Is 20 old ...

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Just wondered who would consider taking on a full loan of a 20yr old horse?

I have seen one who looks fab. He's been doing dressage up to elementary / medium and now needs a quieter life - and I am keen to just get better at prelim (poss novice) level.

I've emailed for more info. I'm sure lots of people have older horses still going strong?
 
well my friends ex-racing TB is 21 this year and he still hunts all winter, does funrides, hunter trials and SJing all summer. He makes light work of 4ft+ hedges and he goes mad if you dont work him.

He is in fine form and loving his life still, long may it continue, so I wouldn't write off a 20 year old :)

ETS the only thing I would query is, is he needing a quieter life due to an injury or something like arthritus. as an injury or arthritic changes could cause more likelyhood for a shorter working life.
 
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If he's currently in work and has no health issues, it sounds as if he would be ok for you.

I can't say that I'd buy one that age (unless I already knew the horse, in which case I would if it was ok), but would definitely loan,especially as you intend to learn and improve yourself through his experience.

The subject of older horses has come up quite a lot lately, and imo they have so much to give, so def worth considering.
 
We have 2 20+ horses at our yard and they are both amazing, and quite frankly they have more life in them than some of the horses half their age! I certainly wouldn't dismiss - Welham was 20 when he won the Hickstead Derby IIRC!
 
My mare is a veteran and is still going strong, she is currently in foal and having a break from riding but when I did hack out on her with other horses half her age we were always in the lead.
 
I had a pony on loan many years ago who was 28! She was a fab pony and we competed in showjumping and eventing up to about 3'6. It was nothing to her as she had been an international jumping pony on England teams in her youth, but she was a great schoolmaster for me to step up into the bigger classes. We lost her after a year due to a brain tumour, but if it wasnt for that she'd have kept going im sure!

As long as the horse is fit and healthy, its age wouldnt put me off at all :)
 
I had 2 old girls. One was 23 and still going strong. The other girl was 38when I retired her from jumping - she put in the only stop she had ever given me- and 39 when I stopped riding her out.

My current pony is 19 and came 3rd at the Milton Keynes Eventing Centre 3 day event last year. Also has to be hunted and ridden on pleasure ride in a double bridle as we can't stop otherwise. :D Definately wouldn't write a 20 year old off. Still loads of fun to have together.
 
I wouldn't buy a 20 yr old but would definitely consider loaning one, especially if it was still leading an active life and had no major health issues.
 
I would have no issue loaning a 20 year old if it was going to do the job I wanted it to. My old pony is 30 and went hunting last season. The thing is a 15 year old can seem very old, it all depends on the horse really and probably what sort of life they have had! I would definately go and see him and not be put off by his age. You are only loaning not buying.
 
my sis sort of loans a 24yr welshy and shes fab!! does everything we want her to do, jumping flat work and hacking. so ye if it was right for you id take it on, on a loan agreement
 
Age is just a number. I knew one horse who was "old" at 15 and others who were well into their 20's before they started to show their age!

I think it's partly down to management, i.e. a sold joint supplement wouldn't do anything in their late teens plus any harm, and partly just genetics.
 
We are loaning a 26 yr old tbx pony! He is fab, everyone loves him, and though he is dearer to keep as his food/supplement bills are higher and can no longer jump or compete due to mild arthritis, his boomproof nature and sweet persona is so worth it. I say go for it!
 
My mare is 19 and the vet tells me she is middle aged! Lots of life left in her yet.

My 14.2 won the riding club cup for the horse with the most points at 23 - she did everything - dressage, jumping, x country, handy pony, showing and even gymkhana games!

Get your vet to check the horse over and listen to its heart. But I would definitely give it a go - sounds perfect
 
My mare has just turned 20, I broke her as a 12 year old and she has plenty of mileage left in her she is a bit calmer now but to look at you wouldn't know how old she is and when I ride her she is like a much younger horse, if a horse is looked after and fed correctly age is immaterial. My hunt horse was 34 when he went and he was still being ridden right up until he died, he wasnt hunting anymore but still did long rides and veteran classes.
 
I would agree with all the above, 20yrs old isn't any reason to stop riding if the horse is happy and sound. The only issue I have is as they get older, horses find change harder and harder to adapt to and I think it is a real shame that this horse has to move homes at his age.
 
My 20 year old Arab mare had her best season last year.

She won the Veteran Marathon (including overall best condition a converted award) two seconds in 100k endurance race rides and a win in the 100k veteran Race ride at the Three Rivers Endurance Ride.

This year she is heading towards the Golden Horse Shoe and will again contest the Veteran Marathon.

20 is no age at all. Good treatment and care and a horse will continue to be able to enjoy life.
 
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