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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.

Meet the author Fran Severn

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.