buying an older horse

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sarahmb

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I have been looking for my first horse for some time, but with no success yet. My search has had the benefit of highlighting for me exactly what matters and what I want; but sadly the corresponding efect of narrowing the field so much that the only contenders I can find at the moment are aged 16 and 17. (grey arab, 15 hands, the sweetest of temperaments, and a easy and safe hack, for hacking, having lessons and friendship)

What are the downsides, do you think of buying an older horse? I would appreciate input on this as I had previously wanted something a little younger so that it would last (I won't be wanting to 'trade up' after a few years, but nor do I have my own land to pension a horse off) Any thoughts?
 
My lad is 17, although admittedly he was sold to me as 12. He doesn't look or act his age, and he is fitter than a lot of the younger horses around here. He is more suited to my purpose as well - having had a younger horse who was no use for me at all, I think I will always go for an older horse now. When I was looking for one, the minimum age I would look at was 12, as I find them more sensible (I am not a brave rider LOL)
 
Hi, I purchased a 15 year old last year who I have known all his life and he has turned out to be one of the best horses ever - a complete gentleman. One of my other horses is 17 this year and has just come back into work after 2 years off having a foal and she does not feel her age at all. If you want a horse to enjoy, I would not let age put you off at all, just make sure you get them vetted sensibly
 
depends on the horse i guess!! i have a connie x who is 19 this year i got him when he was 12 and he's no different - in fact he is fitter and better schooled and more full of himself than he was before. Touch wood im lucky in that he's never really needed the vet and he doesnt seem his age. i dont think id buy a doddery old animal but a schoolmaster in its late teens could still have years left in the tank
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thats what im hoping with my boy anyway!! and 16 isnt that old!!
 
I am permanantly loaning my friends horse, i will pick her up next week.
She is 27!! she is just for hacking out on and will spend the rest of her days with me, but i'm lucky and have my own place!!
 
If there are no existing health issues and the horse is suitable then don't rule an older horse out. However you will need to be aware that there are insurance restrictions with a veteran horse and many insurers will only cover accidental injury in the vets part of the policy.
 
i wouln't dismiss it at all. My lad is now 20. He's been a complete star since I bought him age 12. he is low mileage though, so helps a lot if you know the horse concerned well.

My first horse i bought as a 13 year old but found out later he was more like 17. I had 5 fantastic years with him, and he taught me all I know.
 
I bought my first horse 8 weeks ago, she is 17 years old. We had her 5 stage vetted so we know she is healthy and fit. The vet was surprised at how long he had to have her galloped in order to increase her heart rate.

She has been brilliant as a first horse, she knows more about how it should be done than we do and because she has seen it all, she has such patience with us.

Gentle, kind, friendly, not a complete push over, nosey, noisy, very safe ride etc

Oh, and she is also part Arab - best horse ever
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i think it all depends on what you want a horse for - i wouldnt buy something to start competing sj eventing with etc of that age but for RC and happy hacking, definately.

where are you located and what exactly are you after? i might know of a suitable horse -
 
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If there are no existing health issues and the horse is suitable then don't rule an older horse out. However you will need to be aware that there are insurance restrictions with a veteran horse and many insurers will only cover accidental injury in the vets part of the policy.

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We went with Petplan for the best cover available for a 17 year old.
 
Thanks everyone for the input; I think I may phone up about the 16 year old.

Neversaynever I am in worcestershire and am looking for the near impossibe - a calm arab suitable as a happy hacker and for lessons for a middle aged novice returner (to be kept initially at least on full livery while i get the hang of things) Must be beautiful, and have that araby sweetness, without much of the arab spookyness! 14.3 or 15 hands, pref grey preferably a gelding. If thats not asking too much. (distance not a major issue- i travelled 3 hours each way last time then the owner phoned me after i'd arranged the vet, in tears saying she couldn't bear to part with him after all. )

HollyB66 thank you for the info on insurers, and you and everyone for sharing your experience
 
Older horses have a lot to give. I have had some wonderful lessons on an 18yr old ex-eventer. He wasnt a pushover but taught me a lot.
 
I have a 17 year old belgian warmblood mare 15.2. She is a cracking horse and has honestly never acted her age. She jumps 4ft courses with ease and vet is always pleased with her health. Goin to do pre novice on her this year jus need to work on dressage as she is mental, needs magic shots before we do dressage!
I would never be put off an older horse as they have so much experience and can really show you the ropes!
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There were horses at HOYS this year that were 15+, it was at that point I realised that my 17 year old was not really an 'old' horse - just older than the younger ones
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And yes, I know how 'silly' that sounds
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