Backing a 16 year old? Would you?

[pistolpete]

Lovely horse needs a home he could be a great companion or pet but fit healthy and although never seen tack could it be done? I’m guessing in theory it is possible. Anyone started one that late? He’s a 15 hand Welsh section D thanks.

 

[FlyingCircus]

I would back one that old if I already had it and was bored! But I'd never buy an older horse with the intention of backing it unless I knew its full history (I.e broodmare all its life).

Too many idiots do a bad job of backing and then try to sell as unbacked.

 

[rara007]

It could be done but I’m not time rich enough to want to put the time into something of that age.

 

[Blanche]

I’ve done a fifteen year old broodmare before and she was very easy to back. It depends a lot on why they have got to sixteen and not been backed.

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Definately. Backed a 15yr old who had been really messed up and passed around. It was tough but super rewarding. Sadly had to pts through melanoma at age 20 but we had some awesome years together and he loved having a job.

He was so smart and so engaged it was fun educating him.

 

[throwawayaccount]

No

 

[Errin Paddywack]

So much would depend on why he had never been backed. If he was 100% fit and well mentally and physically and it was just that no-one had ever bothered with him then may be. However given all I have read about quirky welsh cobs and also prevalence of PSSM I would be very wary.

 

[scats]

I’d assume someone had tried and failed to be honest. Even if not, I don’t think I’d bother.

 

[dominobrown]

Done a few older ones. Recently an Arab at 16 though it had about 5 rides on it as a 4 year old and turned away.
Also a 13 year old which is ok but wouldn’t fully trust it. That was meant to be untouched and is good until he is not.

 

[Glitterandrainbows]

I know two that were backed then turned away as brood mates for 10+ years and came back into work later in life there bloody fab rides look after novices and all sorts

 

[Melody Grey]

If you have the time and you’re confident the horse is sound and sane, I’d make a gentle start and see where it goes. Slow and steady would be the key for me- OH’s horse was largely left until about ten due to previous owners circumstances and I re-started him. He has years later turned out to have KS though, so keep in mind that a skeletally mature horse that’s coping fine without a rider may not cope with one.....but that could be said of any horse. Progress updates please if you do decide to go ahead!

 

[BeansNsausages]

Not as a general rule, but with the price of horses being where they are, if I had a 16yo sat in the field and no other riding horses, then it's a much cheaper option!

 

[Highmileagecob]

Depends on the history and the back story. And whether he has been late gelded..... You sound to be having so much fun with your Connie share - has the situation changed?

 

[ihatework]

No I wouldn’t bother
Someone could have tried and failed.
He’d be 18 by the time you've done the basic education and bringing on
Put the time, effort and funds into something younger

 

[Palindrome]

Yes, but I would want to have a sit on him and a little ride before I'd give any money, perhaps after 2-3 working sessions. He would need to have a calm and easy disposition as at that age I'd consider him for hacking out primarily.

 

[pistolpete]

Depends on the history and the back story. And whether he has been late gelded..... You sound to be having so much fun with your Connie share - has the situation changed?

Connie is still fab. Wouldn’t be instead of. Would be as well as!

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you for replies. He’s so sweet. He’s got a lovely nature but I’m not really in a situation to work with him. Need my own field! He is lovely though. I’m letting my heart rule again of course! Not really practical.

 

[Spottyappy]

We backed a 12 year old NF mare. Had no issues.
much would depend, Imho, on why he hasn’t been backed up to this point. Do you know all of his past, and if he has ever been backed?

 

[dorsetladette]

I’d assume someone had tried and failed to be honest. Even if not, I don’t think I’d bother.

This totally!

We've just done an 820 mile round trip to take our 11yr old to a companion loan home as I dont want him out of my control because of his past. He's unrideable. He was free to a good home as an unbacked 5yr old. Turns out they had tried several times and got hurt so just wanted to shift him on quickly. We've gone back to basics and tried a few different techniques, all have failed and a professional ended up in hospital. So it just wouldn't be fair to move him on to an uncertain future.

 

[pistolpete]

Genuinely don’t think anyone has tried to back him. He was a pet. That in itself could cause major issues though I guess. He can’t be stabled as he doesn’t understand being shut in got very upset kicking walks and doors apparently he does walk over the top of you. No boundaries but is really very sweet when you explain to him what you want. Bright and friendly but maybe a bit long in the tooth for a new job.

 

[The Irish Draft 2022]

I bought a green 9 year old that was broken at 3 but want on to broodmare . She had a lovely nature but did take almost 4 years to get her right with jumping and flat work were she is not green and is confident . To be honest I feel I lost a lot of her younger years trying to sort out issues instead of having fun. If you want to take on this horse I would say with older horses it can take longer in my experience but it worth it.

 

[planete]

I would much rather buy a youngster for the same money and expenditure of time and energy. It is much easier to fitten up and supple a younger horse, at 16 the body may no longer be as pliable (think human 60 year old?)

 

[Fransurrey]

I backed a mare as a 13 year old. She was very easy to back and knowing her previous history I don't think it had been attempted (and failed) before.

 

[Cortez]

Yes, sure. I've backed a few teenagers: unbroken broodmares, people's pet horses that were never broken, even a completely wild range mustang (for a bet, interesting experience but I'm not doing that again). Most were actually easier than a 3 or 4 year old.

 

[Kaylum]

yes done a broodmare. Really easy as had been handled well. Just needed to get her fit.

 

[Antw23uk]

If i 100% knew his history I'd probably give it a go BUT unless you are100% 15 solid years of history on this horse then chances are he's been started and failed a few times and there is a reason he isnt under saddle and its not because he's been a pet for 15 years! My cynical side says he's a nut job and shouldnt be touched!

 

[MagicMelon]

I would back one that old if I already had it and was bored! But I'd never buy an older horse with the intention of backing it unless I knew its full history (I.e broodmare all its life).

Too many idiots do a bad job of backing and then try to sell as unbacked.

This. I have backed an 8yo before, that was the oldest but I knew its history. She was easier to bring on as she had a mature head so you can miss the proper baby behaviour. Id never buy one for the above reason, especially a Welsh D who can be a bit nuts - they could have tried backing it and gave up...

 

[Gloi]

I've backed some older brood mares and they were very sensible ponies.

 

[pistolpete]

He belonged to an old farmer. Genuinely just used as a lawn mower.

 

[winnie]

If you have the time and patience to start slowly and little steps, then I think it could work and would be very rewarding. I am currently doing similar VERY slowly with my 19 yo Dartmoor Pony. I've had her since she was 6yo and she came to me semi feral to be a companion, couldn't, and probably still can't, be caught in a field unless food involved and very flighty. Last year she was diagnosed with EMS and Cushings so I decided to embark on and exercise plan walking her out in hand .We built it up slowly and have covered many miles and have developed a strong bond. Now, due to my own physical issues and age, I am progressing to backing her so we can cover even more miles together. It may not work but worth trying.