This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

How exciting that you have decided to take up horseback riding!. You are over 50 years old and no, you are not too old to ride or even to learn to ride for the first time! Unlike many sports, riding is an activity that you can enjoy well into your senior years. I have a friend and mentor who is still riding and competing at the age of 85!

You’ve had this passion for a long time, probably all your life. Now you have the time and finances to pursue it! Being involved in horses improves many areas of our lives, such as:

• general muscle strength (lifting, pushing, pulling)
• balance
• core strength
• general mobility (both fine and gross motor skills)
• emotional health
• mental health
• socialization
• lifelong learning

If you are new to riding or even if you rode as a child, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind as you plan your new hobby.

Select a Discipline or Style of Riding

There are literally dozens of different activities that you can do with horses. Safety and fun should be at the top of your priority list!  First decide if you even want to ride. Maybe you want to drive or perhaps you want to show in hand. There are tons of activities for enjoying horses without throwing your leg over one.

If you decide that you do want to ride, then you will need to choose whether or not you want to ride English or Western. Both disciplines have dozens of different styles and activities to choose from. You may want to visit some barns and stables near you to see what peaks your interest. You Tube is a great resource for researching different activities. Visiting local horse shows can also provide insight.

You will also want to decide if you want to compete. Competitions exist in almost every event, even trail riding. That decision doesn’t need to be made right off the bat, unless you are considering buying a horse. If you are looking to buy a horse, and competition is one of your goals, then horse selection will be a factor. More on that in a bit.

Select a Trainer or Riding Instructor

If you have been away from riding for a while, or if you are just beginning to learn, you will want to select a riding instructor or trainer. Even those of us that have been riding consistently for years still take lessons. Choosing an instructor and a program that supports your goals sets you up for success.

You will want to select an instructor that works with other adults. The barn you select will, in a lot of ways, make or break your experience. Finding an instructor that you like and supports your learning is important. This article How to Find an Exceptional Trainer or Riding Instructor will offer a lot of food for thought on this subject.

Part of the riding experience is the camaraderie that is experienced with riding and taking lessons with your peers.  Life-long friendships have begun at the barn. Selecting a barn will be important for your support system.

Safety Precautions

Falling off and getting hurt can be a big worry, particularly for older riders. You can reduce the chances of getting hurt by riding the right horse and staying in control. Your riding instructor will teach you some safety techniques such as emergency dismounts and emergency stops.

Even the most seasoned horse can be unpredictable at times so staying alert is important. Safety equipment such as helmets, safety stirrups, and riding boots will help protect you if you do fall. If you are in need of a good riding helmet at a good price, the one below is a great choice!

Troxel Sport Schooling Riding Safety Helmet SEI Certification

You can get more information about what to expect from your first lesson by reading this article What to Expect When Learning to Horseback Ride.

Evaluate Your Own Fitness

As women of a certain age, we have our own challenges when it comes to changes in our bodies. Riding offers us a way to not only stay fit, but to challenge our minds and spirits. You are going to discover muscles that you didn’t know you had after your first ride! Riding is a sport, and the more fit you are, the easier it will be. Staying limber and fit will enhance your enjoyment of the sport.

Activities such as walking, stretching, yoga can help prepare you for riding. The strength, balance, body awareness, and agility it takes to do many other sports will also help you as you learn to ride.

If you’re dealing with arthritis, back problems, joint replacements, or other chronic health issues, these are going to affect how you ride. It’s wise to discuss your riding plans with your doctor, but know that lots of folks ride despite the aches and pains that come with age. Go slowly, and be patient with yourself as you learn. Your body will adapt with consistency.

Buying a Horse

If you are taking lessons, then your instructor will match your abilities with the lesson horses available. If you’ve decided to buy or lease a horse of your own then horse selection is key. Remember that the goal is to stay safe and have fun!

Looking for a horse to buy can be an exciting time. It can also be frustrating and scary. There are so many things to consider. You’ll find a lot more information about buying a horse in this article “Beginners Guide on Buying Your First Dream Horse“.

After you have decided on what type of riding you want to do, then the next consideration will be time and financial commitments. Young untrained or green horses take a lot of both. If you are inexperienced at training horses and don’t have the time, then you will be paying someone to do it. Picking an untrained 2 year old, or the 5 year old project horse, is not a great idea if time is a consideration and fun and safety is your goal.

I have a free comprehensive guide for you to use when you do begin search available below. It will walk you through everything you need to consider when looking at horses to buy.

I’m so happy for you that you’ve decided to explore the possibilities of  horseback riding as a hobby. It has so many physical, emotional and mental benefits. I’d love to know more about your decision and where you are in this journey. Leave me a comment below!

Enjoy the Ride!