It’s not all cruises and bridge for Britain’s older generation. Increasingly, those who should be drawing their pension are looking for sports and pastimes.
Tips to continue riding in later life
- Look after your body. Sounds simple, but it becomes harder work the older you get
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from physiotherapists, doctors, osteopaths and nutritionists
- Join a Pilates class and practise daily — suppleness is a key requisite for dressage
- Watch what you eat — the overall picture still matters
- Train with friends: it’s more fun and you’ll realise that other people are struggling with the same issues as you
- Try not to be the rider, groom and driver when competing, as it’s exhausting. Ask for help
- Never stop learning. It keeps your brain active and will help improve your performance
Read the full feature about older riders in this week’s dressage special issue of H&H (28 February) which includes an exclusive interview with Helen Langehanenberg and all the latest patent kit
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