Am I being silly

Standing at the corner of a quiet back street on my way home from the swimming pool, I was very nearly killed by a car that swerved across the road and hurtled along the pavement straight towards me (driver probably asleep at the wheel). Given that you are rediscovering the joys of horseriding in a wholly responsible way, joshsnan I can't see a) what business it is of anyone else and b) what on earth they are criticising.

Go for it, Joshsnan. If you don't, you will regret it.

umm....

oh that'll do!

did she!!! well I never knew that!! Laura Ashley as in the designer!

She did *biker yes as in designer

I read that too.

oh well, thats not much better than hi i'm here!

cheaty cheat!

Was going to say what Zephrine has said, but I'd also add to choose your horses carefully.

Thank You Ladies for all your comments, after a lot of thought and with the help of your comments my decision is to carry on Riding...I have a brilliant Riding Instructor that I trust and have confidence in...the safety at the school is paramount and I wear a padded body protector that also supports and covers the back, all lessons are supervised and are on a one to one basis. I have felt so much fitter and have had lots more energy since I started and know that I would miss it if I gave it up.

Gally- I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin...what a terrible thing to happen...I wish her well and hope she continues to improve...I have taken your concerns on board and thank you for your comments

Bikergran- Your post made me laugh so much ( I had visions of you and your friend speeding up the motorway on your motorbikes lol ) you really are an inspiration to us all. I like you have no intentions of letting my life just pass me by and intend to make the most of my retirement.

To everyone else that replied thank you, you are ALL amazing Women cheers ladies

This is good to hear

Well done Joshsnan - I think once you have sorted everything out in your head and you are happy with your decision you should go for it!

Hi, Take no notice of the naysayers - age is just a number. If you are fit and able and can afford the lessons go ahead. Remember it will be the things you didn't do that you will regret....

I can't see what the problem is here. You love riding - you know people who are negative.
Drop the friends/neighbours and stick to the horses.

I think its great that you have rediscovered riding. The Queen still rides I believe and she is in her eighties ! ( or she was riding until a few years ago, anyway !)

BTW - I am nearly 58 and I play football with my grandsons,.. go on the swings at the park,.. and I roller skate too - My mother was very ill at 57 - and she died when she was 58,... I intend to do whatever I want as long as I am able - and th elonger you do stuff - the longer you are able !!

I always wanted to learn to ride a horse, but it was always too expensive when I was younger.

I did enjoy pony-trekking - sitting on a horse's back and being taken for a ride as a real beginner - but I hankered for the real thing.

So I celebrated my 60th birthday by signing up for riding lessons.

The result - I learned to ride; I never even felt like falling off, and I got as far as managing a rising trot. Then I got bored with riding.

Nowadays, I don't even want to go pony-trekking, which is a pity.

But at no time did I even consider the idea that I was too old. Surely your state of health is the only consideration?

I am still trying to master swimming, though, and, thanks to my grandchildren, I am making progress there too.

joshsnan I totally agree with bikergran last post ...go for it ...we only have so much time before infirmity, lack of confidence and lack of resources get's in the way of those 101 things we'd always planned to do ...just be sensible and take all the right precautions ...enjoy life while you still can

Hello joshsnan, I had riding lessons for my 60th, a horse for an anniversary pressie. I've had two concussions and changed horses three times now and it has been the most magical adventure which I wouldn't have swapped for anything. Now, my old horse and I communicate in a very magical way. Go, go, go ......

Please tell us more about your horse. He/she sounds like a dear, a real schoolmaster.

Take no notice whatsoever! My friend is 71yrs and is out riding everyday and very involved with pony club.
I went skiing last season, with a group all at least as old as you. They were all advanced skiers and would have laughed at the thought they were too old.
I am slightly older than you and have just done a tandem skydive. I go running most days.
I have never heard such rubbish!!

Life is for living-get out and do it-good luck!

I am 54 and like you love horses, I don't ride very often, but only because I work fulltime and am a part time degree student, as well as enjoying two GC. I am looking forward to teaching them to ride and don't intend giving up myself anytime soon. Admittedly we might not bounce as we as we did when younger, but you as others have said you can kill yourself crossing the road. Good on you......keep on riding!

I want to amend the old saying to "You're only as old as the horse you're riding".
I agree that it is sensible to consider specific safety issues. Having done that, do what you please; ride when you want, stop when you want.
It's no other b^$$3r's business!

Way to go Hunt!Envy you your narrow boat Hope your husband is better.