Winter 2023-2024 Issue

Page 22 Winter 2023/2024 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN By Alicia Stephens Martin While Nancy practices as an orthodontist, Denise is a senior director of payroll for a global manufacturing firm. Miles away, Mary retired from Millersville University and volunteers in her community. At the same time, Fran authored a book while facing cancer. All are successful in their own right, treading far separate journeys, juggling careers, family, and challenges. Yet these women share a common ground – a pas- sion for horses. Whether returning to the sport or riding for the first time, being mid-life and beyond has unique challenges. Where does one begin to ensure a safe, enjoy- able activity? Is that even possi- ble? These ladies are living proof. Never let age stop your dream! Nancy O’Neill, 62, first rode in her early teens, then took for- mal lessons at age 28. She attend- ed dental school, and in 2009, built a unique dental complex designed with an equine theme – the facility mirrors an exquisite stable, crowned with a cupola. Parents can watch or relax from the hay loft as their child receives treatment in an individual “stall” below. The environment is so mesmerizing that any stress of a dental visit is eased. Denise Jones, also 62, has a horse-themed home office. She rode quite a bit while in college, then life happened, and she devoted herself to family. One day Denise realized she didn’t want to regret not chasing her dream of riding and maybe even owning a horse. Mary Glazier, age 76, took some lessons. For her as well, owning a horse and riding regu- larly was not a possibility. Fran Severn has been a radio and print reporter, and even a DJ. She lived in England for six years Older Equestrians Experience Great Rewards: Never Let Age Stop the Passion when her husband was in the Air Force and traveled around Europe and Australia. She did not get the chance to ride routinely until tak- ing lessons in her fifties when she was able to buy her first horse. That is when she started keeping a diary. Unexpectedly, she found herself in a forum of other mid- life women riders, all asking the same questions, which sparked an urge to publish a book. According to statistics from the American Horse Council, apart from the COVID-19 years, the number of female equestrians aged 50 and older is rising. Also, according to an American Horse Publications study, there are 7.25 million horses in the U.S. and the predominant gender of their owners is female – 93 percent. With regard to horse-related activity, rider ownership in the 18-24 age bracket has decreased by 11.3 percent between 2005 and 2017, while the 45-59 age bracket dropped 18 percent. In 2005, a scant 6 percent of horse owners were over age 60, whereas in 2017, that number had increased to 18 percent. The author of the AHC comparison report suggested that the same group who owned horses in 2005 are now older and continue to own their horses, and those horses are living longer. Patrice D. Bucciarelli, in an article for Horse Illustrated.com, interviewed Dr. Naomi Betesh. “If you are in good health, age is not a limiting factor to trying something new,” Dr, Betesh said. “Studies in older adults showed horseback rid- ing significantly improved balance and gait and decreased falls.” She also reported a new study that sug- gests improved cognitive function in adults. “Riding has many great physical and psychological benefits; the key is being realistic about your riding goals and taking it slowly.” Helen Gildein is living the dream. At age 64, her life centers around horses. She grew up riding and selling horses for the family business. She has bred and trained many horses that had successful careers. Today she is a retired carded horse show judge after 30 years, having competed in multiple shows, obstacle trail, and hunter paces. She says, “As you grow older, the little girl comes out and realizes how much freedom the horse gives. You feel alive.” Helen says she loves riding even more now. “I appreciate the small things – the solitude when cleaning stalls, the connection with a live animal, staying young at heart.” Despite aches and pains, and her legs not being as tight, Helen says she will always be that starry-eyed little girl. She still manages Gildein Quarter Horses and believes women over 40 enjoy the unconditional bond one forms with their horse. Plus, she says, “The camaraderie is awesome.” She recommends attending horse-related events to watch and learn, then finding a place to take lessons. “Riding horses is about the journey. They teach you confidence. The bond is unbreak- able. The smell of dirt, sweat, and leather is good for the soul.” Denise Jones decided to pursue the dream of riding after she lost two close friends. “Their regrets were not about things they had done, but rather things they hadn’t done.” She co-owns a 14-year-old quarter horse and says spending time with her horse is incredibly therapeutic. “You don’t have to do jumps. Just take your time to learn and practice. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, or if you’re not the best rider. What matters is that you are making the effort.” She simply treasures arriv- ing at the barn. “When I call her name, my horse comes trotting up from the other side of her pasture. It’s humbling to discover how much this magnificent animal trusts me, and the feeling is mutual.” Orthodontist Nancy O’Neill returned to riding in her early forties when a friend invited her on a trail ride. Today she owns a quarter horse, which is in training at Evergreen Farm. Nancy takes lessons on a regular basis. “It’s important to understand that there are diverse ways to enjoy the equine life. I have always en- joyed competitive sports, so I had to figure out how to be involved in this arena. I’m lucky to have found a show barn that can help and support me with this hobby.” Mary Glazier has four horses and a farm in Lancaster County, PA. Today she offers countless hours of volunteer hours to com- munity service. “Riding horses has been a wonderful part of our fami- ly’s life.” As an adult, she realized she could learn to really ride, and bought her first horse in partnership with a friend. She has not stopped since, although she doesn’t do the same things she did as a young person. “I hope I can ride as long as Queen Elizabeth did!” Mary advises others who are older, “Ride a horse that is well trained and ride in settings where safety is maximized. I would not be riding a four-year-old horse if he weren’t good minded and in training with very capable trainers. It is never possible to eliminate all risk, but I think it is possible to minimize it.” Fran Severn’s equine experi- ence motivated her book, Riders of a Certain Age: Your Guide to Loving Horses Mid-Life and Be- yond . She realized there were a lot of women like her – older and new to the horse world. She had many questions but there was no easy-to- find, accurate source of answers. These resilient women attest that the element of fear should not prevent older riders from reaching their dream. Riding is proven to instill mental and physical benefits including stress reduction and exercise. One has no choice but to put down the phone and focus on riding, experiencing an extreme sense of accomplishment. Senior riders can find resourc- es to start with Fran Severn’s book which is stacked with information, her website (www.ridersofacer- tainage.com ) and Facebook group (Riders of a Certain Age), along with a community of riders shar- ing their experiences and adven- tures. Also available are Heather Wallace’s book, Confessions of a Timid Rider , and her webpage (timidrider.com ). Alicia Stephens Martin is a businesswoman and writer from South Central Pennsylvania. She has authored several novels, and her latest will release this coming winter. The Silver Cowgirls Ride Again surrounds four women in midlife crisis who return to horses and face their diversities. Visit her at aliciastephensmartin. com. Mary Glazier, 76, continues to show and care for her four horse stable at home. The retired college professor advises older riders to choose a well trained mount and to ride in settings where safety is maximized. 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