Different Times Equestrian Ventures

10/01/2026

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10/01/2026

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09/30/2026

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“Moving as much as possible is the key ingredient as you age. If you stay still for too long everything kind of seizes up much faster when you’re older. It’s a lot like we do with our older horses. We try to keep them moving as much as we can because it’s good for their joints, their circulation, their muscles—everything. And it keeps them fitter.”
~ Olympic show jumper Margie Engle, who is 68 and still riding at the top of her game

As women, accepting that our bodies are going to change in middle age, in ways that are almost completely out of our control, can feel maddening—especially if you’re an equestrian who wants to continue your riding ambitions.

We talked to five upper-level riders from across the English disciplines to get their real-world advice and top fitness tips to help you deal with mid-life changes while continuing to ride your best.

Click on the link in the Comments below to prevent middle age from derailing your riding goals!

📸 Amy K. Dragoo

09/15/2026

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09/11/2026

09/06/2026

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If they can’t walk and steer, they can’t trot and steer.
If they can’t balance at the trot, they aren’t ready to canter.
If they can’t go catch their own horse, groom it, tack it up and take responsibility for it, how are they supposed to lead that horse from the saddle?

Going faster does not equal getting better. Strapping your kid to a horse and sending them into the arena isn’t making them better, it’s setting them up to get hurt.

You might think watching your kid walk circles isn’t exciting. You might think they should be cantering, jumping “doing more.”

But sometimes they’re simply not ready.

And respectfully — that’s why you hired an instructor. Because knowing how and when to progress a rider is our job.

We aren’t holding your kid back. We’re building the foundation that keeps them safe and makes them GOOD.

- Author Unknown

08/28/2026

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If they can’t walk and steer, they can’t trot and steer.
If they can’t balance at the trot, they aren’t ready to canter.
If they can’t go catch their own horse, groom it, tack it up and take responsibility for it, how are they supposed to lead that horse from the saddle?

Going faster does not equal getting better. Strapping your kid to a horse and sending them into the arena isn’t making them better, it’s setting them up to get hurt.

You might think watching your kid walk circles isn’t exciting. You might think they should be cantering, jumping “doing more.”

But sometimes they’re simply not ready.

And respectfully — that’s why you hired an instructor. Because knowing how and when to progress a rider is our job.

We aren’t holding your kid back. We’re building the foundation that keeps them safe and makes them GOOD.

- Author Unknown

08/02/2026

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08/01/2026

Yep, this, all day long

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07/13/2026

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If your rider has found the rhythm of the posting trot, the next step is helping them post correctly.

One common mistake I often see is riders leading their post with their head and shoulders. They’re thinking about “jumping up” out of the saddle, instead of leading with their hips and following the natural movement of the horse’s back.

When riders lead from their shoulders, it:
❌ Undermines stability and balance in the pelvis.
❌ Puts them ahead of the horse’s motion.
❌ Makes it harder to stay soft and follow the horse’s stride.

✅ A correct post isn’t a straight “up and down” movement. Instead, it’s a gentle, arching swing of the pelvis—moving up and forward with the horse’s stride. This allows the rider to:

Balance from their seat.
Stay in harmony with the horse’s motion.
Engage their thighs softly without gripping.
Avoid tipping forward or landing heavily in the saddle.

👉 Try cueing your riders to “lead the post with your seat” rather than thinking about standing “up.”

For some riders, practicing at the halt can help them feel the difference between leading from their shoulders versus their pelvis before putting it back into motion.

Help your riders follow the horse’s movement from their seat, and you’ll see a big improvement in their balance, rhythm, and effectiveness!