Am I too old to start showing horses again?

Question

I used to own a horse and I showed him for about 5 years ending when I was 13. I'm 20 now. Do you think I'm too old to become a good shower and/or jumper after not having ridden in 7 years?

Answer 1

As usual, kmnmiamisax's answer is perfect.  It is never too late to start showing.  And 20 is young.  Of course, someone who doesn't start riding until she is 50 years old (and there are people I know sho have started this late) is probably not going to end up showing in highly rated shows, but she certainly can show in school shows and move up to wherever her ability allows her to.  I rode as a kid and then stopped for 10 years.  When I was in my 20s I rode for a few years, but not very seriously.  In my 30s I became serious about riding again and, had I had the financial resources to ride more often than twice a week, I would have bought a horse and taken lessons every day.  However, I did do some showing in small shows in my 30s.  I was competing in flat and very small jump classes, as well as doing some training level dressage showing.  There were people in their 60s and 70s at some of these shows who were better riders than I expect I'll ever be.  My goal in showing is to compete against myself and do the best I can.  So, it really doesn't matter to me how old the other people I'm competing against are.  But, in any case, at 20, you have plenty of time to develop into a great rider.  As far as taking years off from riding, you don't forget.  It can be a frustrating experience becaue you know exactly what to do in your head almost from the first time you get back on a horse, but it takes some time to strengthen your muscles so that you can make them do what you know they should be doing.  But, it's well worth the work.

Answer 2

of course not!!! you should definitely go for it:) good luck:)!!!!

Answer 3

anyone can start at any age. just start up again. I have people I ride with who are 65+ year old.

The only difference I notice between childern and adult riders is mind set, body, and ability. Here is what to expect going back into it:

1)more expensive than when you were younger. Th drought and weather along with gas prices make feed and hay at the premium so be sure you can afford it. The average 45 min lesson is $40-$50 now. And its not going down.

2) when i teach i notice a difference in my adult students verses by child students. Childern have less resistance, they tend to obey a bit better and only shy away from 'scary' things or tasks. Adults don't tend to do this but they think more in the longer term. 'If i go over the jump and fall and get hurt i can't work, then i can't pay the bills, then i get foreclosed on...' They think more about possiblities. In reality it is rare that a rider is seriously injured or killed in a lesson, most falls are minor and don't even require a break from the lesson.

3)Your body is most likely taller and in more proportion than when you were young. Your bones are solid and you have reached, most likely, your adult height. A child sometimes will struggle or have to work harder to do task because their bodies are still growing and are not tall/short/shaped correctly yet. As an adult you don't have to worry so much. But as an adult you will notice, even at 20, that the flexiblity and moveablity is limited. Kids can stretch and bend because their tendons, muscles, and bones are not solid/fused/tense. Adults will have stronger muscles, solid bones, and tough durible tendons. While riding you may experience more discomfor for a longer period of time then when you where 13.

4)Ability- This is where adults win regardless. A child is always limited by growth, age, attention span, and the way they are organized in a show. As an adult you have a great attention span so you can understand and exicute commands better. You are stronger and more balanced so in the long run you can jump higher, ride longer, and go faster. Also since your body is done growing you will never out grow boots/pants/etc. As an adult you can enter in most divisions except those exclusive to childern. You can also ride any horse, including stallions, which are usually banned for childern.

Those are the basic difference you can expect. In my experience adults make better showmen and horsemen that childern. Adults can take care of themsleves and their horses, while childern can not. Just be aware it may take longer to get your body fit again but most of my adult students bounce back inb about 1-3 months of weekly riding

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I didn't even start riding until I was 20!!  Of course your not too old to start riding and showing again!  You make me feel old!

There's a lady at my barn that didn't learn to ride until she retired.  Since then she bought a quarter horse and has taken him to a few AQHA shows and done pretty well.

Since you rode for 5 years, you'll still remember the basics and be able to jump back in.  You'll need to re-develop your muscles and it may be challenging at times, but you're certainly not "too old" to show!

Answer 5

No wayy!!! 20 is normal! dont wrry just get a few lessons and you'll be "Back in That Saddle" :)