how old?

B

B_2_B

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Would you retire a horse at?
Blacky is 26 and still going strong and Connie is 27. Connie has lately started to slow up a bit and not be as excited about going out. she will happily go out on a hack and enjoy it but the initial get up and go seems to be annoying her a bit until she actually gets out.
also, because blacky is 26, how long would you say i could do jumping with her for? as in, half an hour, etc...because last time, we went on a hack first and she just wouldn't jump when we got back and was being really difficult. should i jump her first, then take her out?
i'm asking too many questions aren't i?
i'm just having horse withdrawal so i'm thinking of allt he questions i want to ask lol. she's gonna be a bit "rotund" when she gets back
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so excercise it will be!
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We had a horse down the riding school that was 35/36 when she retired (R.I.P Olive
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). I think alot depends on the horse, if they are sound and well and enjoying being ridden at 27, keep them in work! Even if its only light hacking at least they are not just looking at grass all day.
This is just MO though, I have never had to retire a horse so don't know loads on the subject
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Such a difficult question! Every horse is so different, I wouldn't worry about connie not intially wanting to go out as Gem is like this sometimes but once she gets going she perks up.
Only you know your horses so only you can really answer this question.

PS, our pony was still going strong at 30ish (just hacking and having fun).
 
It depends on the horse...often light work keeps them healthier than retiring, esp if they have some arthritis.
I'd be careful not to do too much too often as old tendons and ligaments don't have so much stretch so are more prone to injury.
Hope your oldies continue to thrive
S
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I personally wouldn't stop any kind of riding on an old horse just because he was old. Once you go down that road that's when the horses really do seem to age very quickly. Keep them going for as long as they are happy to continue.
 
I would agree - your horse will let you know how much it wants to do.

My old mare was still competing sj (and winning!!) until she strained a tendon out hacking at the age of 29. She's now 34 & still enjoys light hacking. We are just careful not to push her - eg when I get to a canter stretch, I let her have her head & see what happens. If the ground is soft, she'll charge off & I'll let her get on with it. If the ground's hard, she might try a few strides of trot & decide she's happier walking, & I won't push her at all.

I also know not to take her out 2 days running because she's not up to it.

You sound like a sensitive, caring owner - listen to what your horses are telling you & you'll be fine!!
 
I think you know when they 'want' to retire. My old lad always had a great zest for being ridden, completely over excited in canter even at 32, but one day he just couldnt be bothered with it anymore, and i retired him! Depends entirely on how they feel really.
 
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