Is 12 too old to break.

[Potato!]

I have a 11.3h dartmoor x welsh gelding. He is not broken as he has always been used as a companion although he was shown in hand as a youngster but done nothing since. Is 12 too old. What things should I keep in mind when backing an older pony?

 

[be positive]

I broke an exmoor mare at 13 she had been a brood mare all her life but took to riding without any problem, I did everything the same as I would a youngster she accepted every stage and thoroughly enjoyed her new life.

 

[bimbomb]

As long as in good health no reason at all not to break him

 

[LittleBlackMule]

Definitely not too old. All the ones I have known that were broken late really seemed to appreciate having something to do.

 

[Potato!]

That's why I was thinking of giving him a job to do. As I thought he would enjoy it. I was thinking that with either ridden or to drive. Then he could chain harrow my field .

 

[texas]

Not at all, I had a 14 year old mare professionally backed in Spring and she sold quickly to be a kids pony after a life being a broodmare and companion.

 

[mrogers]

god no!! My mother in law broke Derwyn Quartz at 18 I think. He won male champion and went to HOYS the year after

 

[babymare]

Not to old at all. Get stuck into it

 

[mrogers]

god no!! My mother in law broke Derwyn Quartz at 18 I think. He won male champion and went to HOYS the year after

sorry 13

 

[Potato!]

I have now found out that this pony is actually 16 unfortunatly so i am thinking maybe too old...

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Even 16 isnt too old!!! I bet he would love a job to do

 

[babymare]

Well theres no harm in taking the normal steps to break in and see how he takes to it. You maybe pleasently surprised

 

[Holly B]

16 doesn't have to be too old! My friend has a little Welsh A mare who was used as a broodmare until she was 16 and broken to ride aged 17. She's now 21 and still absolutely loves hacking, and a young girl rides her and competes her in Prelim dressage!