I'm 35, am I too old to get involved in horse showing???

Question

I have always loved horses. I've ridden a lot but am not really a good rider. I can control a gentle horse for trail riding or around a walk or trot around the arena but that's about it. I'd love to take about a year's worth of lessons and then get a horse to show in Western events. I don't think I'm too old although most of the women my age probably will have been riding before they could walk! Do they have a beginner ADULT category in horse shows? And what horse do you think is best for a beginner? I was thinking a quarter horse but I'd love to get a black horse and do quarter horses come in black? I know color is far from the most important thing and temperment is what I'll need to be looking at, right? How much should I pay for weekly lessons for an hour each? And what about possibly leasing a horse and seeing what it's like to own one before investing in one? THANKS HORSE LOVERS!

Answer 1

ur never to old there are NO rules about how old u are, like there are like 14-17 but there 18 and over!!

Answer 2

Your never to old to start living your dream:)

Answer 3

Absolutely not!  Go for it.  You have some good ideas.  There really are not any beginner classes except if you are showing the 'horse' and not in equitation etc.  But you will be surprised once you have your own horse and are riding regularly and taking some lessons.  

Yes Quarter horses come in black.  Steve McQueen rode the nat'l champion reining QH - Ringo in his first tv series - Wanted Dead or Alive - (that's how old I am lol)

Leasing a horse is a good way to get 'into' it but remember if you lease and it is not a horse that can be bought - it will break your heart to send him back.

Yes you are right - color is the least most important thing to look for when choosing a horse.  Since you are a beginner I would choose a 8-10 yr old gelding that was child gentle, hopefully had been shown some and trail ridden.  Make sure they load and ride in the trailer well.  Make sure they are calm and easy going.  Most QH are though.

When you go for a test ride - ride them for an hour or so..  don't just get on and circle a corral - ride around in a pasture or up and down trail or long drive way.  Get off and on several times.  Pay attn to the directions owners give as all horses are different.  Make sure you get a health certificate to make sure he is sound in legs and wind, good sight etc.

On paying for weekly lessons - really depends upon your area and you didn't mention where you are from - obviously on the East coast and CA you are going to pay a lot more than you would in CO or Iowa - okay?  We charged 25.00 an hr but we are in the boonies of Co and only gave hunt seat and jump lessons..  They last about 2 hrs in reality from saddling up, warming up and then the real instruction.  .  still charged 25.00. lol  

I will say this - horse market is as low as I've ever seen it so good time to buy.  You might check this list out on Yahoo Groups and surely there are some groups for Quarter Horses too.  Just go to Groups home on the Yahoo home page and then search for QH.  

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Araba...

I have seen people GIVING purebred and partbred Arabians away on the above list because they cannot afford to feed them.  The downside of that is if they can't afford to feed them I would bet the vet care of worming, shots and so on might be shorted too.  From Texas to Missouri to the Great Lakes Region - people are moving horses out because they cannot afford to feed them..  so maybe a great opp for you.

Also, there is a place in Pueblo CO called hmm  Dream something  can't quite remember - like Dreamweavers or Dreamscapes or something like that but they are supposed to have 400-500 head of horses that have been abandoned and you do pay something to get them and would not know horses history but they would be up to date on shots and feet trims etc..

Incidentally, one of the coolest things we ever did was teach a 67 yr old woman - recently widowed - always wanted a horse - husband scoffed - and taught her to ride and care for it.  She is still riding and is 74 now.  .  thinned down some, too - lol.  Got her a very gentle 14 yr old QH - only 14.1 so small and she can get on easy.  .  nice smooth gaits and loving old guy. .  He comes when she calls him too.  

So no you are certainly not too old.  It is a pretty big expense though - you need to figure horse farrier visits every 6-8 weeks yr around, shots, worming, feed - hay is pricey and they need 3-4 tons over a long winter at least.  Always good to give them a little grain too.  Grooming and having to get up early to feed before you go to work.  Lots to do.  But nothing like the smell of your own horse!!  Nothing like hearing that whinny when You arrive (with the grain lol) and nothing so much fun as riding down a trail or working with them for one thing or another.  You will learn lots and meet cool people.

Let us know - post again - so we know how it all turns out!!

Good luck!

Answer 4

every year at the fair they have horse shows. if you have a pure horse you may show it in a halter or riding class. if you were under 18 than you would be able to join 4-h but the adult fair shows are cool to. they are just like 4-h but you need to have a full blooded hose. also i have a qh mare. they are great horses and they do come in black. they are also very friendly horses. i pay my horse instructor 30 dollars a lesson but most instructors charge 20 - 25. leasing a horse could be tricky. if the horse gets injured than its your falt. what i would sujest is ask your instructor to help around the barn. it will show you what it is like to have a horse. but if you would like to leas a horse that is a good idea because it will really show you what it is like to have a horse, but you have to be careful. hope this helps.

Answer 5

You are absolutely not too old to learn and to learn to show.  Yes, Quarter Horses do come in black and yes, they do have novice/amateur classes for adult beginners....see?  they have those classes because they fill them with people such as yourself that never did attempt to fulfill their dreams for one reason or the other, so go for it!  That's exactly how I began in the horse show circuit, in the amateur division...and believe me, that can be tough enough...you will NEVER regret it, whether you place or not, you will be a winner.  Good luck and let us know what and how you do.

Answer 6

No your not to old! Yes they do have beginner adult classes.Quarter horses are very gentle and are great for western. They have great dispositions and they come in black, bay, grey, dun, palomino, buckskin, cremello, perlino, chestnut, and whatever else there is I may be forgetting. If you want it to have white markings on its body get a paint which is basically a quarter horse with white lol. =] Hope I helped!

Answer 7

NO WAY!!I barrelrace and am 14.

My friends GRANDMA who is 84 barrelraces and WINS!

Answer 8

Go for it! You are never too old to show!!! Come in and join the fun:)

Answer 9

After riding for only a year, you shouldn't consider getting your own horse yet--you just won't have enough experience or know-how. Leasing is an option, but the cheapest thing to do is find a lesson barn that will lend out its school horses (old schoolmasters are safe and easy to ride) for shows. I pay $40 per group lesson and that's about average for the area I live in.

And yes, they do have beginner categories for adults or all ages (I'm pretty sure they would have them for Western, but I've only ever shown or ridden English)

I've been riding since I was 11, and I'm 18 now, but I have adults in my weekly class! It's not unusual at all for adults to pick up riding, especially if they have horse-crazy daughters. It can turn into a great bonding activity.  

Answer 10

Hey, I'm 35 and I don't think I'm too old to take up anything brand new. Hee hee. Go for it. We just had a lady start lessons who's 62 and only been on a horse twice in her life. She's doing it because she wants to go to Wyoming and do a cattle drive and by gosh darn it, she will, too. She's also quite good and we all look at her and remind ourselves, we're never too old to fulfill a dream. All it takes is heart, courage, and some self-forgiveness when need be. Look for a seasoned older horse, say between 15-20, QH's usually have very nice temperaments, though many other horses do as well, so it's case-by-case. Definitely don't choose a horse on color and take someone experienced who knows what to ask and look for with you when you are trying horses out to buy. Temperament and being seasoned (trained very well) is the single most important thing (aside from soundness and general health of the horse) that a first time horse owner should absolutely prioritize. Don't ever skip the pre-purchase examination. It'll save you a lot of potential headaches and heartaches in the future. Leasing before you buy is the best way to dip your foot in the water and get a feel for what kind of horse appeals to you and what kind doesn't. It's also a great guage for how expensive horses can really be in terms of upkeep. Weekly lessons by the hour will range in price between trainers and depending on the area you live in, but expect about $40 on average. Sometimes, you can find $25-30, but don't be surprised if it's as high as $50-$60. Start with private lessons so you can really just focus on yourself and not be distracted or intimidated.

Answer 11

Nawwwwwww you're never too old!

I'm in my mid 50's now and have watched all my old buddies get back into horses (I never left) and I just crack up!  

My best friend, who got out of horses in the mid 70's and outside of sitting on my old QH back in '79 and a trail ride at some park in the early 80's, hadn't been back on a horse until '03.  She drove down to visit me when I lived on the Central California Coast and I put her up on my late hubby's QH gelding.  She was hooked AGAIN!

She ended up taking lessons for a while and buying a little pinto gelding from the owner of the facility.  She now cracks me up, 'cause I get instant messages about what her horse did, or something looks weird with her horse, etc.  

Most of my first years of giving lessons, the kids grew up, got lives, and are once again getting into horses.  Of all the kids, ONE managed to make a career of them.  A couple of my first year's crop are now 40 and one in the past few years has gone from horseless, to owning 2 (One of which I bred).

You could be in your 50's and just getting back into it, so NO you're NOT too old!

Answer 12

You are a perfect candidate for a local saddle club that puts on weekly "shows" informally.  Put it out there on the internet for your area and see what comes up.  it would get you started, and might be all you want to do.  It is a good way to practice for the real world of showing, without the stress.

Answer 13

I think it's great that you want to get involved in showing. It's true that a lot of people your age have probably been riding forever, but you will find people people like you who haven't had the opportunity and are just getting into it as an adult.

About buying a horse: start taking lessons with a trainer. Try to search around for a good one/one you trust. Then get their opinion when it comes time to buy. Quarter horses are generally pretty good, honest horses, but mixes and other breeds can be too. Pay more attention to age and training than breed. You're trainer will be able to guide you on that.

As far as price for lessons: I don't know where you are so I can't really comment on that. Around here (California) english/jumping lessons range from $35-90 a lesson, most being around $50 for an hour. But it really depends on the area and trainer. Leasing is a great way to get more riding in. There are a lot of people looking to lease their horses now because selling a horse is nearly impossible with this economy.

Basically get a trainer. Go from there. But there's no reason you can't start showing as an adult!  

Answer 14

hehe, my dad rode in his first show at the age of 55. . . so i think if he can do it and have fun then anyone can start at any age. if you want it bad enough then you can reach ya dreams.

and YES they do. . . have an beginner adult classes! (dad came in first in his hehe.) anyway, you've asked alot ALOT of questions and it is late here. . . and i am running outta time (aka i wantta pass out and go to bed) so if you want some more answers drop me a line and i'll be more then willing to answer any questions to the best i can (and if i dont know i'll go ask someone who does). i think it's great that you want to learn and are getting some basic info before jumping in.

good luck and have fun!

btw after you get a few months worth of lessons, go lease one of the lesson horses so ya can get alittle more experance with all the areas of taking care of a horse. as for how much it all depends on your area and what type of showing you want to do.

note: there is a blog that mentions the different rules and such for adults for different shows, i'll go look it up 2morrow and repost it if the question is still here.  

Answer 15

You are NEVER too old. To live is to NEVER regret. So don't regret...start today. :)

Enjoy life and live large.

Answer 16

you are definitely not too old.  I'm only13, but some people who board their horses at the same place i do show theirs.    Both of these people are older than you.

yes, you can definitely get a black quarter horse.  

and a good price would be

$25-$40 for an hour long lesson.

If you have any stables that board horses in your area, talk to the owners about leasing one of their horses. you can probably also take lessons from the owners on the horse you lease.

Answer 17

Your never ever too old to start riding. Horses dont care how you look or your age. Shows are awesome! Most of the famous show jumpers and dressage champions are older. But your not old at all. Never too late...Stick to your dream!!!!!

馬=horse in chinese, no i am not asian

Answer 18

Heck, no, not too old. The thing is to take lessons first, and lease a horse (the ideal way to go!!). DEFINITELY lease first. The horse you buy as a beginner may not be the horse you'll wish you had two years from now.

A warning about black horses: most of them don't stay black. Their spring or winter coat comes in all black and shiny, then fades in the sun to a burnt-orange color, which causes us black horse owners lots of anguish.

Answer 19

You are never to old to start horse showing!

Yes they have adult divisions, its normally called "open" or "18 and over"

Beginner clasess are normally listed as green rider, which means less than 2 years of riding if I remember right?

Lessons normally run $30-$60 around here, depending on the trainer, I imagine that it varies around the country.

Leasing is pretty common and you should not have too much trouble finding a horse to lease, especially in these economic times! Find a stable that you like and a trainer that you life. Tour the barn and talk to the trainer about their philosophy.

Answer 20

Anyone can be in a horse show if they put their mind and heart into it. I think a nice quarter horse would be good for you because they are usually mellow and are easy to get along with. They would most likely have an open class for adults which is for all levels of riding whether it be beginning or advanced. My trainer charges 35 dollars a lesson, but it depends on what your personal preferances are.  

Answer 21

no age is too old. there is a lady that is like 86 and not only does she still ride and show but she still is the first person to get on her unridden 2 year olds. yes they usually should have beginner adult classes at shows sometimes called "oldies" classes. most horses come in all colors but quarter horses are one breed that literally can be any color (well not pink, purple but normal hair color). temperament and training is most important. "there is no bad color for a good horse" and it depends on where you live and what rates run there. were i leave we have barns that charge every where from $20-$50 for an hour. and leasing is an EXCELLENT idea

Answer 22

Heck No, you are never too old to start riding!!! Go for it!

There is an adult category in most horse shows, it's called the amateur division, for people over the age of 18 who don't show or train for profit and there's also Novice Amateur division, for people who are just starting out. These divisions are offered by the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) which I see you are interested in. There are also many local show circuits that offer those divisions too.

Yes, quarter horses come in black and they usually are even tempered, easy to maintain and good to learn on.

Lesson prices depend on what barn or trainer you go to for lessons. The AQHA website has a web page that lists professional horse trainers, you can do a search by what state you live in and the search will come up with approved AQHA trainers in the network that might offer lessons. Most states have an affiliate association of the AQHA. I'd say lessons start from $25-100 per hour. There's also group lessons and private lessons to choose from. Lease prices vary from contract to contract, there's full leases and half leases with certain arrangements (who pays for vet care, farrier, boarding, tack, how many days you get to ride, whether you share your leased horse wih someone else, etc)

Answer 23

if you can get on your horse and ride, then you're old enough to show.  

i know some shows in our area will offer shows for different age groups, and experience levels.  there's a 55 + walk trot class, at one show, in particular.

hope you have a blast in your new adventure.

Answer 24

You are NEVER to old to ride!  

Answer 25

No.. of coarse not