How often would you ride?

[Jola]

A 19 year old reasonably fit ISH who is in good health? I'm doing 6 days a week for 45 mins to 1.5 hrs depending on what we are doing. He seems ok but just wondering if people think this is too much?

 

[nix123]

I think if your horse is up to it and he's happy, then fine nothing wrong with that. If he starts to show signs that he's not happy then i would have a re-think about how much work he is doing.

 

[Antw23uk]

Doesnt sound too excessive to me. We have a 22yr old mare at the yard who is ridden 6 days a week, hacking schooling, occasional jump and she is as fit as a fiddle and loves her work.
She looks amazing and to reduce her work right now wouldnt even be thought of!

 

[Jola]

Thanks both. I've never owned an older horse before and was worried that whilst he might not be showing signs of being tired, I am somehow storing up potential issues!

 

[SallyBatty]

My mare is 22 years old. She gets ridden 5/6 days a week mainly schooling (usually between half and three quarters of an hour) and hacking (anything from 1 to 3 hours). Once a month we do a 1 hour jumping clinic and we do some occasional show jumping as well. The only way she shows she is getting older is that now when we hack out with other people and go for a long fast canter, she slows down sooner than she used to.

 

[Jola]

Thanks SallyBatty
Sounds like I'm worrying too much and should just carry on!