Is 17 too old?

M

Morrigan_Lady

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www.teamterrellshowjumping.co.uk

Im going to look at a horse tomorrow to have on loan, he seems perfect and I think I love him already just from the pics Ive seen. He's 17 though, its doenst really bother me as he will be on loan, and Im sure he will do the job well.
I just wont summut to have fun on and jump. The owner has never jumped him, but he's hunted so I reckon he'll be ok.
Obviously I wouldnt buy a 17 year old, but what do you guys think?
Some horses are in their prime at 17!
 

Wohoo, thanks guys, that what I wanted to hear
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Marsden was 19 when he died in an accident and I was x-c'ing him till the end and he'd still be going strong now if he were here
 
I think so long as he's healthy there is no reason why he wouldn't be a good choice. There's no reason why he wouldn't keep on going well into his 20's. I wouldn't be put off by a horses age if I was loaning
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We let out on loan a 26 year old Shetland. Had been used as a brood mare most of her life. Now always in the top 3 placeings in Dressage, showjumping, cross country and veteran classes.
Absolutely loveing her new life. She did go as a begginners lead rein! Pony and rider flying along.
We are thrilled.
 
My horse is 17 this year - can't believe it as had him since he was 4. He's still full of himself and I jump him and x-country him (generally in int/opens). Off to d some BE intros this year - should have done them years ago but it's me that's too chicken as, although i never used to have probs with fence heights, i am not so brave now! He is more than capable though!!!
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If he's for loan and fit and sound then def go for it if you like him.
 
I have a 27 and 22 year old whom are both regularly gently ridden.

My advice to you if you decide to have him would be to have him vetted so that both you and the owner know exactly what condition he is in and also have a proper loan agreament drawn up (BHS and NFU do them).

Older horses like people do require more care and attention.

I would also suggest that you have an annual veterinary check up when you have the flue and tetanus jabs and the teeth rasped to ensure all is well (eyes, heart lungs etc.).
 
Whislt yes some 17 years olds are fit and full of runnning.

17 years old looking for a loan home after a hunting. Check soundness carefully.
 
We bought a 19 year old cob gelding and have had him 2 years in May - and we didn't have him vetted - although my vet loves him and says she would have told us to go ahead anyway.

While we didn't set out to buy a horse of that age, he is an absolute star for my 60 year old husband, and the horse has taught him so much. (I say they are 2 old codgers together)

So, no, age wouldn't worry me if it was the right horse.
 
My two are both 16 and I would say they still have plenty of va va voom! One of mine is an ex hunter too, but he won't jump coloured poles (one of his many, many hang ups!), so I would check that out if jumping's your thing. He looks like a sweet lad.
 
No harm in looking! As long as he's sound then go for it. He might need a little more feed as he gets older. My mare was 16 when I sold her and fitter and sounder than anything else on the yard!
 
I got my horse on loan when he was 18 and did everything on him - X countries, dressage, show jumping etc. I bought him a few years later when the owners circumstances changed and could never have him back. I had to retire him from jumping due to arthritis when he was 22 but we still regularly hack out now he is 24. He's still full of life and in fantastic condition. I hope we have many more years together.
I never intended getting an older horse, it just happened. If it's a good horse I wouldn't turn it down. 17 isn't that old these days.
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The first thing that ages in horses is the feet apperently. So those with good feet tend to last longer as ridden horses. So check his feet
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My 20year old pony still loves to be ridden, but Im to big so he goes out on loan sometimes to get ridden as he loves it soo much
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Depends on the horse. Some I've known to still be going strong at 30 in full work. My last horse I had when he was 16, he had to be retired at 17 due to arthritus
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Certainly worth a look! My daughter has a horse owned by us since unbroken 4 year old - done all PC teams and evented to Advanced (76 points) - still sound as a pound and eventing though Open Novices only - loves life but a little sharp for a Novice sadly - and he is 19!
 
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