Excitable 19yr old thoroughbred

[bgray1981]

I was given an 18yr old tb last winter as a companion for my youngster. He was underweight and condition and worming and vaccinations were out of date. He seemed very chilled and relaxed but since Autumn he's a changed horse and completely nuts! He gets approx 7 hours turn out a day. Plenty of hay and has 2 scoops of spillers happy hoof a day. I was given him as a light hack/companion but as far as I know has no medical issues stating that he can't do more work. He is a complete stress head if left out on his own, bardges me round the stable, kicks out when doing his rugs. Jogs, bucks, leaps, bronks when being ridden when he was a happy plod out hacking. He's only getting ridden once a week/fortnight. Do I give him more exercise? Or can anyone suggest anything else?

 

[Izzwizz]

Sounds like he's feeling very well in himself. I would knock the Happy Hoof in the head, just feed him hay and ride him. Perhaps he's a little bored and now he feels so good has a lot of energy to use. Provided everything else is up to date and is ok such as teeth, back, tack fit, then enjoy him, well done!

 

[TeamChaser]

I'd give him a job to be honest. My TB turns 18 this year and no way is he ready for retirement! Very active boy, loves to hack out so he gets ridden 5 days a week and is kept pretty fit. He's fine in summer when out 24/7 but in this crappy weather and dark nights when they're only out for 4-6 hours sometimes, he needs to be kept occupied or he's a pain

I love that he's like this though - such a character! Ride and lead with my other boy and works well for me

Have fun with him!

 

[NOISYGIRL]

Mine is not TB he is cob x arab, he is 35 but thinks he's 3, I still ride him, as long as the horse has no issues then I don't see why it shouldn't be ridden more. Mine is on a calmer too, and needs sedating to go out if kept in for any length of time

 

[UKa]

Hey, like others have said it sounds as if he is feeling very well, he may have been so calm because he was underweight and generally run down. TBs have very active brains I think if there are no medical issues then he should probably do more work. My TB mare is 18 now and I would not dream to retire her anytime soon. She is a lot better in herself when I exercise her regularly - I ride almost every day (hacking and schooling), and still she finds time to get excitable when we are out riding, but she is much better when ridden daily.