Riding Into The Golden Years

Riding Into The Golden Years

Susan Allen
Susan Allen

 

Unlike fine wine horseback riders do not get better with age, we have more accidents.  So when you watch a middle age Olympic rider or  PRCA  cowboy, like Billy Etbauer they are truly  beating the odds.  I’m Susan Allen stay tuned for Open Range. I am in awe of individuals who  compete in rodeo, barrel racing and jumping  and other disciplines in their golden years.  When you get to be over fifty-five many non-riding doctors council their patients to give up competitive  riding citing well known statistic that show horseback riding as one of the most dangerous sports, worse than motorcycles and skiing. Because of a slower reflexes,  brittle bones, tight joints and bad backs older riders are more prone to injury if a horse spooks, bolts or kicks. The average age for individuals suffering major injuries and undergoing surgery is higher in the equestrian sports than nearly any other. But what the non-riding physicians don’t understand when they tell a cowboy to hang up his spurs  is that horseback riding isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.  Being around the equine species contributes to a person’s s mental well  being the reason horses are so successful in therapeutic programs with children and wounded vets. When a person gives riding they risk becoming depressed.  No one understood this better than President Ronald Reagan, who was who was crushed when he was told he could no longer ride his beloved white Arabian stallion due to the onslaught of  Alzheimer’s. If you want to stay steady in the saddle well into your 80's (like many of my cowboy/girl friends )it would be prudent to find a physician who understands the sport.  
Previous ReportTurkey and Tick Season Go Hand In Hand
Next ReportThe New York Times Challenge To Meat Eaters