How old is too old

depends what you want to do with the horse. i have some golden oldies in excess of 25 who still get ridden regularly, can do a dressage test and fun rides!
 
Absolutely depends on what you want to do with the horse and what kind of time and experience the owner has.

Younstock are really only for the very knowledgeable I feel, and if you can only ride at the weekends, a 4 year old is not appropriate. If you want to take up eventing and you're aiming for four star, buying a 15 year old isn't wise. If it's your very first horse I'd say (as a general rule), don't look at anything under 10, and if buying a veteran be prepared to deal with more vets bills. That said, there are so- called veterans out there that are healthier with fewer health issues than "high mileage" ten year olds!! So, some generalisations in this, and most certainly exceptions to these rules.
 
I think it is a personal thing and depends on a lot of things.For example-if you wanted the horse for competition, you might not want one over fifteen due to the increased risk of illness or injury. However, if you just wanted a safe hack an older horse may fit your purpose. Also, it makes a difference where you are going to keep the horse. if you have your own land you may be able to put a horse out to grass if he becomes too old to work, but if kept in livery, it may be too expensive to keep a horse that can't be ridden.
 
Personally if it is backed it is too old for me :D

Well maybe not quite but 5 is probably as old as I would choose to buy in most instances.
 
I would think that if he has been there and got the t shirt but hasn't been thrashed either he would have a lot to offer someone at 15 in honesty. I'm sure lots of people looking for their first horse or a school master would not consider him old at all! In this day and age that is young for a horse. They still go to the olympics at 15!

I hope you find someone lovely for him :)
 
I just bought a 16 yr old! but...
He was cheap,
He is native, (so hoping will go on years yet!)
He is sound and healthy
he has been used as a trekking pony so quiet hacker for me and daughter.
He hasnt competed.
It depends a lot on the type etc. I wouldnt have bought a 16 yr old tb showjumper :)

and more importantly, he is amazing and I had him on loan and adored him lol
 
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I have had my current horse for 2.5yrs now and he was 17 when I took him on. I was worried that this would be too old for what I wanted to do but he has proved me very wrong. He was 17 going on 4 when I bought him and we successfully competed at Dressage, SJ, XC, fun rides, Showing etc. He has been off work for most of this year as he chipped his pedal bone and was operated on in June, but I plan to be out competing next year and he will be 20!! I guess like people they are only as old as they feel :)
 
Well, one of mine is 24 and he still; goes flat out round our cross country course and scares the beejeezus out of me, hacks out for hours a few times a week up and down hills and seems t think that this is a race aswel, is never sick, sorry or lame, and still manages to have his 'moments' when he remembers that he has got a bit of blood in him and I end up cinging on for dear life! I think it's just down to the individual horse.
 
I bought my mare at 16 she was as cheap as chips and has not got a lump, bump or blemish on her, she has hunted, SJ, funrides the lot not a superstar at anything but will give it a honest try. She is 22 now and had a foal this year, foal is for keeps and with luck me and the mare will continue our hacking adventures for several more years.
I can honestly say she is the best horse I have ever owned, although I was concerned about her age when I first bought her, but its been the best 6 years with horses I could of hoped for. She has earned a retirement home with me untill her dying day.
 
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