WALT DISNEY once said, “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional,” and this couldn’t ring more true when it comes to riders – and horses.
The gift of horses is that they can bring a unique childlike joy to their owners and riders, no matter what that person’s age might be. And similarly, we all know or remember that one older horse, who needs to be at the front while hacking or they’ll proceed to jog the whole way, like a coiled spring ready to burst with excitement.
Equestrian sport welcomes and celebrates combinations of all ages, confirmed by many legends still at the top in the Olympic disciplines, and this is no different across the levels.
Maggie Richardson turned 70 last month, but says she walks around like a teenager after a morning on the gallops with her 23-year-olds, Black Beauty (BB) and Max A Million.
“It’s all about how you feel in yourself. There are some mornings it might feel a little bit of an effort, but I say to myself, ‘Come on, you know how you feel afterwards.’ I come home from the yard energised. I don’t feel my age,” she says.
Maggie rode as a child and in her early years worked in a point-to-point yard. She gave up horses when she moved to London, but returned to the saddle aged 52.
“I was hooked, and horses took over my life,” says Maggie. “I started riding BB in 2017 when her rider had lost their confidence. I got her going and she was later gifted to me. We were winning everything in showjumping and someone said, ‘Why don’t you affiliate?’ I thought, ‘God, at my age?’ But I gave it a go – and we were competitive. I stopped British Showjumping this year, but we still compete in unaffiliated leagues and she’s still winning,” says Maggie.
“Max doesn’t jump anymore as he’s got arthritis. However, he enjoys a good blast on the gallops once a week. He’s an absolute character.”
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin November 07, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin November 07, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
