16 year old ISH as first horse?

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rio1

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I have been looking around for my first horse for a while now. I have tried 9 different horses that were suited to me almost perfectly. My favorite by quite a long way has been a 16 yr old ISH gelding.

I have 3 1/2 yrs riding experience and am a confident rider but am not interested in eventing at all untill I'm a better rider. I just want to hack out in the fields around my livery and do a little schooling enjoying my horse - nothing major. I understand that there are insurance and medical issues with older horses and people keep warning me to get something younger but I thought 16 yrs wasn't really that old at all for a first horse?? Especially with what I want to do.

He is still so lively and has had a recent all over vet check which came back all positive. He is fit and healthy (will be confirmed by 5 stage vetting) and is a very reasonable price which includes EVERYTHING the owner ever bought for him as she's giving up after an injury.

I have only had negative feedback from people so far about this horse and am really looking for some reassurance!! He is 100% in all ways suited to me.. but is 16yrs too old???

Rio
 
No not at all I think it is a great age for a 1st horse. Hopefully it has been there and done it and can give you many years of enjoyment. I think as long as you are aware of the future negatives of owning an older horse then its not a problem at all. Older horses have a lot to give and I think its a shame people discount them and so many go and buy younger ones which are then too much for them to handle. If you like the horse and it is right for you then go for it and have some fun!
 
He sounds perfect to me. 16 isnt old at all, plus if hes your first horse its better to get one thats been there and done it all. Sounds like you'll have loads of fun on him.:D
 
I purchased an ISH in Oct last year as my first horse. He is th sweetest, well mannered horse you could ever meet. He will never be a world beater but he is dependable.

He has just turned 8. I personally think 16 is fairly old but it really does depend on your plans. If you just want to hack etc then you will potentally get another 10years riding!

I had loan horse before him who was 16, he was vvv experienced!
 
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I would have thought a slightly older horse would be ideal for a first horse. And 16 really isn't that old. I would go for it if it was me.
 
I personally think you are being very sensible!! So many people go out and get a youngster as a first horse and it ends in tears as they over horse themselves.

And 16yo is no age, we have a 21yo still doing endurance rides at our yard and he is as fit as a ffiddle
 
My first horse was 14. I now have an ISH who I got as a 5 year old. I don't think 16 is too old. Lots of people I know still hunt their horses at 16.
 
Not at all if he is the right horse for you . You could buy a younger horse and it could still get lame etc there are no guarantees whatever horse you buy. I have similar experience to you and I bought my horse at 13. But some days she can act like a 4 yr old ;)
 
Sounds perfect to me :) I agree older horses are a much more sensible buy as a first time purchase generally. The only thing Im concerned about with older horses is that they havent been hammered earlier in life as this can onset problems as they get older. However as the owner sounds genuine - all his stuff so giving up, and if she has had him a while and is experienced that would mainly alleviate my concerns alongside a vetting to check against any current issues :). Wishing you the best of luck with him, sounds like a good buy to me. :)
 
Kelly1982 said:
I personally think you are being very sensible!! So many people go out and get a youngster as a first horse and it ends in tears as they over horse themselves.

And 16yo is no age, we have a 21yo still doing endurance rides at our yard and he is as fit as a ffiddle
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Some very wise words here, but remember to get him vetted . Dont expect perfection because he has been out and done a few things,just basic soundness. Older horses have a lot to offer , and remember, they didnt get to be older horses by accident, they have proved themselves.I hope this works out well for you.
 
sounds like a good buy to me for a first horse especially if you want to hack and do riding club type comps. each horse is an individual and some younger horses have soundness issues all of the time. my 21 year old is still hacking out daily and is still as lively as she was 10 years ago. my previous horse was being hacked till 23 and one before that was still being hacked till she was 31 and then had a good 4 years happy retirement in the field......
i would make sure you get a vetting by a vet YOU choose and not the vendor and if you need recommendations for a vet, give us the rough location of the horse/you and im sure people would be happy to help....good luck with whatever you decide but remember we need piccies if you do get him:D
 
My share horse is a 22yo ISH and is brilliant and often too enthusiastic about being speedy! If that's anything to go by I say go for it!

It'll be better for when you want to start doing competitions as he had probably done them before? You hopefully won't have to teach him much just practise together :-)

Just have a think about what will happen in future and stuff, like will you be disappointed if he isn't able to compete a lot in say 6 years or will you not be that bothered? I wouldn't be that bothered but would probably eventually get another horse and keep both if I could afford it!
 
I always used to steer clear of anything older than 12 when I was looking BUT having had 3 young (all under 9) go lame, I now think differently. part of me thinks if they have stayed sound that long chances are they are fairly tough anyway.
Also the experience you will get from the horse will be great

as you say so long as he still passes a vetting you could have many years with him
 
As long as the vetting goes ok, go for it. Mr Cob is 21 and has recently been described as "tough as old boots" by the vet, never been sick or sorry.
 
splashgirl45 said:
....... if you need recommendations for a vet, give us the rough location of the horse/you and im sure people would be happy to help....good luck with whatever you decide but remember we need piccies if you do get him:D
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Me and the horse are both in Cambridgeshire. And don't worry, I'll end up posting sooooo many photos I'll be annoying everyone!!
 
Given that Lenamore and Comanche are set to be ridden around Badminton this year at the age of 19, I'd say 16 is not old at all! I think it's an excellent age for a first horse and you could have many happy years from him at that age. :)
 
Sounds ideal, especialy if he hasnt got too many miles on the clock. Our 14.1 was an ex JA pony and started with arthritis at 13, however we have had 10 further years with her due to careful management, hacking and doing local comps. Its only now at 23 she is starting to show signs of stiff hips so is slowing down.
 
Age sounds fine to me too. He might not be up to competing in 10 yrs still, but if you bought a younger laid back type as your riding progresses you might find you wouldn't be able to compete that either. Schoolmasters need to be old enough to have had time to learn it all. As long as you've had someone experienced view it to agree its suitable for you & a vetting then go for it.
 
my daughters first horse was a 16. 3 16yr old tb, he jumped ,and did xc till he was 22 and gained many 1st places.he is semi retired now and only shows in veteran classes, and hacks..we have to take him to showing because he wants to go with our younger horse, he loves it. he is 24 now and has never been lame or ill since the way we got him. he can still be quite scary out and decide he needs to gallop... maybe he has dementia and thinks he is 4.. yesterday while i was mucking out he galloped the full length of our 5 acre field racing our 4yr old..for fun..and he was faster....wow... yes .. do not be put off by his age, just make sure you give him a forever home coz i am sure he will deserve it
 
if you are reasonably close to newmarket, theres a good choice of vets there..my vet is in suffolk so prob a bit far for him....if you want suggestions for a vet it may be a good idea to start another thread with what you want in the heading....
 
I've got a 19 yo on loan and he's a great combination: sensible in traffic and seen it all so hardly ever spooks but can still put in some huge bucks:( and loves a good gallop and stretch. The only downside is that being 19 he knows every naughty trick in the book - in fact, I think he's writing his own!

I know 23 yos still working hard and loving every minute so 16 sounds just grand.
 
Definately go for it. I bought mine last year when he was 15, just turned 16 now and I have the most brilliant year with him. He loves his work, always eager (sometimes a little too eager!) but safe. My vet thinks he's lovely and has said there is no reason why he shouldn't be still enjoying things for at least the next ten years. Good luck x
 
Go for it if you love him there are no guarantees with horses even young ones go wrong although I would think though a plan for him if he brings you on to the next stage just when he wants slow down.
 
My 1st horse was a DWB 19 rising 20 when I got him (no one told him that:o he still thought he was 3:rolleyes:)

Anyway, old man taught me so much :) I had him pts 4th April last year, he was days from his 28th birthday :(

16 is NO age these days, a good age for 1st horse like others say, got life experience but still got plenty life to give :)

Now got rising 7 ISH, they are the best!!! :D
 
My 21 yr old acts like she is 2 most of the time so no 16 isnt too old if he passes all the checks and you are happy with him. I'd go for it if he checks all your boxes.

Xx
 
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