Age won’t stop me riding!

I enjoyed Duncan Carthy’s letter in the June 2017 issue of Your Horse as I’m in the position of being an adult beginner rider myself. I began in October last year, aged 43, and I’m still in the ‘learning rising trot/ steering/balance’ phase! It can be a bit demoralising to see so many people riding so confidently, especially the younger ones, but it’s not a race. It’s important to set achievable goals and celebrate each small success. I was impressed to hear of Duncan’s jumping as that’s a long way off for me but I’d still like to have a go. So keep it up Duncan, you’re a real inspiration to me! I broke my wrist in February so I had nine weeks off riding and lost quite a bit of strength and flexibility during that time. I returned to riding about six weeks ago and I’m now taking it slowly but surely. Amanda Beauchamp, Wellington