56 SIDELINES APRIL 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Elinor Spellerberg
Josephine Rodgers
Rosalie Nitzsche
Alma Perkins
Ellen Newman
“I believe in the same exercise
for both old riders and old horses.
I do ten stretching exercises ten
times every morning. That takes
about ten minutes. And the horse
should do his stretching and bend-
ing exercises for about ten minutes
in his warm up and cool down each
day. Feel and listen to your horse
when he has had enough work for
the day.” –
Elinor Spellerberg, of
Ohio, who competed at age 85
with King Solomon, age 20.
“Keep moving – you and your horse – and whenever possible, keep mov-
ing together. Of course, good diet is vital, plus joint supplements for both
of you. Stay active with your GMO (Group Member Organization) and al-
though you and your horse might not be able to work up the levels anymore,
just the discipline of working tests keeps you focused on proper riding. Try
something different, like riding to music or getting a change of scenery on
the trails. Make riding so much fun that you don’t realize you are exercising!”
–
Alma Perkins, of Louisiana, who competed at age 79 with Charisma,
age 26.
“Love the old ones and keep their work
consistent with their ability as age related
changes occur. Keep your veterinarian and
farrier on speed dial. Enjoy the old horses;
they still have much to give. For many of
us, we have a shared history with them that
counts for much.” –
Rosalie Nitzsche, of
Michigan, who competed at age 70 with
Bonny Glen Hi Jack, age 30.
“Keep it FUN! Don’t be so serious, and
smile as you go down the Centerline!”
–
Ellen Newman, of Wisconsin, who
competed at age 81 with Diana, age 19.
“My highest priority
which is my best tip:
Have a good and FUN
trainer!” –
Josephine
Rodgers, of Texas,
who competed at age
79 with Hershey, age
23.