|
|
Discussion on How long can an old horse go?
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Cowgrl
|
Posted on Thursday, Mar 18, 2004 - 5:57 pm:
Hello,
We had a 31 year old gelding that at age 29 carried my husband 10 miles out of the mountains when we were on a pack trip. He did this without wanting to stop for rest or breaks. In fact, we were still using him like this until a couple of months before we had to have him put down.
This horse always wanted to go and when he was picked to be the riding horse - oh boy. You wouldn't believe he was an old timer. He'd arch his neck, pick up his tail, ears up and would prance down the trail so proud.
My 24 year old appy mare is still the best mountain horse I have ever ridden. She's a professional and loves her job. She has more heart and desire than horses half her age.
The moral is, if your horse is still capable and in shape, use him. They need a job in their old age and need to feel you still need them. If you think you're doing your horse a favor by turning him out in the way of retirement, keep this in mind: Horses that are turned out for retirement usually die within the first year. Horses that are used until they let you know they are done, live much longer and happier lives. I know ours do!
HZ
|
Member:
Kthorse
|
Posted on Thursday, Mar 18, 2004 - 7:24 pm:
A lot of my friends have horses in there 20's one still competes in hunter paces. They all keep up with my young horse. I occasionally ride a friends horse who is in his 30's. She says. Its hard to tell his real age as he has lost almost all his teeth. He is so excited to go out on trails. Acts like a 4 year old sometimes. You have to make him pace himself to conserve energy. If he had his way he would be off and running. All are worked regulary. I think the riding keeps them feeling young. Just like people. you stop moving and your body slowly shuts down. Just follow your instincts the horse will let you know in subtle ways when he is tired and what is too much. Riding a long ride once a week would not be a good idea.
|
Member:
Canyon28
|
Posted on Saturday, Mar 20, 2004 - 1:16 pm:
My stallion Bill The Cutter is still sound at 29 years old and still very fertile and breeding mares better than most studs one third his age. I have quite a few older mares, 19, 20 and 22 years old. I keep the oldest ones in pastures. Penning up an old horse is very detrimental to their health. Cutter has his own private stall and has a very large turnout area 24/7 so he can come and go. www.canyonrimranch.net
|
|
|
