Overview

Surveys show that riders over the age of 40 are the fastest-growing segment of the horse world, with those age 65 and above seeing the biggest jump. Yes, when we conjure up images of “horse girls” the picture is generally comprised of happily grubby youngsters or teenagers with roomfuls of ribbons, but there is healthy segment of the equestrian population that first finds—or first finds time for—horses in midlife or beyond. And this is the only handbook available for these riders, trainers, rescuers, and volunteers. With carefully curated guidance collected over years of horsing around, rider and writer Fran Severn knows of which she speaks and wants readers to feel emboldened and empowered by the tips, lessons, and advice shared in these pages. You'll find: - Options for riding…and not riding (but still having horses in your life). - Finding an instructor and being a good student. - What can your body still do? Fitness, weight, and fear. - Effects of menopause, arthritis, and changing vision, hearing, and breathing. - Rules for buying, leasing, and boarding horses. - Dealing with family and horse-related finances. - And much more. Riders of a Certain Age is poised to provide an important reference to any individual who craves the companionship of a horse and the sisterhood that can go along with it. If you have ever wondered what it might be like to “be an equestrian” but aren't sure which steps to take first, Severn provides all you need to get started safely, comfortably, and with confidence—and with the knowledge that you are far from being alone.

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9781646010493

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Reviews

Fran Severn's Riders of a Certain Age is a wonderful resource for women who are starting their riding lives later in life or returning to riding after a break, and even for those who are experienced long-time riders. Women over 60 have different abilities and needs, and Severn tactfully explores the differences that we experience as we age and how this impacts riding. If nothing else, this book is a reminder that we need to acknowledge the process of getting older and embrace the gifts of aging--not just bemoan the changes. A fun and easy read, this book is now on my recommended reading list for all my students! --Aviva Nebesky, Co-Host of the Dressage Today Podcast Riders of a Certain Age is full of wisdom and sound advice for people coming into horses as adults. Fran Severn's book has been extensively researched, and her suggestions are backed up with facts and figures. Yet, she has an easy writing style and the refreshing ability to address difficult topics with tact and grace. The suggestions for handling horse-related fear are in accordance with my own experience and methods, especially her constant reminders to be kind to yourself and others. Despite my commitment to safety, I even found myself being reminded to recheck several areas addressed in the book, including updating the emergency contacts list stored in my trailer. Fran's 'Ageless Advice' sections are helpful and easy to read. The information in Riders of a Certain Age is timeless, and I highly recommend this book. --Laura Daley, author of Riding Fear Free: Help for Fearful Riders and Their Teachers and the Riding Fear Free Journey Tracker Fran has written a very timely book, given that the demographics of the equestrian industry have changed over the past 50 years or so to become very female-centric. And not only female-centric, but for the most part comprised of mature female baby boomers whose husbands are out playing golf, and whose children are off at university or getting married and starting families of their own. Some of these women are coming back to riding after having enjoyed it as youngsters; others are just picking up the hobby or even beginning to compete as adult amateurs. As such, there is much knowledge that has been lost, that has changed over time, or that was never learned. This book is a comprehensive revelation, touching on pretty much every current topic you can think of related to riding: buying a horse, owning a horse, training a horse, legalities and health issues surrounding the horse, and more. Every question is addressed; you would be hard-pressed to find this much information elsewhere in a single reference! And beyond that--it's just fun to read. --Sabine Schleese, B.Sc., MBA, Schleese Saddlery Service, Inc. Fran Severn's new book, Riders of a Certain Age: Your Guide for Loving Horses Midlife and Beyond, and its resonant cover, ride to our emotional rescue at just the right time, and with just the right tone of pragmatic advice, to keep us riding forward at a point in life when others might expect us to whoa. From leasing to leakage, money to manure, this engagingly candid, comprehensive resource is an owner's manual for reclaiming the right to indulge your horse-loving inner child. --L.A. Sokolowski, Award-winning journalist, 2017 AHP Lifetime Achievement Award

Author Information

Fran Severn is a freelance writer and broadcaster who grew up in the city but was determined to get horses in her life. After earning her degree in Mass Communications, she worked in broadcast news in Louisville, Kentucky, where she covered the Kentucky Derby, events at the Kentucky Horse Park, produced equine-focused features, and finally bought her first horse. Moving to England with her Air Force husband, she discovered dressage and continued her training when she returned to the states. Her work has appeared in USDF Connection, Newsday, The Trail Rider, Western Horseman, Dog Fancy, and Games. She's written about the exclusive “tailgate” party at the Royal Enclosure at the Ascot races, shipping horses to the Olympics, riding on Civil War battlefields, and the chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede. A past president of the Eastern Shore Writers Association and former PR Director for the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, she lives on Maryland's Eastern Shore, where she enjoys riding on the beaches and trails and promoting local equine activities and businesses and travel to the region.

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