19 year old Arab mare - should I part loan her?

[EllaRidesHorses]

I have found a gorgeous (well in my eyes she is!) Arab mare. She is 14.2hh and 19 years old. She has done everything from hunting to XC.

I have been riding 7 and I have been looking for a share pony/horse for I dont even know how long! This would be my first horse I can look after since I was 6, I have done lessons and really want to take my knowledge further, so I thought sharing would be best financially and timewise and, an elder pony I think would be better, so Its not as 'full of beans' so I can actually handle her! I would like to do a few smaller shows with her (by that I mean Tack and Turnout and Fun classes like 'Prettiest mare' and maybe dressage and jumping)

The location is perfect and It is near my friend's yard so we can hack together, but the biggest question now is should I?

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Absolutely, she looks like a total sweetheart! I honestly wouldn't be out off by her age. My last horse was 18 when I got her and I was regularly quizzed by judges at shows as to whether she was old enough to be in veteran classes as she acted so much younger than she was! Whilst she had the occassional "redhead" moment she also taught me so much, and I often long for one last day with her.

 

[FionaM12]

You haven't given any reason why you shouldn't. She sounds ideal.

 

[jojo5]

Whilst I don't want to put you off, beware of thinking older horse equals quiet and sensible - she will be the person she is whatever age. If she has always been sensible, then she will be now.

 

[Shay]

Haven't you already taken her on share? or is this another horse? She looks lovely.

 

[Rosiejazzandpia]

There doesnt seem to be a reason not to I was in the same situation last year, my friend offered me a 15 year old arab on loan. She is wonderful and we got along so well that she is mine now and I wouldnt swap her for anything! She looks lovely and I love arabs, what do you have to lose?

 

[dunthing]

My granddaughter has an arab gelding who is now 24 and he is still as bouncy and lively as a five year old. Your mare looks a lot like him. Go for it, you'll have lots of fun with her.

 

[Rosiejazzandpia]

Also, arabs are known for their long lifespans. The arabs I have known have lead good ridden careers well into their 20s with few health problems there are a few posters on here who have arabs, one has a few 20+ year old arabs who are still competing in endurance

 

[FionaM12]

Haven't you already taken her on share? or is this another horse? She looks lovely.

In her other thread the OP says she's "preparing" to share, not that it's already happened, I think.

 

[Fides]

I made the mistake of thinking a first loan of an older horse would be a good idea. Mine was 25 and certainly taught me a thing or two - uncluding how to stay on! He did his last one day event and retired at 28 so you oculd have many more good years from her. Go for it!

 

[dodgers89]

My first loan was two 21 year old horses and they were both gentlemen. Sadly one died last year but the other is still full of life and going well. I have my own horse now and was slightly surprised when he turned out not to be such a gent! I think veterans are usually a good bet