Breed/type to see you into your old age!

I've always had a soft spot for NFs, so would probably go back to one when older if the occasion arose. However, in my late 30s I have a 6 month old and a 18month old that I hope will be around for a long time yet. Who knows, maybe I'll breed a a foal from the 18month old one day (she's a mix of appaloosa, arab, connie and some unidentified american breed - assuming paint or QH). Or I might go crazy and get another sporty pony or an anglo-arab or TB type. I'm not planning on hanging my boots up any time soon, and hope to be able to hoist myself up into the saddle until the very end.
 
I've been riding other people's horses recently, so a variety of them. I really like one little mare. She's a nice chunky cob and about as wide as she is tall. Feels like I'm sitting on an armchair! She has steady paces but is not above getting a bit excited and going for a good run. She has good brakes.
I'd like one like her.
 
Jenko109 said:
Ive just put a deposit down on a Highland colt.

Im nearing 37, so assuming he and I gel well and suit each other, he will hopefully be around until im in my 60s.
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I agree on a Highland. I used to break Highland ponies in fairly regularly and a good one is comfy and chill but can still have nice (smaller) paces! One lady I used to show ponies for was riding hers into her 70's. I'd definitely go that route.
 
Widgeon said:
If money was no object, I'd love a Rocky Mountain horse. They seem very sweet and biddable. But I will never be able to afford one in the UK!
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I have a friend in the US with two, lovely colour but physically a bit nondescript imvho! Nice horses tho but wouldn’t be in my top ten…
 
Nothing that barges or is wide, so that rules out highlands and cobs for me.
I’m 67 and my ISH is light, easy and has lovely smooth paces. He is not the best granny’s hack, but is kind and gentlemanly. Polite ground manners are essential. I’ll never buy a young horse now, and if I had to look for another ridden horse I wouldn’t worry about the breed, but the type, temperament and manners already installed.
 
I was talking to a friend today and said I wouldn't mind an ottb as my next ridden horse but in reality I'm 55 and have a knackered back and hands so probably won't replace any of mine when they go.
My ridden horses are 24 and 17 so the younger one will hopefully do me until I hang up my boots anyway.

For those saying they would go for a New Forest the youngest of my herd is a 15 Yr old New Forest and he is also the only one not ridden due to him turning anyone who tries into a lawn dart! Its a shame as he's 13.2, solid and a sweetheart whose totally unfazed by everything he just hates being ridden 😞
 
BBP2 said:
I reckon I’d give up the idea of a rideable one and go for the mini-Shetlands. Mine are an absolute joy to be around, and I reckon will be a riot to drive, so I can be the crazy old lady driving mini Shetlands around the village. Or skating/boarding behind them if I am a proper crazy old lady.
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Loving the mental picture of the skateboard!
 
I am 55, health variable- hoping I have bought my last horse, an 8yo 15.2 cob mare, she's been an absolute gem so far ( 6 months in)
 
Widgeon said:
If money was no object, I'd love a Rocky Mountain horse. They seem very sweet and biddable. But I will never be able to afford one in the UK!
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paddy555 said:
I would choose something with either an arab or Spanish ancestry as I would be looking for a gentleman who was nice and polite to handle and those have been the kindest breeds I have owned.
I would also go for a gaited horse although there are not many choices in the UK. I had Peruvians and they were gentleman and smooth to ride.
It would probably be an Icey if I had to have another horse. 14.2 would be the max for my old age.

however I still 8 horses for any more at my age probably won't happen. But never say never. :D:D

One thing to consider is that Rockies and other breeds with Spanish ancestry which are lovely horses are very keen on EMS so you would need the lifestyle to keep it under control.
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There's a super cute rmh x pre for sale I want.

My fell is pretty sharp but comfortable 4x4 type she wouldn't be ideal for my old age 😅 I already can't do anything too bouncy, too wide or heavy in the hand with my weird joints and back. But a lot of that is producing not breed.
 
I have a traditional cob.She is very level headed,has super smooth paces and a soft mouth.I don't do a lot of riding these days,it's getting on and off that is the problem.I do enjoy watching our trainer school her though.She goes to Rui Campeon once a month and has just started doing some working equitation which she enjoys and shows some aptitude.
When I bought her,as a 4 year old I was very aged and conscious that I was taking her future into my hands.I really wanted to get her schooled and educated so when the time came to sell her I could get her a good home.There is a lot of interest in her.
She is broad,but I find her comfortable and we cope with the hair by keeping her fully clipped out and hogged.She is more comfortable like this too and there are no more mites.
 
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