I am NOT letting that Old Gal in either!

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.

Biasini and me competing at White Fences in the Intermediare 1. 2019

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. And…I do planks for my core. To be honest planks are a form of self torture. Seriously…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!

Comments

26 responses to “I am NOT letting that Old Gal in either!”

  1. Subbashini Meenakshi Sundaram Avatar

    Sorry I did comment in this post but it is not published

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      I will look in case it went to spam.

      Like

  2. Subbashini Meenakshi Sundaram Avatar

    I can’t see my comment here

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Subbashini Meenakshi Sundaram Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. iScriblr Avatar

    You are an inspiration! Kudos!πŸ‘πŸ‘

    Liked by 1 person

  5. JD Avatar

    Great series, Anne! Hope there are more interviews to be had.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. JD Avatar

        No worries!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Family to the 5 Power! Avatar

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      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

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Infinite Living Avatar

    So beautiful and inspirational! I truly believe age is what we make of it in the mind. You model that so well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you! That is a lovely compliment.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Infinite Living Avatar

        You are very welcome πŸ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

  8. sandyjwhite Avatar

    Here’s to continuing to ride well into your 70’s, Anne!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thanks Sandy I hope so!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I'm Just Horsing Around Avatar

    You are such an inspiration! Thanks for posting!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you. I appreciate this comment very much.

      Like

  10. dprastka Avatar

    Thank you for your interviews and your wonderful, encouraging words! πŸ˜€ To have survived such illnesses and get back into horses and show at your levels is AMAZING! Love you and Biasini, such inspirations! ❀️πŸ₯°πŸ˜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Diana.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. whippetwisdom Avatar

    It’s great to read your own answers to these questions too dear Anne and I especially love your advice to the young riders πŸ™‚ Here’s hoping you’ll get the opportunity to gallop on the beach in County Mayo! πŸ€—πŸ’–πŸŽπŸ€

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      🐎🐎 well you never know…it may happen. Thank you for this comment
      πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Irene Avatar

    You go, girl! ❀️

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Donna Zabukovec Avatar
    Donna Zabukovec

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      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.

      Like

  14. Integrity Training Avatar

    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!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      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. πŸ˜€

      Liked by 2 people

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