Senior News January, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 1

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

New Alzheimer's program lands on all four feet

New Medicare changes: how will they affect you?

Driving and getting older-challenge increases with age

Riding high: woman and steed flow together

Service with a smile-Volunteers make a difference in our community

Role of volunteers will grow under new police chief

No Podunk in McKinleyville

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Riding high: Woman and Steed Flow Together
by Phyllis Stanewick

  I never imagined it would be like this to ride a horse. I was astride a huge animal! The dependable earth was way down there. Add to this the problem of balancing myself. This was serious business.   

"Hold on to the saddle until you feel more comfortable," one of my escorts advised. Although the saddle didn't provide much room for holding on, I did hold on for dear life. Once the stirrups were adjusted, my horse, along with the other horses and their riders, escorts accompanying, began slowly circling the sandy arena.     

I was riding a dark brown horse with black mane and tail-a beauty. After we circled the arena a few times, my escorts asked me whether I felt ready to ride the trail. "Yes," I replied, determined not to let slip this golden opportunity of riding a horse for the first time in my long life.       

It was a wonderful trail, leading through tall redwoods and other smaller trees and bushes here and there. But every step of my horse gave me a good jolt. My escorts provided helpful suggestions: "Let your hips and lower body swing and flow with the horse's movement. Duck your head for those branches. We're going uphill now, so lean forward a bit to give your horse a little help. Going downhill now, so lean backward."   

The trail seemed very long that first day, and my back ached. Since then the trail has become surprisingly shorter, and my aches and pains are barely noticeable. I now look forward with pleasure to the next riding day. These days are a privilege.

I'm in the 4-H Trail Program under the leadership of Douglas Jager, a retired university professor. The program makes it possible for those with a disability to enjoy refreshing and invigorating outdoor exercise astride another of humankind's animal friends.   

Phyllis Stanewick lives in Arcata. She was 87 when she took her first horseback ride.   

The 4-H Trail Program can be reached through Sally Friedley at 839-0154 or 677-0604. The program is looking for additional volunteers so that it can serve more people.