Any one else's horse becoming stronger with old age?

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Moggy in Manolos

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As title really. Went to ride my mare out tonight, just a tiny hack, and boy did she want to go when we turned for home, I had a job to get her head down! Kept her in walk just about.
I have noticed that the older she gets the cheekier and stronger minded she gets! She is 20.
Any one else have this with their veteran?
I suppose part of our problem is I have not been able to let her have a blast for so long because of her dodgy foot so that does not help, we always used to have a canter or gallop out, but not in some time.
 
Lol! Yep! Everyone asks what age my mare is when they see her spooking and throwing tantrums, attempting to canter when every other horse is trotting along happy ...
I say she is 15 this year & they are like wow - strange she is like that at that age eh? Must of had a hard life poor thing ...
I'm like no she is just a chesnut mare who things she is queen bee :P
 
I am having exactly the same issues with my 19 year old warmblood, he managed to upset a couple of other horses yesterday out hacking because he was just sooo excited to be out. Same scenario as you, time off over winter and needing a jolly good gallop!

And in his last xc we managed to get several time penalties - for going too fast. I'm just pleased he's feeling so well though.
 
Slightly different but my rising 7yo is a heck of a lot stronger than he was 3 years ago, not that he pulls, he's just used to being ridden with a contact. That said my seat is also much stronger than it was 3 years ago and i tend to stop him with that rather than by his mouth!
 
Yes me, my 25 year old arab has got stronger and stronger, he's a big bag of fun tho but an absolute burger to stop at a gallop! :)
 
My old mare was 22 and still trying to canter down the road going home. She also became a bit more spooky but I think that may have been to her eyesight possibly deteriorating.
 
Good to hear your stories :D

Funnily enough I got the vet to check her eyes recently due to her silliness sometimes, he said there was nothing wrong with them! Lol! :D

She is definitely feeling good which is nice to know, she just forgets I think that bad foot of hers, hopefully I can let her have a little go soon. But she has definitely got stronger with age, a new bridle and possibly bit needed now I think :D
 
Ted has got far stronger with age. He's nearly 19 and has decided it's fun to stick his head in the air and tank off with me! I don't know whether it's due to me underestimating his strength, thinking he's getting older and therefore weaker. I think I've also become softer with him, thinking he's worked hard all his life and should enjoy his veteran years, consequently he has also become much more demanding.

In our last veteran show a year or so ago we were politely asked to leave the ring as he tanked off in canter overtaking everyone, albeit in a perfect outline. He felt amazing like he was floating on air, just a shame I had little/no control. He then tried to jump out of the arena, much to some bored spectators amusement! I was mortified. This is a horse that has been shown at Wembley and won PUK in 2001 as a show hunter pony! He really should have known better.
 
AGAGE said:
Ted has got far stronger with age. He's nearly 19 and has decided it's fun to stick his head in the air and tank off with me! I don't know whether it's due to me underestimating his strength, thinking he's getting older and therefore weaker. I think I've also become softer with him, thinking he's worked hard all his life and should enjoy his veteran years, consequently he has also become much more demanding.

In our last veteran show a year or so ago we were politely asked to leave the ring as he tanked off in canter overtaking everyone, albeit in a perfect outline. He felt amazing like he was floating on air, just a shame I had little/no control. He then tried to jump out of the arena, much to some bored spectators amusement! I was mortified. This is a horse that has been shown at Wembley and won PUK in 2001 as a show hunter pony! He really should have known better.
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I should not laugh but that is quite funny. Its funny how the older the get the cheekier they get, good to know they are feeling so well in themselves :D
 
Mine is an 11yr old belgian sport horse who is such a b*****d now, much more so than when he was younger, I dont know if it because he was cut late pr what but if anyone but me gets on him he bucks, broncs, rears, naps etc and even tries it on with me sometimes!!!!
 
LOL, this is not filling me with joy :D

Star is getting stronger and stronger.....it's making me into a better rider, but, I would have thought by now that she would have settled to the idea that she is not the 55% of our partnership.

btw - she's only 12.....
 
my horse has just turned 19 and he is stronger than i've ever known him!!! He is now bolting with a waterford dutch gag :/ so i've had to get i'm a mexican grackle to control him ..... dont get me wrong its fun having a lively horse but i thought he would be a little more calmer lol.


.....so in answer to your question YES my horse is getting stronger with age!!xx
 
My boy has been practically retired several times (soooo many physical problems), but Ive had to always bring him back into work because he goes bonkers in the field!
 
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