How many of you would buy an older horse?

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say 15+? and what would you be willing to pay for it?

My mum is thinking about selling her horse but he’s 15 now and even though he’s a really nice horse and is totally sound, I’m thinking his value is going to be extremely limited. Do many people even buy horses this old?

Thoughts please?
 
I certainly would...

There's definitely a market for that kind of horse for adults who are getting back into riding and just want to hack around / go to the odd local show for fun. They aren't going to outgrow the horse and they are unlikely to suddenly want to compete at a much higher level.

Hope you find a good home for him!
 
As above ... I have done in the past and would again, but obviously the price would have to reflect the age.

I am sure your Mum will be able to find a lovely, stress free, long term, caring home for her boy. :)
 
I personally would not, ever, but I also agree the the post above that there are people who want schoolmasters etc. I would not think older horses are worth as much, say as a ten yr old. There are things like arthritis to consider. My 17 yr old was fine tow years ago, now considering having him PTS... I guess each to their own with older horses.
 
We bought one of our horses (who is now 31 and happily retired) when he was 24! We paid £500 for him and he was used for light hacking and schooling. He is a lovely horse and we had lots of fun with him so I definitely wouldn't overlook buying another older horse.
 
I have, Mystic is 17 and i bought him a few months ago, I had him on loan for a year and then his previous owner wanted to release her responsibility so sold him for very little so i can't give an idea on prices. (He wasn't sold for little because of his age)
I suppose it depends how the horse is, People are surprised when i say Mystic is 17 because he acts younger, he isn't competing like he used to but we go to local shows SJing and will hopefully be doing a ODE soon.

Hope you find someone for him :)
 
Kelly's now 16 and still shows some of the youngsters on our yard how to be pain in the backside!
Certainly wouldn't disagree to looking at an older horse, it all depends on what you want them for :) for light no-fuss hacking and a bit of fun and company, they're brilliant! There will be a lovely home for your mum's boy somewhere! :D
 
We bought a 16 yr old mare for my daughter as a school mistress, turns out she is a bit quirky and if she is not ridden properly will have you off but she has given my daughter a lot of confidence in jumping. I am looking for an older mare for my OH to learn on just to be used for hacking as all of mine are too forward for him but I cant find anything reasonably priced or to loan for that matter.

Liz
 
He’s not like an old man or anything – in fact still in his prime! He hasn’t done much competition wise for a few years but would imagine he’d get strait back into it where he left off. He is a bit of a brat at times (when he gets excited) so not a plod but you can literally stick anyone on him and send him round a XC course and he’ll just pop round for them.
 
We'd love a horse like that, and would probably buy him if we had the money! But unfortunately I don't think he appeals to the market who normally buy older horses as he wants to be doing stuff, not just hacking!
 
Yes. I am soon going to start looking for an easy going schoolmaster, for my novice other half. I also have quite a limited budget. So as long as the horse has a kind and laid back attitude, and is sound and healthy, age isn't a problem for me in this case.
 
I would and have. I bought a mare aged 16 for £400. Fantastic jumping pony and gave me lots of confidence. Sadly pts aged 18 - not age related.

Also bought a gelding £450, 18 at the time, now 29. I considered them both to be cheap.

The age wouldn;t put me off your horse - I have my natives that I show to a decent level but also like to have 'play' horse. And thats what I'd buy somehting like yours for. I am not hugely competitive other than when I'm showing, and I like to have something to take on sponsered rides, fun hacks, XC schooling etc and jump at home and occasionally at local shows.

However, just because I wouldn't compete him, doesn;t mean I want a plod. Can;t think of anythign worse than hacking for hours on something you have to kick all the way!! I want a lively fun hack and the older ones are often best for this.

Price would have to reflect age though.
 
I bought my mare last year at 17yo and she's now just turned 18. she acts about 4 and has more go power than my 6yo. she also has the best and biggest jump I have ever sat on. she also never says no to anything but she definitely isn't a novice ride. don't underestimate the oldies haha.

also no one believes me that she's 18 ever, they all think she's the 6yo :P
 
I had a nasty experience with my first horse and it really shook my confidence. After he had gone I bought a 15yo schoolmistress for £1500 who was fantastic (except for a nasty bite!). She took me to nationals in elementary dressage after 18 months and before that she had only been used for XC. When she was 18 I sold her to an older lady as a semi-retired hack. My other gelding was sold recently as a 15yo for £2995 but he was a real 1 in a million superstar gent who had had a very illustrious showing career. He went to an older lady as well who wanted something problem free, safe and reliable but could still provide a bit of fun. There is definitely a market for the older horse and usually some older riders who just want something thats been round the clock.
Having had my confidence restored by my older horses I was confident enough to back my own youngster who is in my signature below. She is now 7 and competed at a National SJ qualifier earlier this year. Having a sane and sensible older horse to learn from helped her settle into being a great horse.
Sorry, long post and self-indulgent ramble but I'm very proud of my golden oldies!!:)
 
I bought an 18 yr old a few years ago for £1500 but i got literally everything for her ie saddle, bridle, rugs, brushes, all general horsey stuff (lunging accessoreis etc) but shes the best horse ive ever had and is still full of energy, shes just ace, I love her to bits and if im being honest they could of got a lot more money for her =) x
 
I certainly would, and I know plenty of people will,while there are also plenty who won't. He probably has years left in him yet, who knows? No guarantee a one year old will be alive next week.
If he is reasonably fit and healthy I am sure you will find a good home. pricewise, a little less than he would be at, say, five years younger.
 
I would as long as it was a sound healthy horse, I wouldn't want to pay a massive amount, but I used to get regularly carted about by a 25 year old and he was great so no objection to an older horse:D

I think 17/18-ish would be my top age limit, but really it depends on the horse.
 
I would probably err on the side of not

Only because I know how long it took me to get to grips with current boy (now 17) and I would worry I wouldnt manage it in time! :D
 
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