a older horse on loan

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flash1

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would you take on a 20 year old on loan?
Its a bombproof cob and as I have not ridden much for several years I want something sensible just for hacking.
Is 20 too old though?
Also who pays for what with a loan horse ie vets bills etc.
Can I insure fo vets bills at that age?
I am willing to pay for teeth and vacs etc but what if something major goes wrong who should pay then?
Any info would be helpfull.
Thanks
 
My friend has had loan horses even older then that, many horses are still going strong at 20.

Regarding vet bills etc is something that would have to be discussed with owner some may pay or contribute other however may expect you to pay.

Some insurers might it would just be a case of ringing round.

However may be worth bearing in mind that just because he is older doesnt mean he may be anymore sensible then something younger!
 
I think you would have to negotiate with the owner about vets bills. In theory if you have the horse then you take on the responsibility for it. As far as I know a lot of veteran insurance plans cover accidental injury such as the horse getting kicked in the field but not illnesses. Don't rule out taking on an older horse however because they may still have a lot to offer.
 
I think the important thing would be to discuss it with the horse’s owner and then you will get a better picture of whether he is capable of what you want him to do. Lots of horses are still going great guns into their twenties and even thirties. Equally, however, others (which may have been injured/overworked/mistreated) in their youth, may be more likely to succumb to degenerative conditions like arthritis. Saying that, mild arthritis shouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker – it is common in horses of that age and can usually be managed.

I have a 19 year-old warmblood on loan and wouldn’t swap him for the world. He is fully capable of doing everything I ask of him and has certainly taught me a lot too. He is insured by Petplan, with normal, rather than veteran cover, although I have feeling that 19 may be the cut-off age for this and after 20 you would have to go on to a veteran plan.

I am fully responsible for all vet bills, as I believe the horse is my responsibility while he is in my care. I have heard that some owners will continue to pay for insurance while their horse is on loan though, so it may be worth checking.
 
I have a 25 yo TB on loan and the deal is that we do what's best for him. We pay for it all. I wouldn't have him any other way- he's gorgeous and amazing and has made me a confident and happy rider who jumps round XC courses and does SJ jump offs at full tilt with a grin. Best thing that ever happened to me. Go for it!
 
As for humans age is depenant on the individual. I went on a sponsored ride which I think was about 14 miles (took nearly three hours) with two 23 year olds horses yesterday. They were both going strong at the end! Their owners had worked hard at fitness with the ride in mind so had prepared well, although I have to admit they were very stiff when they got off the lorry.

I haven't had a oldie on loan but I have had a loan horse and I was resposnible for all vet bills. However I am sure that this could be negiotiated with the owner.
 
I have just taken a 19 year old on loan and she is sound and a bit mad. I adapted the BHS loan agreement and am responsible for all bills. My choice.

My first horse was a loaner and she was 24 when I got her. I retired her aged 36 and she died at 44. They are all different. The 24 year old was TBx poss ID/ Dales which I think helped. We did cross country, showing allsorts. She was like a horse less than half her age.

Whereas the 10 yr old that I own has had a year off and is facing retirement after PSD surgery that hasn't worked.
 
My mare is 20 i bought her at 16 she as never been ill as no real stiffness, i have been out on hacks with horses half her age and better bred and we have stayed in front all the way. Plus i get the saftey of a horse that never spooks as she as seen it all over the years as long as the horse is fit and healthy go for it. After all if she is still in good nick at 20 she must be a good sort as some younger horses with dodgy confirmation would of got their sicknote by now.
 
Go for it! I got a 25yo on loan which, like NoSurrender's oldie , taught me dressage and cross country and has only retired in the last year, at 34. And that was only because a barney he probably started ended in a shattered hind splint bone. I still love him though!
 
I bought Shiney at 19 years old and it was the best thing I have ever done.

He is 22 now and insured for vets bills although this year it is just for accident, not wear and tear.

He has taught me so much, it was really worth taking the risk, so go for it.
 
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