Dear Sharon,
I am 51 years old and would like to get back in the saddle. My husband and I raised our two girls showing horses in all aspects of the equine industry. Now they are grown and married and we are thankful for the many "equines" that attributed to their raising. I have found myself wondering if I would be able to find my "niche." My oldest lives close by and now solely barrel races. Do you think I might again be able to race at my age? It has been literally years since I was consistently riding!
Dear Mona,
I think you should follow your heart and find your “niche.” The key to returning to riding is to find the correct equine partner. I suggest that you find a well-schooled and quiet-minded horse. Take some time to re-establish your balance on horseback before you try barrel racing at speed.
I would invite you to read my Western Horseman book The A.R.T. of Barrel Racing and review my DVD's. You will see there is a lot of work to be done prior to running the barrel pattern. You will be able to utilize the time to re-acquaint yourself to riding and prepare you and your horse for barrel racing.
Follow your dreams,
Sharon