Early this morning, I received an email from a horse-riding friend who had fallen off a horse.
It seems the surgery on two parts of their body went well, which is most important. Their fever after the surgery has subsided,
and they have started full-fledged rehabilitation. That's great.
As a fellow senior, I can't help but feel empathetic. Horse riding is a profound and wonderful sport. It can make you forget your worries for a while, but one wrong step can lead to serious danger.
That's probably why instructors take extra precautions, especially with seniors.
Tonight, I'll increase my squats to three sets to build more strength! (Am I joking?)
At our age, we not only have to care for our elderly parents and possibly a spouse but also might be asked to look after grandchildren if we have children.
That's why I've seen many people who, despite the challenges, create time for themselves and pursue horse riding as a hobby.
However, our partner is a horse. We might ride even when it's raining, but it's better to avoid riding on windy days.
At our level, riding in strong winds is not safe.
It's easy to imagine how a naturally timid horse might get startled by the sound of the wind or objects like leaves and twigs blowing around.
I aim for a safe and enjoyable horse riding experience. Trust the horse, but don't be complacent."