because of the specifc kind of horse I have to ride.
don/t let that bit of being paralized bug you amd i am a quad from a horse in the alley at a walk freaky
put it out of your mind if you think you are gonna get hurt you will have no fun i was balls to the walls every trip but mine was freak
heck lol there was a lady @shephards whose was paralized from a accident in bed with her husband now thats freaky | |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | bennie1 - 2014-11-18 11:37 AM MerryLegs - 2014-11-18 11:34 AM StillRiding - 2014-11-18 8:13 AM OK ladies, now lets name some older ladies who still kick butt. I will start.
JUNE HOLEMAN
MARTHA WRIGHT!
Those 3 are my heroes! And not just because of age...those are 3 of the best jockeys/trainers that I've ever seen. I LOVE watching Martha and Mary run. I'm pulling for Mary to win the American. I'm not 40 yet, but staring it down. All 3 of those women take great care of themselves and it shows in their continued ability to ride incredibly well and kick everyone's butt. To me they are an inspiration to take care of myself, eat well, stay in shape....keep that core strength and ride smarter. I plan on being competitive until I'm 70. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1701
 
| I still strive to do the best I can and not listen to the snears or negative comments or get roped into BS gossip I hear about me or others, I don't have time for it. I have had some situations that did not turn out or it just wasn't in the stars at the time but I still keep going. I am more selective of the horses I ride and or buy now days. I have had to learn the hard way of when its time to let one move on, I get so attached to them. Life is full of lessons. But I figure if Ardith Bruce, June Holeman, Marhta Josey, Kay Young and SOOOOOO many more out there that still compete and still train can do it, why can't I? I tell you though, I have nothing but respect for them and consider them a wealth of knowledge. They are the pioneers that started our sport and made so many beneficial changes to make it even better. I think there are a LOT of young guns out there that don't have a clue and only know the "shortcuts" or the "tricks" of the trade yet could not tell you a thing about their run or what they do or did. I think that is a lot to do with those that put out some awesome well trained horses that a person can just sit there and kick and the horse just goes and does its job. There are still many barrel racers out there, pioneers and a few young guns, that I would not mind spending a few days, a week or a month with to learn anything I can from them.
Am I getting up there, yeah, am I out of shape, yeah. Will I quit.........absolutely not. 
Edited by RunToledo 2014-11-19 2:06 PM
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  The Original Cyber Bartender
 
Location: Washington | GREAT THREAD! | |
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 Hero of the Year
Posts: 10767
Location: Haslet, Texas | I was running pretty hard till I got about 43. I Mean I had been horseback since I was 5 and then rodeoing and jackpotting pretty hard till about 40. My kids didn't do the horse deal much so we got into their interests and I never looked back. I guess I had won enough through the years (saddles, buckles etc) that I didn't have the drive anymore. The work it takes to really make a good one and the sacrafices you have to make to get there would just wear me out. I do miss riding but not running barrels full tilt because believe you me...if I ever started I would not be satisfied with the 4D that I would find my fat out of shape self in and I would be really pissed off. If I'm going to compete I want to Win the 1D and that's all there is to it. Wish I could still ride like Martha Wright does, lol. That woman amazes me!!
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 Last Comedian Standing 
Posts: 10919
Location: South Texas | bennie1 - 2014-11-18 11:37 AM MerryLegs - 2014-11-18 11:34 AM StillRiding - 2014-11-18 8:13 AM OK ladies, now lets name some older ladies who still kick butt. I will start.
JUNE HOLEMAN
MARTHA WRIGHT!
I dang sure dont want to call her old but we are good friends and she does run in the 50 and over .....lol......KAY BLANDFORD and she has just as competitive drive as she ever had....day in and day out she is out there everyday still training futurity colts and will take your money on any given day! | |
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 Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | I'm 65 and 9 yrs. ago when I was 56, my good mare got hurt at a rodeo and was out for good...at that time I felt like I was at the top of my game both physically and mentally, and riding as good as I ever did...it was a big mistake not to go out and replace her with another winner right away...I was too cheap...now I'm paying a bigger price than money for only having young horses and projects for 9 yrs....
I think if you have always ridden high powered 1D or rodeo horses and you are older, if you get away from those kind for a period of time, you lose the timing, feel, and balance of that calibur of horse....so a couple years ago, I went and bought a 3 yr. old cutting horse to ranch sort on, then a few months ago, I realized I really wanted run barrels again and sold the horse, my cutting saddle and went looking for a 1D horse with all the criteria I had in mind to fit me and make running barrels fun again.....I wanted my "bucket list" horse, and I got exactly what I was looking for from Kendal Owen....he's the nicest horse I've had in 9 yrs and he's perfect for me....solid, proven, honest, same trip every time, quiet when you ask him, but ready when you get in the alley, and no nonsense even when it's cold and windy...I was riding him along the woods in my pasture last week and all of a sudden about 5 deer rushed out of the woods on the other side of my fence and all he did was put his ears up and look at them...awesome....I'll take all winter to get used to him and try to get myself up to speed on this kind of horse again...I just hope next spring I can do him justice....
One thing I can say is that yoga is like magic to get your flexibility and strength back, because without that, you can't ride at the same level you once did...I'm lucky that I don't have any physical problems and I'm committed to working hard at being the best I can be at my age to run with the young guns again......and remember that old age and treachery can always beat youth and skill...LOL...
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| I'm 51, and am realistic enough to realize I am not a 1D rider. Two years ago, I had gotten up to 165 pounds and realized it was really messing with my balance. Lost 30 pounds and have kept it off. What is bad about being old is you are finally smart enough to know what you are doing wrong, but your body is too old to keep up!
Pain from old injuries and surgeries certainly has taken some of the fun and enjoyment out of schooling and training, but I will not quit. Rather than go out and buy hot, race bred prospects, I have two, 3 year old cow-bred prospects in the barn. Running a second or 1.5 seconds back from the top in Texas is plenty to satisfy me. | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 131
Location: Colorado | DogLady, YOU ROCK! I love this topic but YOU are still riding very well and your horses are awesome.
I would just like to offer this: As you know, I have a 50 & Over Class in Mile Hi....and I will just share that this group of ladies are some of the toughest EVER! It is NOT uncommon for the 50+ to also win the Open......maybe it's just this particular pack of women....but they are tough. They ride well, very competitive and are very smart about what they do.
Also as you know, I'm one of them. And I will share that I do well....I think I do very well for m y age (57) and it is due in large part to the horses my sister makes for me. I currently have two...and they are solid, 1D rodeo tough horses and given MY lifestyle of working 45-50 hours a week in a concrete office jungle.....I don't get to ride much...I try to everyday I just don't have the time to 'work' a horse...so my riding consists of getting them legged up....lungs built up, etc.
I don't have the skill to make a horse...never have....nor the time..... BUT the barrel racers in my family (sister, daughter, me) have come to realize that working together and making the right horse for the right person is the key......we change horses around a lot, based on what they need and which one of us has that skill/time. I NEVER EVER take my sister or daughter and more importantly the horses I have for granted....because we all clearly know I am the WhipLash of our family....I'm the one that can JOCKEY one...but I can't make one.....nor do I want to.
So, to a degree, I'm spoiled...yes...but I still work very hard at it......I too have gained a few pounds and I find it more difficult...about fell off three times this past summer because my horses turns are quick and got behind them....BUT I refuse to give up...I refuse to quit.....about the time winter came...I was with them.....now the cycle starts again. LOL
I absolutely love barrel racing...it's a passion for me and it runs thru my veins....I LOVE producing events as well....I swear I will go to my grave waving the Mile Hi flag as one friend says......
For me and it's strictly a personal situation, my success in barrel racing improved when I hit 45.....mostly cuz I settled in life, my sister and I patched up our differences and things started falling into place.....it's gotten better since I was 50 because I found peace with it all...then the last 2 years I've focused on finding happiness and not letting others steal it from me....I know my years of being this competitive are LIMITED and I may NEVER have the nice horses I have now.....with that in mind...I'm going to enjoy them and have set some pretty strong goals......one being no one is going to steal my happiness and joy with them......the last two years have been AWESOME!
I'm lucky, very lucky....because I know, it will catch up with eventually...but I'm gonna fight it! LOL
And, I continue to try to produce some of the best events around...I'm always looking for that next new thing, new idea, whatever....make my events youth, fresh, and different.....that way when "that time comes" I will stay connected behind the desk producing.......
LOL LOL | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1440
Location: Texas | I just turned 45 last week and i still wAnt to go like crazy. I have a horse that can be in the 1d at tough local jackpots and 2d at bigger ones. We hit a few rodeos last year and had a blast. Unfortunately we have hit. Few bumps in the road and am hoping to get things ironed out soon. At 45 i am more agressive that i have ever been and am hungry for more. I have come to the realization that i wont be this competetive for an extended period of time so i am hauling as much as i can. I lost my mom and a really nice prospect last month so i have realized life is short and i need to go for it and not wait till tomorrow. The only downfall has been that my body gets more sore than it used to and i dont have the energy that i used to. | |
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas | Mile Hi Barrel Horse - 2014-11-18 7:19 PM
DogLady, YOU ROCK! I love this topic but YOU are still riding very well and your horses are awesome.
I would just like to offer this: As you know, I have a 50 & Over Class in Mile Hi....and I will just share that this group of ladies are some of the toughest EVER! It is NOT uncommon for the 50+ to also win the Open......maybe it's just this particular pack of women....but they are tough. They ride well, very competitive and are very smart about what they do.
Also as you know, I'm one of them. And I will share that I do well....I think I do very well for m y age (57) and it is due in large part to the horses my sister makes for me. I currently have two...and they are solid, 1D rodeo tough horses and given MY lifestyle of working 45-50 hours a week in a concrete office jungle.....I don't get to ride much...I try to everyday I just don't have the time to 'work' a horse...so my riding consists of getting them legged up....lungs built up, etc.
I don't have the skill to make a horse...never have....nor the time..... BUT the barrel racers in my family (sister, daughter, me) have come to realize that working together and making the right horse for the right person is the key......we change horses around a lot, based on what they need and which one of us has that skill/time. I NEVER EVER take my sister or daughter and more importantly the horses I have for granted....because we all clearly know I am the WhipLash of our family....I'm the one that can JOCKEY one...but I can't make one.....nor do I want to.
So, to a degree, I'm spoiled...yes...but I still work very hard at it......I too have gained a few pounds and I find it more difficult...about fell off three times this past summer because my horses turns are quick and got behind them....BUT I refuse to give up...I refuse to quit.....about the time winter came...I was with them.....now the cycle starts again. LOL
I absolutely love barrel racing...it's a passion for me and it runs thru my veins....I LOVE producing events as well....I swear I will go to my grave waving the Mile Hi flag as one friend says......
For me and it's strictly a personal situation, my success in barrel racing improved when I hit 45.....mostly cuz I settled in life, my sister and I patched up our differences and things started falling into place.....it's gotten better since I was 50 because I found peace with it all...then the last 2 years I've focused on finding happiness and not letting others steal it from me....I know my years of being this competitive are LIMITED and I may NEVER have the nice horses I have now.....with that in mind...I'm going to enjoy them and have set some pretty strong goals......one being no one is going to steal my happiness and joy with them......the last two years have been AWESOME!
I'm lucky, very lucky....because I know, it will catch up with eventually...but I'm gonna fight it! LOL
And, I continue to try to produce some of the best events around...I'm always looking for that next new thing, new idea, whatever....make my events youth, fresh, and different.....that way when "that time comes" I will stay connected behind the desk producing.......
LOL LOL
I went to one of y'all's barrel races this summer and it was great! They pay good too, lol.
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 Ima Cool Kid
Posts: 3496
Location: TN | I am 54 for a few more months......
Riding/showing is my passion. I still can show in the 1D (it's my horse, i am just along for the ride).
I take pride in seasoning my younins. Its all what you make of it.
I don't believe there is a magic number.
Thoes who will-DO and thoes who don't, wont .
I do make a point of keeping my core strength strong and offer the girls lots of treats hoping to keep them happy so hopefully they will ontinue to make me happy
do what makes you happy ,see you some where at a show
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Veteran
Posts: 131
Location: Colorado | grinandbareit - 2014-11-18 7:25 PM
Mile Hi Barrel Horse - 2014-11-18 7:19 PM
DogLady, YOU ROCK! I love this topic but YOU are still riding very well and your horses are awesome.
I would just like to offer this: As you know, I have a 50 & Over Class in Mile Hi....and I will just share that this group of ladies are some of the toughest EVER! It is NOT uncommon for the 50+ to also win the Open......maybe it's just this particular pack of women....but they are tough. They ride well, very competitive and are very smart about what they do.
Also as you know, I'm one of them. And I will share that I do well....I think I do very well for m y age (57) and it is due in large part to the horses my sister makes for me. I currently have two...and they are solid, 1D rodeo tough horses and given MY lifestyle of working 45-50 hours a week in a concrete office jungle.....I don't get to ride much...I try to everyday I just don't have the time to 'work' a horse...so my riding consists of getting them legged up....lungs built up, etc.
I don't have the skill to make a horse...never have....nor the time..... BUT the barrel racers in my family (sister, daughter, me) have come to realize that working together and making the right horse for the right person is the key......we change horses around a lot, based on what they need and which one of us has that skill/time. I NEVER EVER take my sister or daughter and more importantly the horses I have for granted....because we all clearly know I am the WhipLash of our family....I'm the one that can JOCKEY one...but I can't make one.....nor do I want to.
So, to a degree, I'm spoiled...yes...but I still work very hard at it......I too have gained a few pounds and I find it more difficult...about fell off three times this past summer because my horses turns are quick and got behind them....BUT I refuse to give up...I refuse to quit.....about the time winter came...I was with them.....now the cycle starts again. LOL
I absolutely love barrel racing...it's a passion for me and it runs thru my veins....I LOVE producing events as well....I swear I will go to my grave waving the Mile Hi flag as one friend says......
For me and it's strictly a personal situation, my success in barrel racing improved when I hit 45.....mostly cuz I settled in life, my sister and I patched up our differences and things started falling into place.....it's gotten better since I was 50 because I found peace with it all...then the last 2 years I've focused on finding happiness and not letting others steal it from me....I know my years of being this competitive are LIMITED and I may NEVER have the nice horses I have now.....with that in mind...I'm going to enjoy them and have set some pretty strong goals......one being no one is going to steal my happiness and joy with them......the last two years have been AWESOME!
I'm lucky, very lucky....because I know, it will catch up with eventually...but I'm gonna fight it! LOL
And, I continue to try to produce some of the best events around...I'm always looking for that next new thing, new idea, whatever....make my events youth, fresh, and different.....that way when "that time comes" I will stay connected behind the desk producing.......
LOL LOL
I went to one of y'all's barrel races this summer and it was great! They pay good too, lol.
AWESOME! I remember you coming...and I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed it. We sure try to have good payouts and tons of fun! Hope you come back! | |
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Mrs. Troy
Location: western Nebraska | Mile Hi Barrel Horse - 2014-11-18 7:19 PM DogLady, YOU ROCK! I love this topic but YOU are still riding very well and your horses are awesome. I would just like to offer this: As you know, I have a 50 & Over Class in Mile Hi....and I will just share that this group of ladies are some of the toughest EVER! It is NOT uncommon for the 50+ to also win the Open......maybe it's just this particular pack of women....but they are tough. They ride well, very competitive and are very smart about what they do. Also as you know, I'm one of them. And I will share that I do well....I think I do very well for m y age (57) and it is due in large part to the horses my sister makes for me. I currently have two...and they are solid, 1D rodeo tough horses and given MY lifestyle of working 45-50 hours a week in a concrete office jungle.....I don't get to ride much...I try to everyday I just don't have the time to 'work' a horse...so my riding consists of getting them legged up....lungs built up, etc. I don't have the skill to make a horse...never have....nor the time..... BUT the barrel racers in my family (sister, daughter, me) have come to realize that working together and making the right horse for the right person is the key......we change horses around a lot, based on what they need and which one of us has that skill/time. I NEVER EVER take my sister or daughter and more importantly the horses I have for granted....because we all clearly know I am the WhipLash of our family....I'm the one that can JOCKEY one...but I can't make one.....nor do I want to. So, to a degree, I'm spoiled...yes...but I still work very hard at it......I too have gained a few pounds and I find it more difficult...about fell off three times this past summer because my horses turns are quick and got behind them....BUT I refuse to give up...I refuse to quit.....about the time winter came...I was with them.....now the cycle starts again. LOL I absolutely love barrel racing...it's a passion for me and it runs thru my veins....I LOVE producing events as well....I swear I will go to my grave waving the Mile Hi flag as one friend says...... For me and it's strictly a personal situation, my success in barrel racing improved when I hit 45.....mostly cuz I settled in life, my sister and I patched up our differences and things started falling into place.....it's gotten better since I was 50 because I found peace with it all...then the last 2 years I've focused on finding happiness and not letting others steal it from me....I know my years of being this competitive are LIMITED and I may NEVER have the nice horses I have now.....with that in mind...I'm going to enjoy them and have set some pretty strong goals......one being no one is going to steal my happiness and joy with them......the last two years have been AWESOME! I'm lucky, very lucky....because I know, it will catch up with eventually...but I'm gonna fight it! LOL And, I continue to try to produce some of the best events around...I'm always looking for that next new thing, new idea, whatever....make my events youth, fresh, and different.....that way when "that time comes" I will stay connected behind the desk producing....... LOL LOL
You are the one that rocks. My gosh-you produce these amazing barrel races, work in the office, do whatever else it takes and still kick everyone's butt.
I do have a very nice trailer load of horses and I just need to get with it. Everyone's stories have certainly got me excited to keep going and I hope they are helping you all! | |
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Expert
Posts: 1280
Location: Texas | I hurt more for sure. I am 50. I think I definitely need to work on my core strength & weight loss. I find that we support and encourage each other better as we get older. I appreciate all of my over 40 barrel racing friends. I would have probably quit if they hadn't made it fun. I'm afraid to stop now. If I stop I might not be happy, & I might not be able to get back in the saddle. I'm going to keep learning & keep trying to win as long as I can get in the saddle. I am so optimistic that I actually have a yearling I can't wait to ride in 2015. It might be the last barrel horse that I train, or maybe not. One day at a time. | |
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 I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | I'm 52 and 19 months off from an injury. My confidence is in the crapper and my weight sucks! I need to lose weight and gain confidence. However, my hope is to get back running again. I like to go for fun now and while I'm not very competitive, it keeps me sane. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 171
| This post is so encouraging.
I am 46 and have been riding my whole life.
I have a deep passion for horses and barrel racing.
Both my horses in high school was off the track and rock star barrel horses. Spent the last 20 some years riding cow bred horses and still have several. I lost my 1D horse 3 years ago to an unsuccessfull colic surgery, he was my best friend, my world. Hubby was tried of me crying every night.. he found a horse off the track and purchased him. We sent him to trainer as I was working full time, going to school, a wife, a mother, and caregiver to my dad. Trainer and I decided I should come down for some lessons to learn how to ride him (I caught lots of slack from friends and family for lessons) I took lesson for almost a year. Lessons was the best thing I done, my trainer help me become a better rider and was encouraging. Do not stop learning and asking questions. Knowledge is power.
I think as we age we are more selective as which horses we buy, we study bloodlines, and ask more questions.
We know our riding style and what type of horse fits our style. We also know how to read our horses and listen to them.
This is the beauty of age and life experiences.
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | This is a great thread.
I could write a book on this topic. I will say I need to figure out how to get back going or I need to get horseless. | |
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 Crazy Chicken Chick
Posts: 36132
| I am 47, and really having some physical issues. My hips kill me and I usually have to get on my horse early to loosen up the horse....and my hips LOL. However, I'm getting more serious than ever and am really excited about my mare that I pulled out of the pasture and just started riding again. i have a few other young horses coming up that I'm really excited about.
Then some days I don't know why I don't just sell them and play on the computer every day LOL. But I love it, and hope when I'm 80 my family will strap me on with duct tape and velcro and slap my horse on the butt and send her down the alley. And if I die doing, so what. I would be happy to die doing what I love.
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 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4553
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | MS2011 - 2014-11-18 1:42 PM
bennie1 - 2014-11-18 11:37 AM MerryLegs - 2014-11-18 11:34 AM StillRiding - 2014-11-18 8:13 AM OK ladies, now lets name some older ladies who still kick butt. I will start.
JUNE HOLEMAN
MARTHA WRIGHT!
Ardith Bruce 84-Colorado Lady | |
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Folks on-line