The Joy of older horses

[jazzysmom]

so often, the older horses get passed by for the young and exuberant. I was hoping we could use this thread to share the experiences and joys we have gotten from the older crowd and what wonderful teachers they can be.

[lildunhorse]

Excellent idea, JM!!

I am currently in the process of looking for the perfect old gentleman to carry me off into the sunset. Seems I'm regressing back to childhood faster than anticipated.

You can't beat the oldtimers for taking care of the compromised or less experienced riders. They are worth their weight in gold.

[critterseverywhere]

Thunder is a perfect example of that. She's roughly 20 years old (don't know for sure), has an old injury to her hind leg that prevents full range of motion so she's strictly W-T. She's nearly blind in one eye and has total loss of night vision. But she sure takes care of my beginner husband! Yet she's really teaching him to ride at the same time. She's a smart ol' girl and a great schoolmaster for him.

There was a great TB gelding at my barn that belonged to another boarder. He was, oh, 18 or 19 years old. And he knew exactly what his job was and was totally safe. BUT if you didn't ask him exactly right, he wouldn't do it. My seat got oh-so-much better everytime I rode him. (He's actually about the only gelding I've ever liked as much as a mare! ). And he'd still pack you around a course too. He had EPSM but thrived when on the right diet and I'm sure is giving his new owner a lot of joy.

[jazzysmom]

Hey qh, can you downsize a little?

We have three oldies..
Beau - 23yo arab (in the photos w/ Jazzy) he has a very bad heart murmer and we have been advised against riding him, however I figure if he can run hard for 15 minute spurts several times a day, he can go on the trails. He tells us when he is having an off moment..he just stops and rests for a little while and then he is ready to go again. He is slowing with age, but still has some spark left. He has been with us since he was 7, he is 15.1 and wears a #1 shoe.

Bokk - now 24, he has been with me since he was 7 also. He is a true redhead and has done it all. dressage to 2/3rd level, evented to training level, easily cleared 4+ feet in the showring, packed in the mountains, pushed cattle, and has been my best friend for many years. I nearly lost him once to an unknown illness that I suspect was caused by the barn owner where he was. He now lives by himself..well he has a goat and a boxer dog for companionship. He feels the need to be dominant and I can't risk him getting injured so he is not with the others. He is no longer rideable due to a hip or back problem, but he'll give you hell if you take him for a walk in hand! The lady who's house he lives at tells everyone he is 5!

Tess - we don't own her but consider her one of ours. 25yo TB mare, chestnut, sagging back and a funny hoof on a back leg don't stop her from being ridden. SHe still prances off when you get on her although old age seems to be slowing her down this winter. She smacks her lips like a foal in submission to other horses and really "likes" the boys...tess pants after Jazzy, beau pants after tess it is quite comical!

[nalasmom]

My first horse was a 15 year old x-schoolie QH!! He taught me so much! Took me from crossrails to 3 feet when he was 19 years old! I taught him flying lead changes and he taught me how to ride! He was great!

Here are some pics of him:



Various pics from showing..



Pic from at home doing 3'..he was 18/19 here!!

[slackreins]

Good idea, Jazzy. Very nice collage, Jenna.
Here's a couple of a 22 yo TBx that I got at 11 mo. Obviously, part of the family. He's done it all without complaint and still going strong. One of those "babysitters" you can depend on. There will never be another "DoubleCount".
Both pics taken last summer.

[jazzysmom]

Hey qh buddy- where did your pic go. I thought it was great, it was just sized really big!

[twhgal]

jazzysmom said:

so often, the older horses get passed by for the young and exuberant. I was hoping we could use this thread to share the experiences and joys we have gotten from the older crowd and what wonderful teachers they can be.

Cinnamon @ 27, is still very exuberant (and she still thinks she's young). Recently found out that she's kdunham's Apollo's mom! Sounds like she taught him all her funny habits well.

[dancinglawn]

this thread has got me thinking! When I first moved out to the farm, i only had four horses, Miles, Rocco, Eddie, and Lucy.They're all gone now, and I have a completely new group of horses.
Splash would be my oldest, now. I picked her up at a meat auction, for .89 /lb. She was plump, and the meat guys were poking at her, prodding her tubby little body with their fingers.
I HAD to bring her home! At the time, she was so covered with manure, I thought she was a plain dark bay horse. Turns out she's a mahogany bay, with 3 stockings and a sock!!!
She also has a bit of white on her neck, that's where her name comes from
She's about 15hh, and is now in her early 20''s, I've had her for 12 years.
She came off a bucking string, so she wasn't really broke to ride. In fact, she's the ONLY horse I've never been able to break to ride. For years, I told everyone the only reason she's still here is because she reminds me not to get too confident! She keeps me humble.
I love her to bits, and would never part with her. She's given me two lovely fillies, one has been sold, the other I'll be keeping.

It's fascinating to watch them as they age, they go through so many changes.