It seems quite apparent, that one of the reasons that there are fewer performance classes, is that there are fewer owners who know how or care to ride, and therefore they don't see the point of having performance classes. This also seems to be true, at least in our breed of choice, world wide.

I would guess that if there was a performance glass for elders, today, there just might be a lot more people of late 50's and up in that class, then there were would be in junior and professional trainer classes.

What a shame! The Arabian is a wonderful horse under saddle. I've ridden several breeds and particularly some in the US, who were proclaimed to be particularly comfortable under saddle, some were and some were not.

Every photo I see today of people on horseback, looks like a group of grandmothers, and if we were cuties in our day, the best that can be said is that we look like a group of gentlefolk.

Nearly every endeavor requires some degree of education and apprentiseship.
Some of us set out to be world class riders, some learned the old fashion way, by experiencing the weightlessness and freedom from gravitational pull (at least temporarily) as we sailed over the jump, or water puddle without the encumbrance of the horse, and some just learned by going out on any old plug that would bear with us. But we learned to ride.

I used to urge people who would ask me about buying a horse to go take lessns first. Learn to ride and you will enjoy the animal all the more, and the horse will enjoy you more, if you are going on a small adventure together. My goodness, we think even dogs should be taken for a walk.

Perhaps, if we spent more time and industry wide effort in promoting the rider, not only for youngsters, but for people who have never ridden and have always dreamed of doing so, we might also do something for the industry - if only as a beneficial side effect.

There appears to be an endangered species. Not the horses, but horsemen.
Horsemen and women, who have spent time in partnership with the horse in competitive events, in personal improvement of the skill of horsemenship as an art, and for the sheer joy of being a partner with this great animal. One may always be able to buy a horse, but one may never be a member of this club and that is a loss to those who see Arabians as ornaments.

And, just think about the conversational benefits in one's golden years when one can get together with remaining friends and compare old fractures and minor concussions. The last true horse warriors, even if "battle" was only around an arena or across an open field.

LMG

LMG,

As uasual, you're right on.

I'm looking for a halter horse I can ride. I still believe that the best halter horse should be the best riding horse. I'm starting to think what I'm looking for doesn't exist anymore or is very very rare. The reason is that most breeders aren't riders.

Dave

Dear LMG

You hit the nail right on the head. Not only this, people in their 50ties and up look and act much younger than some 100 yers ago, I think.

Many elders used to start playing golf, that was supposed to be for the Oldies. Now the babies so to speak start it.

yes, it would be great if we would again have those "Jack Benny Classes".
those who dont know that definition, Jack Benny alway said he was "39" even when in his seventies.

riding is so good for our health, our minds etc. so hopefully some people listen and start.

Hansi
Serenity Arabian Farms

Hi All,

LMG, you are right ... what is killing me is that many of the people who own great and very beautifull horses don't ride much or not at all ...

This apply especially with Straight Egyptian horses I think and that's why you see many SEs today get injured during play in the Paddock or in the trailer. While I have personally seen a lot of Saudi horses (Non SEs) pulling a tree or falling from a truck without a scratch ... !!

I think the real talent of Arabian horses is once you ride them ... their beauty, endurance, elegance, proudness, and intelegence really shows when you ride them around nature.

Regards,
Ali.

hhhmmm I am almost in my fifties.... and just ride for pleasure.

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Hi Lorriee and Hansi,
I am over fifty and I still ride and it is truly great, there is a feeling that can't be explained to one who doesn't ride and I believe the horse developes a special bond to you when they are ridden. I started with Arabians many years ago and rode many miles but, now that I am focused on being a breeder I don't get to ride nearly as often but, riding is still my true passion
and why I started with Horses.
Ready to ride at the drop of a hat................
Robert,
Echo Hill Arabians
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Hello, Robert:

Who is the horse in the picture?

LMG