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Discussion on Aging a horse over 19
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Member:
Jrisch
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 2:44 pm:
My husband and I are looking at buying a rope horse. The owners told us the horse is 19, but he is not registered so we can't be certain on age. My husband tells me that when a horse gets to be 19, you can't tell the difference between a horse that's 19 or 20-something, and he's concerned that this horse might really be older than 19. Realistically, is there any way to tell if this horse is 19, or older than 19? I did read the reference material on aging a horse by the teeth, but it jumped from 15 to 10 in the illustrations and descriptions.
Thanks for your help.
Jennifer
Thanks!
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 5:53 pm:
Dear Jennifer,
Ask the owners for the vet records/immunization records they have kept on the horse, and when you have the prepurchase exam, ask your vet's opinion.
If the horse is sound and sane and checks out with the vet, I would not worry about the age . . . You can buy a 6 year-old who could die the day you bring him home, or you can get a 20 year-old who may live for another 20 years . . .
With all the knowledge about elder care, equine dentistry, and with the helpful supplements available for horses today, we can keep them happily moving and working for years longer than we could in the past.
If the horse is clear of arthritis, and if you think he will be nimble enough for the work you are going to do, then his age is not really an issue.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 8:21 pm:
Holly makes some good points.
Your husband is correct you really cannot tell the age closely of older horses by their teeth: within about 5 years is about as close as you can get. However I am confused by what you say about the article where we have examples and explanation of most of the mportant stages of a foals and adult horse life including examples of 11, 15. 20. and 30 year old horse.
DrO
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