Introduction

 

Since 2006 I have spoken about being an older rider and have shared my ideas several times since then as a guest clinician at Horse World Expo.  Over the years, as I get older, my presentation has changed as I learned more information to share with others.

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When I was little, I don't remember finding out what a horse was.  I think I always knew, and also knew the closer I could be to a horse, the happier I would be.

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People who don't know me often ask, do you still ride?  Thankfully, joyously, yes. This is when I realize I may look "too old," whatever that is...I train and teach classical horsemanship almost every day. I still go to an occasional show. My husband and I have a 20-acre horse farm and I do my own barn work. And I am in my late seventies.

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The students I work with are those who had well established careers and raised families in their earlier years.  Some owned horses; others rode only occasionally on vacations.  All wanted to learn more about riding.  Much more.

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As a group, they are dedicated and passionate about riding.

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This book is for them and for others like them.

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And they are not alone.