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Discussion on What kind of behavioral changes might happen in the older horse?
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 10, 2007 - 4:48 pm:
I've a 24 yo mare who seems to be especially rowdy as of late ... reminds me of starting her as a 4 yo. Likely it is "spring" and the early cycling, but it has me wondering if a horse may regress in training, behavior, etc. as it ages.
Just wondering what to look for. My horse seems bright eyed and bushy tailed - lots of energy and a good weight. Just a bit rowdier than usual.
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 10, 2007 - 4:59 pm:
I had an old gelding who hadn't had anyone on his back or a bit in his mouth for years. About six months before he died at age 32, I put a bridle on him and loaded up my sister's grandkids. He bridled up like the pleasure horse he was in his youth and was a perfect babysitter.
I suppose it depends on the individual, but in his case all the training was still there.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 10, 2007 - 8:29 pm:
I've had experience with several older horses and haven't found any of them to forget their training. I had a 30 yr.old who always bucked one buck when you first got on him just like he did every day from the time he was started under saddle. After his buck, he was always wonderful. My 17 yr. old long retired champion western pleasure mare will still tuck her head in a head set when asked even tho' she hasn't been ridden under saddle in several years due to injury. My 27 yr. old mare continues to act just like she has her entire life, the only difference is she walks a little more instead of wanting to jig all the time.
IMO just be glad she's feeling so good! I would add, however, if she really starts changing her behavior, acting mean, etc. you might have her checked and some blood work done. Sometimes older horses will have either hormone, pituitary or other problems that can affect their behavior.
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Member:
twhgait
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 11, 2007 - 9:59 am:
My 26 y.o. also has had no behavioral changes as she ages. I can't ride her anymore due to her arthritis, but I guarentee that she'd act as though I just rode her yesterday instead of almost a year ago.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 11, 2007 - 10:48 am:
Yep, 35 years old, seldom ridden, but he's always the same dependable boy!
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Member:
zarr
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 11, 2007 - 1:09 pm:
Always knew spring was here because Coke, who made it to 38, would act like a spring stud for a day! He would also carry any child anywhere but if an adult got on board he'd go to his knees and fall over!! Cindy
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Monday, Mar 12, 2007 - 8:36 pm:
Tonto - 38 yrs. Ridden ( gently )right up to 2 wks before his death. Spent his last 4 yrs. turned out with two elderly mares that he jealously guarded 24/7 against the horses in adjacent paddocks.
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