Today I am going to answer the questions I have posed to Janne Rumbough and Nancy Hutson. I will be turning 70 in June. So here we go!
When did you start riding? I started riding at the age of 4 on a red and black rocking horse. I rode that horse across the living room range every day. I started riding real horses at the age of 8. By 10 my parents leased me a horse and the journey began in earnest. I rode in the jumpers and eventing until the age of 19.Then university, career and life intervened and I then did not ride for 30 years. I started again when my daughter took up riding.
What discipline do you ride now? Now ride in dressage and I have been competing for the 20 years I have been back riding. I am now competing at the Intermediare 1 level.

How do you stay fit enough to ride? I work out at the gym four or five days a week. I do a short cardio and then resistance training with weights or machines in the gym to strengthen my hips, back and arms. Andβ¦I do planks for my core. To be honest planks are a form of self torture. Seriouslyβ¦they are!
At 70 are there any physical problems that have come with age? I have already worn out both hips and had them replaced. They work well and I have no pain . I get regular massage therapy to keep me from getting knotted up anywhere. I have no pain in my body and I am constantly amazed at how well it works for me.
How do you find your energy? My energy level is very good. I have way more energy now than I did years ago when I had young kids. I take glucosamine, multivitamin, vitamin D , calcium, Ubiquinol, and a digestive aid. I do not take any medication for pain.
Do you have any unrealized goals ? I would like to compete in the amateur division of a CDI (Concours dressage International) I need to get more consistent in my Inter 1 tests for that.
Is there anything frivolous you would love to do ? I would like to go to the West Coast of Ireland and gallop on the beach in County Mayo with fellow blogger Cat Meenaghan the Wild Atlantic Rider. I think I could still do that.
Is there anything you fear about getting old? I am a 20 year survivor of Systemic Scleroderma and Colorectal Cancer. I have already faced death with these. Every day I am here is a celebration and if I wake up in a glum mood I remind myself I am lucky to be here. I am lucky to be coming up to a 70th birthday. Many do not have that opportunity. And when I do go I hope I will go with my boots on!!
What would you say to a young rider? Every horse you ride has something to give you. Those are valuable gifts . Keep you eyes open to recognize them.

Thank you all for reading and joining me in this series of posts about women, like me, who are following Clint Eastwood’s lead. He will not let the Old Man in and at 88 he’s still working and going strong. Janne Rumbough , Nancy Hutson and I are all of the same mind. We will not let the Old Gal in. I hope these posts have helped to show that life is far from over when you are in your 70s! Ride on!
Sorry I did comment in this post but it is not published
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I will look in case it went to spam.
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I can’t see my comment here
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I learned lot from this blog , truly I learned about life from your posts. You are making my life beautiful. I believe I will also be like you in my 70s . I get lot of energy from here to live my life to my best.
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You are an inspiration! Kudos!ππ
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Great series, Anne! Hope there are more interviews to be had.
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I’m afraid that is the last one on the topic of age and carrying on with riding and life! But I am so glad you enjoyed the series.
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No worries!
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It was so nice to read more about you in this post. How blessed to be strong, energetic and still riding even after a few health issues. You are an inspiration!
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Thank you
I am blessed and if I can Inspire others who may be going through a health struggle I am happy. Thank you for commenting
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So beautiful and inspirational! I truly believe age is what we make of it in the mind. You model that so well.
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Thank you! That is a lovely compliment.
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You are very welcome π
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Here’s to continuing to ride well into your 70’s, Anne!
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Thanks Sandy I hope so!
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You are such an inspiration! Thanks for posting!
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Thank you. I appreciate this comment very much.
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Thank you for your interviews and your wonderful, encouraging words! π To have survived such illnesses and get back into horses and show at your levels is AMAZING! Love you and Biasini, such inspirations! β€οΈπ₯°π
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Thank you Diana.
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It’s great to read your own answers to these questions too dear Anne and I especially love your advice to the young riders π Here’s hoping you’ll get the opportunity to gallop on the beach in County Mayo! π€πππ
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ππ well you never know…it may happen. Thank you for this comment
π
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You go, girl! β€οΈ
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Tks for this, as a soon to be 63 year old rider finally learning to ride Dressage correctly on an amazing but green horse it makes me realize I’m not to old. I would like to meet you sometime when your at Palgrave.
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You are just a youngster! I would love to meet up. I am not planning on showing at Palgrave but I go to watch so let’s keep in touch.
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Anne, I love your personal answers for the interview! You and Biasini are amazing together, obviously you are so strong mentally and physically, I admire you!!!
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Thank you for this comment. I am resilient but not really all that strong. Haha! We are off to a show this weekend and I’m tired already. π
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