Age

Depends on breed I think.
I didn't think of my little exmoor as old until about 28!
However, if it's a big horse, TB/WB the like, i'd say after about 20/22 I view them as older horses.

Saying that, we all know veteran years start at/over (?) 15.
 
depends veteran classes age entry is 15 but personall old is wen they are about 22 - 25 ancient is wen the 40 like my last pony and shes is still going as a excellent companion
 
Well mine is 30, still a handful and ridden 4-5 times a week! Everyone comments on his condition (and behaviour
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) Even Pete our vet thought he was 16 !! I personally think hes eternal.....
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My Warmblood TBX was 19 on Wednesday - he has a permanent injury to his front foot (degenerative joint), so he is never trotted on hard ground or the road. He can still whoop it up in the field when he canters down for his feed, and still packs a decent buck or 7 when we hit a bit of grass when out hacking.

My theory is to treat them with a bit more respect and TLC when they get to that age, to get some longevity out of them. Nice, fresh, organic food, with natural additives such as herbs, apple cider vinegar, etc. Then he can slow down at his own pace and enjoy his proper 'old age'.

(Then again, I have a mini Shetland just coming up for 2 years old ... I understand there's a 50 year old pony in a retirement home in Wales - eeek, I'll be 88!).
 
Castlemouse, if you think 15 is average, why would you say you wouldnt look at a mare of 14 as it's too old in other post
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. Good question, poster!
 
i dont think 15 is old at all, My friends horse is 14 now and has just started jumping affiliated so i wouldnt class it as old.

I would class 20 + as old at least!
even if 15 is veteran!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Castlemouse, if you think 15 is average, why would you say you wouldnt look at a mare of 14 as it's too old in other post
confused.gif
. Good question, poster!

[/ QUOTE ]
It's a TB (if she was a racer previously she may have a shorter competition life), I prefer to buy a horse when they're 10/11, done a lot but still have a good competition life ahead of them depending on the breed. I CONSIDER 15 to be old, I wouldn't buy anything over 11 though.
 
I think that it is all relative. I would happily buy a horse up to the age of about 16 - these teenagers have alot to give!!
It all depends on the breed, health and mileage. they are only as old as they look/feel/ ACT!!!!
 
I dont. I have a 26year old we retired from the hunt field at 24 and she still thinks she is 4, I do not consider her old, she can do anything a general hack can do, she is P perfect as far as health is concerned, she is still lightly ridden as I have limited time.
I also ride a 14yo who is very old, has joint problems and repiratory difficulties, it will be within the next 6monthes he is fully retired.
 
The old lady is about 33 and retired when she seemed old about three years ago, she is now very old and beginning to struggle, mainly as a result of loosing her best friend two years ago. It really does seem to depend on the horse.
 
oh, I see, I thought you meant that 15 was what you considered an average age! You mean you consider 15 as averagely old! My tb has never raced in his life, hence my question, and looks/acts/moves like a 5year old! (but with experience).
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I bought my horse when he was 14...... does that mean that some people think I bought and old git ??

considering he is now a confirmed bucker that he never used to be (out of excitement also squeals at the same time !!!), can gallop for england and is far far more fitter now and has interest in life. I would more place him as a 10 year old.
 
Our boy is a shire X and as shires generally do not work past 18/19 or often live past 21/22 that makes our boy at 16 old, not that he thinks that!!

The age of 15 set for veterans was set many years ago when it was uncommon for horses to live past 20 or ponies past 25. Things are different now and they can live to fantastic ages these days.
 
mines 20 and in better nick than the younger horses on the yard (of course im biased but he really is
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), hes been well looked after his entire life and i hope hes got a few more years in him yet
 
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