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Who Wants to Ride Forever
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When you are young, it’s really very difficult to visualize what life will look like when you are older. You think that the things you see ‘old’ people live with won’t happen to you. The bad news is, it probably will. Things like crappy eyesight, aching joints and the desire to be in bed by 10pm every night will probably be just a few of things you’ll find yourself dealing with. The really weird thing about aging is that at 50, 60 or 90, you’re really the same person inside as you were when you were 12 - or five or two. You will have many of the same dreams, passions, fears and dislikes. The exterior may change, but the interior you really doesn’t.
I really don’t mean to get philosophical about aging here. Most of you are probably thinking yeah, yeah, whatevs. However, I want to keep riding forever, and I want you to, too.
Stay Fit
I really think that physical fitness is the fountain of youth. I’m absolutely convinced of this. Hopefully, physical fitness starts when you’re young. Riding is exercise, but exercising for your riding has many benefits too. I personally believe in working out with weights as heavy as you can lift - none of this two or five-pound stuff. You won’t bulk up (if you’re a woman), but you will be able to sling a bale of hay around easier. Aerobic exercise is important. A bit of cycling or running will prevent you from getting winded during an arduous schooling session or lesson. Stretching helps you stay supple in the saddle and prevent strains. Even if you’re already ‘older’, start doing what you can do, and work from there.
Keep Learning
No matter how well you ride, you can always improve. Even Olympic and Grand Prix riders have coaches. All of us have our bad habits, or personal ‘conformation faults’ that make things difficult. A coach can help you work around those things. And, don’t just rely on coaches. Read books, attend clinics, watch videos. Feed your mind as much and as often as you can.
Stay Open
As long as a tree is growing, its’ alive. Branch out and put down new roots. Try different horse sports, even if you do it just once. Ride different horses. Challenge yourself. Write a bucket list. Listen and really consider point of views other than your own. Be open to change and new things.
Do What You Love
If you’ve ever taken a break from riding, you probably got back into the saddle and wondered why you ever stopped. Staying fit feeds your body, learning and openness feed your mind, but doing what you love feeds your soul. Somehow, when I am on horseback, my soul feels bigger. I have to be aware that there may come a time, hopefully in the far-distant future, when I won’t not able to get in the saddle. However, that only means I have to stay open, and find another way to do what I love.
You Are Always Potential
When I was younger, I always thought I’d be ‘something else’ when I was much older. And that, when you got older, your opportunities narrowed, and you somehow hit a plateau. From this vantage point of ‘older’ however, I’ve made a discovery. There is always opportunity. And in you is the drive, energy and smarts to enjoy it. You are always potential.
So, I hope like me, you aspire to be like these folks. Because I want to ride forever. |
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