09/28/2022
LATE ENTRIES
We need to talk. There’s a new group of us in the horse world. We’re getting older and wiser. The kids have finally left home. We’ve quit that job that ground us down for decades. After a lifetime of loving everything about horses, we’ve decided that it’s time to ride.
What are you waiting for? Well, I’ll tell you. You’re waiting for the right horse.
If you’re an adult beginning rider of a certain age, now is not the time to take on the young, vigorous horse that ‘needs some work’, never mind the middle-aged, neglected horse who never got his chance. I’m closing in on five decades spent in the saddle and I’ll tell you absolutely, without reservation, that when I want to enjoy myself on the trails with friends, or at the cowboy challenge fun day, or dressed to the nines in the local parade, I’m looking for an old kid’s horse.
If you’re just starting to ride at fifty, sixty, or seventy years old, I salute you. Find a great teacher and treat yourself kindly. Our ageing bodies take time to move with ease in the saddle and, often, our confidence is easily shaken. This isn’t cowardice, folks, this is Nature trying her best to keep us safe. Please, don’t discount the late teens or twenty-something horse with maintenance issues. Sure, his teeth may require extra work, his joints could use supplements, his shoeing might need more care, and winter will be a little more challenging just keeping him warm and well fed. But if he was a good horse, once upon a time, he will take your safety seriously in the future.
Cody, my own old standby is hale ‘n’ hearty and now in his late twenties. Long in the tooth, a little scarred and creaky, he is my go-to guy for days with crowds and microphones, or whenever life is getting too ‘lifey’. Just being with him slows my racing heart. Will we have to say goodbye before too long? Sadly, probably. This has only made my time with him all the more bittersweet.
I know there are many of you waiting for old campaigners of your own. Keep looking! Somewhere, out there, are others like Cody, high-mileage horses needing what you have to give.
Here’s to the genuine old-timer! He and his tribe, the battered brigade, will allow our hearts to soar.
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From my new book, LOVE & RULES. You can pre-order a signed copy at www.redbarnbooks.ca.
Books will ship mid-November. Everyone who pre-orders by September 30th is entered in a draw for a LOVE & RULES vest. Three lucky winners will be announced October 3rd!
