I think that we do become more aware of the world around us as we age and slow down. We don't have the demands of work, children, family as pressing as we do when younger, so it's easier to be reflective and attentive.
And congrats on the boating course revelations! At almost-66, I'm looking at getting a young horse and training him so that I can sell him to a kid in a few years. Note: horse culture in the rural US is, I think, somewhat different from the UK. While suburban and exurban horse owning has become increasingly more expensive, it's still doable at a reasonable price in rural areas in the US. It's not as much of a class indicator, especially if one isn't involved in the horse show world.
My current horse is approaching retirement age herself, and I'm not ready to give up riding for my own health. For her sake, it's time for me to be looking for options. She's the horse of my heart, so she'll be with me until she dies--and, alas, I see that day coming very quickly.
I think that we do become more aware of the world around us as we age and slow down. We don't have the demands of work, children, family as pressing as we do when younger, so it's easier to be reflective and attentive.
And congrats on the boating course revelations! At almost-66, I'm looking at getting a young horse and training him so that I can sell him to a kid in a few years. Note: horse culture in the rural US is, I think, somewhat different from the UK. While suburban and exurban horse owning has become increasingly more expensive, it's still doable at a reasonable price in rural areas in the US. It's not as much of a class indicator, especially if one isn't involved in the horse show world.
My current horse is approaching retirement age herself, and I'm not ready to give up riding for my own health. For her sake, it's time for me to be looking for options. She's the horse of my heart, so she'll be with me until she dies--and, alas, I see that day coming very quickly.
Thanks for the comment.
Stay in the saddle as long as you can.
I have ridden horses in the UK and US (never owned one), and the US does horse riding right with those big comfy saddles.