What happens when we get OLDer?

[aella]

I posted three new videos on my blog and thought this group might be interested in them. They round out my scrapbook of my last show.

The first is about an awfully big horse that really has get up and go.
http://www.teddyatcenterline.com/2008/05/big-boys-got-go.html

The second is about my friend Nora who rides with arthritis.
http://www.teddyatcenterline.com/2008/05/arthritis-cant-stop-her.html

The third is about a young horse that is just starting out. I really like him :D
http://www.teddyatcenterline.com/2008/05/zeus-at-yarra-yarra.html

The question I posed in the second video is: What will USEF and USDF do when they have to accommodate those of us who are getting old and want to continue riding in competitions? For example, what if a lot of the shows are filled with 70- and 80-year-olds rather than 12-40-year-olds? If you have ideas let me know.

Thanks for reading!

[Beasmom]

Um, perhaps offering a seniors only division for those geriatrics who still show. Years ago in the before-the-politically-correct era, local shows offered a "Jack Benny" division -- for those of us perpetually stuck at of 39.

[oldschool]

I think a senior division is a fantastic idea. What, with all the other divisions coming down the pike, this one would truly benefit a demographic that simply cannot be judged fairly next to some lithe tweener w/BNT and daddy's$$. I expect I will age, according to science and probability, and maybe some king of agist affirmative action for the older amateur isn't too farfetched. I realize Reiner Klimke was no spring chicken and still winning everything. But I suspect, no matter hard I try, I will never be Herr Reiner.

[sm]

Maybe the Vintage Cup division, that's now in USDF All Breeds Award Program, will be expanded. Advil can be the sponsor :)

[angel]

Why do you find a need that something should change as you age? I plan on still being able to kick butt at 80!:cool:

[quietann]

Angel, I don't think the OP meant that things "should" change, but that they might. E.g. I can look at my family and pretty much be assured that I will have spinal arthritis by 60, no matter what I do to prevent it. Or, people could have strokes, be in a caretaking position for an older parent or spouse and have little time to practice dressage, and so forth.

It sounds sort of like the "Masters" division in golf and swimming. There is no requirement that one move to Masters at a given age, but the option is available.

[ToN Farm]

Looking at the USDF ranking data, there are very few Vintage riders riding FEI and even fewer riding Masters. Of these, there are only a few that are AA's. Being older than dirt myself, I would love a special class for older riders, but not if it includes the older pros like Hilda.

[magickmeadow]

I, too, am older than dirt and I would welcome an aged event. It might bring a few returning riders back into competition as well. It can be pretty intimidating to be in a class full of "young upstarts" who don't feel the aches and pains that I do. For those "dinosaurs" who still want to ride the all ages classes, it would give just one more class to enter in. I hope it happens.

[carolprudm]

I look at Lendon's Dressage4kids and wish there was something like that for (soon to be) senior citizens

[Foxtrot's]

Since we are such a large demographic and getting larger, horse show management should recognize how much lovely money they could make by encouraging us to start showing again. I think I'm done, though.

[merrygoround]

Why do you find a need that something should change as you age? I plan on still being able to kick butt at 80!:cool:

Ha! Just wait til you get there. :lol:

[Roan]

I agree. I'm getting too darn close to 50 (Oi!) and I'd love to be able to show against others my own age instead of a younger set.

Heh, we should form "North-American Senior Amateurs In Dressage" and call it NSAID, for short, cause most of us probably take a lot of those for aches and pains :D

Eileen

[cdalt]

I don't know how old Angel is but I know that I felt great till I hit 54 - up till then I was riding 2 horses, each about 5 times a week and wondered why my friends complained about back pain, etc. (I thought they must be doing something wrong - boy was I naive and a bit arrogant). Since then it has been nothing but problems for me - 3 back surgeries, 1 knee scope (which didn't solve the problem - it still hurts) and recently a broken hip from being run over by a massive horse. I fully expect to return to riding in the fall but even when I have rehabbed, I won't be able to do much sitting trot (back pain) and can't do much posting trot (knee pain). I am lucky to be able to do some trail riding with an occasional brief trot or canter. You never know what life has in store for you and you have to be able to roll with the punches and find joy in what you can do. I Never did enjoy showing very much but I sure do miss schooling my horsey.

[magickmeadow]

I am 53 and after watching some of my friends a few years older decided to meet age head on. I can't change how old I am chronologically but maybe through exercise and nutrition I can put things on "hold for a while. I have had a few riding incidents that have left some residual affects and regular use of the NSAIDs and massage helps. At the first of the year I joined a gym, used a personal trainer for 3 months, and now work out 6 days a week, adding a 4 to 5 mile walk on the weekends with my daughter and grandson. I am only riding one horse right now but plan on adding another in the fall. My new horse is a well trained 4th level OTTB who is an absolute doll except for the occasional propencity to spook at imaginary boogie men. He is 17.2 and I am 5.5 but a 3 step mounting block equalizes the distance and saves my knee. My next horse will not be a project but another solid citizen. I would really love to see a greater emphasis on the mature equestrian. We have a more dollars (or did before the price of gas skyrocketed) at our disposal than most younger adults. We also have some latitude in our free time enabling us to take lessons, clinics and attend shows. While I would not want to take anything away from young riders programs nationwide, the mature equestrian really should be a desired commodity and courted by trainers and clincians.

[Ambrey]

Heh, we should form "North-American Senior Amateurs In Dressage" and call it NSAID, for short, cause most of us probably take a lot of those for aches and pains :D

Eileen

OMG

:lol::lol::lol:

We can Celebrex our victories!

[angel]

Oh, Merrygoround! If only you knew!;) "Fraid at this point I'm not exactly a spring chicken. Probably older than most of you guys.:eek: Not exactly the best of physical shape either. Still could whip them A....! Too nice to do so at this point!:lol:

[Roan]

OMG

:lol::lol::lol:

We can Celebrex our victories!

*snork*

Good one!

Eileen

[Beasmom]

OK angel, fess up. Just how old are you?

For the record, I'm 54, really enjoy showing, especially with my new horse, but it's a lot more exhausting process than I remember from 20 or 30 years ago. The getting up early, braiding, loading, driving, showing, back home, unloading -- I'm wiped out at the end of the day! There was a time when I'd show all day, then clean up and go out on a date or to dinner with friends. No more! Now it's back home, shower and straight to bed.

So if anyone's got tips to share that would alleviate my exhaustion -- I'd love to hear it. And yes, there have been shows where I stretch out on the seat of the truck or in my "reclining" camp chair for a quick nap. I'm not a power napper. When I nap, I NAP. 10 or 15 minutes don't refresh me much. I try to eat well and hydrate at shows -- perhaps not doing enough on either score.

I REALLY want to be one of those still showing when I'm a withered little old lady -- but will I make it? Showing for me is not just a chance to exhibit my horse, it's a chance to see folks that I rarely see otherwise and socialize a bit.

I love the idea of the NSAIDS group -- but can us old pros join too? Pretty please?

[Roan]

. . .. . .I love the idea of the NSAIDS group -- but can us old pros join too? Pretty please?Cripes, yah, we just need a better acronym that makes sense :D


Just think of it . . . we'd have shows only on cool days -- fall and spring! -- no hot summer or cold winter shows, Classes would start at 10am and we'd break at noon for lunch and siesta, maybe start up again after tea and scones in the afternoon, have Pony Club volunteers do all the braiding and whatnot and they can listen in to the "horror stories of the huge buck at X" while the rest of us nod sagely.

OH! And all judges have to be "seniors" as well so they can enjoy the nap and tea with us :D

We could get sponsorship from the makers of Advil, Tylenol, Celebrex, Depends, Geritol and Centrum Silver. The best of us could start up a new line of clothing called "GDS" -- Geriactic Dressage Style -- too!

Eileen

[Vesper Sparrow]

I'm 53 so I'm in.

Adding frequent bathroom breaks with the Porta-Potty located near the oversized and very sturdy mounting block, with volunteers at hand to hold your pony while you dismount....

[Ambrey]

Just think of it . . . we'd have shows only on cool days -- fall and spring! -- no hot summer or cold winter shows, Classes would start at 10am and we'd break at noon for lunch and siesta, maybe start up again after tea and scones in the afternoon, have Pony Club volunteers do all the braiding and whatnot and they can listen in to the "horror stories of the huge buck at X" while the rest of us nod sagely.

The huge buck at x WAS just a deer, wasn't it? We all have osteoperosis, can't be having any falls now!

And those lunches will have champagne or margaritas, right?

eta: I'm only 41, but I'm tellin' ya I feel old lately.

[Beasmom]

Roan and Sparrow -- Yessss! Naps! Late start times! Shows only in pleasantly cool weather! Really tall mounting blocks (or shorter horses...) Vols and young riders to help us with braiding and mounting and mucking and lifting. Yes, Yes, YESSSS!

Love the sponsorship ideas and the clothing line. Breeches with extra supportive panels to help lift sagging butts and bellies. Coats cut to accommodate dowager's hump. Boots you can pull on and/or zip up without throwing your back out.

Each show should have booths offering massage and chiropractic adjustments. And those goodie bags that show management hands out should contain sample packets of stuff like Advil, Ben-Gay, Depends, airline sized bottles of gin...

[magickmeadow]

Please add a well aged Scotch to that list.

[Beasmom]

Okey-Dokey!

[MyReality]

I find the more I age, the shorter I want the horse.

Totally agree: Late start times! Shows only in pleasantly cool weather!

I want late show times, easy judges, and lots of old fellow competitors. I already have an easy going horse, so that part is done.

I want to minimize the number of times I need to get on/off the horse... so it would be great if it's class -> 15 min freshening up -> another class... and we're done. Preferably right before lunch because I get cramps if I eat and ride... and I feel light headed if I am hungry.

hahahahahaha

I told my SO, my back is killing me these days unless I am on a horse. He said he will build me a saddle rack chair with saddle on it. What a sweetheart.

[Beasmom]

I think we now have a category of rider that can out do the DQs!

Dowager Dressage Queens!

[Beasmom]

nevermind

[tartanfarm]

although this thread is somewhat tongue in cheek, it would be nice if the USDF paid some attention. I am tired of showing in classes that are mostly filled with riders my grandkids age. That enormous trot the judges reward so highly is impossible for these 56+ bones.
Thank goodness my coaches are finally realizing that during those vast amounts of trot (rising or sitting) I loose my effectiveness as a rider to the pain in the knees/back. They break up the tours as much as possible.


And I think NSAID is a great name, since that is what keeps me in the saddle.

[Roan]

How about:

North-American Senior and Aged In Dressage (NSAID)

Since not all of us are technically "senior", but we certainly do feel aged at times! This'll let the old pros in, too :D

Hey, we should start a CoTH clique of NSAID!

And tartanfarm -- boy, I hear yah and I agree.

Eileen

[Ambrey]

I was thinking about this thread today. I had great plans to give my big green horse a bath, but I scooped poop and decided my back hurt too much.

Then I watched this kid that must have been 11 riding around the arena, sighed, and came home for my heating pad.

[oldschool]

I'm not even drinking age and I've already had back surgery! So I read this post with great interest and hope!As a working student, I've calculated that I bend over and pick about 32 separate hooves a day and I'm already feelin' it! I think, SERIOUSLY, that it is a great idea. I mean, SO much effort is put into YOUNG RIDER THIS and YOUNG RIDER THAT , maybe the people who actually pay for this train should get some benefit. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've alwys been one to look ahead!!:)

[Roan]

I agree, oldschool!

I just talked to my hubby -- who is 9 years my JUNIOR, btw, so he doesn't get to join! -- and he said that the fact that there isn't a senior league is VERY unfair!

Youth this, youth that -- hah! Senior *THIS* youths!

He also suggested, and this is verbatim:

"You should get ExLax to sponsor and they could have an ad that says, 'Make your ride as SMOOTH as silk and have a GREAT finish!.'"

I busted a gut laughing!

Oh, I want a Starbucks barista -- a cute young thing -- making me Iced Mochas for tea time :D

Eileen

[Ambrey]

Hmm, that's even better than my idea for a bumper sticker that says "Dressage riders do it with RHYTHM and TEMPO."

[oldschool]

A smooth ride and a great finish?? Can I copyright that? Remeber me ? the shmuck that asked about charging atack fee? Always looking to pay for my dressage habit!!:lol:

[tartanfarm]

Always looking to pay for my dressage habit!!:lol:

you could always publish large print test books. I swear the print is getting smaller each year!:lol::lol:

[aella]

As the person who started the thread, I wanted to say how much I appreciate all the replies here, particularly the TIC ones. I am 54 and just got bounced off my oldster, so I recently felt ancient for two weeks. I think I will send the URL for this thread along to USDF and to USEF. I think there are definite sponsorship possibilities here. And I agree, I am tired of young this and young that....I never had any money when I was young (or so my mother claimed) to do anything with horses. Now that I am older, I do. I would also like to see a six-pack of beer offered as first prize once and a while, it would ease my pain (who needs another saddle pad?).

[lilypondlane]

Hmmm, I seem to be older than all of you and my (17-year old) mare power-bucked me off over three weeks ago and I'm STILL sore and hobbling around. Sure don't bounce like I used to. I want a little horse with perfect ground manners, an easy-to-sit trot, a been there/done that attitude. Oh and non-spooky. And good-looking. Good luck, huh?

[roo 2]

I turn 53 in just about a week - thoroughly enjoying this thread!

I love showing, but have not shown for 6 years. Besides the reasons already listed, the other thing that is keeping me out of the show ring is the fact that I can no longer fit into my show clothes - since menopause, everything has expanded! I think that we riders of a certain age could also benefit from a line of "forgiving" attire.

[angel]

Okay. I confess. I'm "gasp" ...61 years years. Just call me the silver fox!:lol: The rest of you are just young whipper snappers!:D

[Roan]

Okay. I confess. I'm "gasp" ...61 years years. Just call me the silver fox!:lol: The rest of you are just young whipper snappers!:D

And we love you for the example you set for us youngsters :D

Most, of course, is all in fun, but I seriously think the USDF et al would be missing out on a good PR and money making if they ignore us older peoples and let us get swept under the feet of the younger, more $$$ driven crowd.

Eileen

[Eireamon]

Good on you Angel for still kicking butt at your age.
You are very lucky.

Some of us are not. I am just short of 50 and due to many riding injuries sustained in my youth its not as easy as it used to be. In my early 40s I was told I would be in a wheelchair in 10 years if I did not do something. I was locking up seriously. I am full of athritis now.

I try to keep fit and healthy but its not as easy as it used to be.

I could imagine their ever being enough people in NZ to support a senior division but we have good riding clubs who offer competition at lower levels.

I plan to keep doing open competitions as long as I can but I know some day it just will not be possible anymore.

[Horsepower]

Soon to join the 60+ group here. I love the NSAID group idea. I also find the older I get the smaller the horse I like. Of course, I am also shrinking :). I do feel silly sometimes riding with the little kids in the ring. I would love a show group designed for NSAIDs. And if I won the class I'd like my prize to be a glass of wine or a bottle of Aleve!

[tweeter]

Sorry Angel, got ya beat.....I'm 62:winkgrin: and last year I bought a 3 yr old.
Obviously senility is setting in, but hey, I'm happy and that's what counts. I'd love to compete against someone older than my grandchildren, someone who isn't 5'8, 100 lbs with legs up to their eyebrows. Sigh.....in my next life I'm gonna have legs (among other things):D

[angel]

That's great, Tweeter! I hope to bring one more youngster to saddle before I am too old. However, at this time, I have a barn full of geriatric horses, and until I am without a few of those lawn ornaments (may it still be measured in years yet), I cannot afford another mouth to feed. I've built a nice, new riding ring so all I need now is a round pen and I'm good to go!:cool:

[Vesper Sparrow]

I think that we, as DDQs, deserve a prize--whether a six pack, a Scotch or a handful of Advils--for simply managing to haul our sorry a**es onto our horses everyday.

Same thing in spades for our geriatric horses (who still manage to kick our butts on occasion) and all the younger horses that put up with us.

Cheers to the NSAID group and its horses!

[petitefilly]

I too am an aging Dressage Lover. I will be soon 58 in June and it makes me pause to wonder how many years I do have left on a horse...many I am sure. My horses are all young too, so if I do not ride, they get stronger----I have to keep them trained so I can still ride them!!!!

An age limit of over 50 would be a wonderful change at a show. But, you know I bet the numbers would be large in the class!

Keep riding, girls!!!!!! :):):):):):):):) This alone will keep us young!

[nhwr]

Life without NSAID-I am violently allergic :no:


I use yoga, pilates, nutrition and riding (yes!) to keep myself pain free.

I am not as fearless as I once was, but I am a lot smarter.

I have long wished for an old rider program :yes:

PS I am over 50 :)

[Beasmom]

Dang! My computer has been in the shop for a data transfer and I missed the fun.

Agree that USDF and USEF needs to accommodate us geezers and geezerettes. Youth is fine and all, but we're the ones who've supported the sport for years and years and stuck with it, even before there was much interest in dressage. And certainly before there was anything like a YR program! How many of these young riders with all the support and financial backing will be riding in 30 or 40 years? Maybe yes, maybe no.

We've stood the test of time, and despite the aches and pains, we're still here.

[AndalusianMom]

Yessir, another old lady chiming in! I love my PREs for their nice wide easy-to-sit backs, plenty of mane to grab if needed, smaller easier-to-mount size, and especially their kind temperaments that tolerate my mistakes and don't spook, bolt, or commit other highjinks that could dump me.
Someday I'll need to train one to be relaxed when I come up with my walker...:winkgrin:

[Horsepower]

One of my kids told me about that mechanical horse you can buy in toy stores. I told him when I am in the "home" and can no longer ride to buy me one and not to tell me that it isn't a real live horse ;).

[Thokki]

I am almost 59, have been part-boarding for years, but this weekend I am heading off to a five day clinic, and will be bringing my 5 year old greenie Icelandic gelding, whom I bought as a foal, home with me afterward. My first "own" horse, 50 years in the waiting. What was I thinking? Pass the Advil!

[username]

can we older folks get competition points for actually being able to mount? I find it is no longer possible without a rather high platform to start from (sigh!....) course I have bulging discs, a very bad left knee, and two fused feet so plain old WALKING (as in me alone, on the ground) can be a problem. gotta love my old horses who kindly lowers his head to be bridled among other lovely habits.

does anyone know about "the Centaurians" ? seem to recall they were a group of competitors who had to be at or above 100 years combined age for horse-and-rider pair.

can we have a group for not-quite-centuarians but already on social security?

[Roan]

Ooof -- a hundred years old would be like a 70 year old on a 30 year old horse. That would rule a LOT of us out :D

I'm gonna add NSAID to my sig line :yes:

Eileen

[Vesper Sparrow]

I think it's called the Century Club. I remember reading of a woman out in BC, I think, who had been inducted into its ranks--she was in her late 70s, the horse in its early 20s and they were getting good scores in Training Level.

I have the horse (24) but not the age yet. It's something I aspire to.

[Vesper Sparrow]

Here are a few links:

A recent inductee:
http://www.dressagedaily.com/2008/dd_200803/dd_20080315-braun.html

List of members:
http://www.dressagefoundation.org/The_Dressage_Foundation_Century_Club_Members.htm

[slc2]

Most of the provisions for the older rider seem to focus on the MUCH older rider (like the century award).

[CatOnLap]

For a while we had a splinter from our dressage club we called GODS- Getting Older Dressage Society.

As I am also deadly allergic to NSAIDS, I would prefer we change the division to the GODS division.

Its my birthday today. I am officially over the hill and heading downward at 51. You must listen to me.:yes: :lol:

[Bronte]

Happy B/D Catonlap!

Had to chime in here, 54...:cry:
Definately reliant on painkillers!:sadsmile:

My friend and I refer to the supple youngsters, as rubber child. We have envy!:lol:

However, a little inspiration, I have two friends, both a little older than me, one showing PSG on two horses she produced herself, and the other just put her first GP in the ring, with a horse she produced.

We may creak and groan, but dam it, we are smarter and wiser.........:cool:

GODS, I like it!