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. 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!
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