Is it cruel to still be riding my 26 year old boy

I have a 30Plus yr Old that is exercised most days, lead rather than ridden but he seems fine. I think the horse will let u know if it is finding work too much. Twice a day maybe overdoing it abit, but depends on your horse really, if he is fit, sound and happy then it can't be doing him much harm. I would just monitor him x
 
Hi there,

Not necessarily cruel at all - it really depends on the horse and you will find that he will probably tell you when he's had enough! I would recommend that he is thoroughly checked out regularly by vet and possibly back person too to ensure that he is physically sound but, to be honest, 26 is not so very old and he will probably benefit mentally from the activity. Your role really is to take care about level of exertion, particularly in hot weather. It is definitely worth getting his teeth checked more frequently than perhaps you have in the past. Otherwise, just observe how he is - does he seem to enjoy going out?
 
Welham and Gammon I think were both 21 when they won the Hickstead Derby with John Whitaker, and I learnt to ride on a few ancient ponies! Gentle exercise for a fit and sound 26 year old doesn't sound cruel to me.
 
Hi there

My girl was 36 when I lost her, I was riding her 3 days before she got pts, so I dont think you're cruel at all. He'll soon tell you if he's not happy, I honestly believe me still riding her kept her going as long as it did, she absolutely loved being ridden and was still a lunatic everytime I took her out hacking, I think if I had stopped riding her she would have given up!
 
Your horse will tell you when it is time to call it a day--providing you are a sympathetic rider.
The longer he is used the longer he will stay fit and healthy
 
I dont think its cruel as long as he is fit and healty to do the work your asking of him. I know a women who hacked her old boy (im pretty sure he was over 26!!) 5 days a week for upto 2hrs. He also went to the beach for a good gallop and went out to pleasure rides every weekend right up until he was pts.
 
I think its better to keep them going as long as they are happy, don't do too much, I ride my 32 year old most days, hacking gently, any trotting and cantering are done in the school as the path we hack out on are too hard, I also take him to the beach for an OAP outing with his buddy who is 20+
 
my mare is 23 and still doing sponsored rides.

we have a 29 years old who hacks- schooled= and went on holiday to NF last year

if she is able keep going you will know when the time to stop comes.
 
The oldest here was ridden until he was about 36 - his work load was reduced over the last few years but he loved being ridden and would still go tanking off if he got half a chance!!:D He had all his checks done regularly and the excercise helped keep him well and moving - his last couple of years he was finally retired to be a lawnmower with regular attention and grooming before he finally left us at 40 - not a bad age for a TBx!:D:D

Gentle appropriate excercise really is the best thing:)
 
I was out competing my pony until she was 23 she absolutely loved it never missed a beat, only riding club level but all the same she loved a trip out to strut her stuff!! I also know an old boy who was 84 when he stopped riding his retired Cavalry horse at 28 - they kept each other going ;-)
 
I don't think it is cruel at all, provide he is fit and willing.

My lad is more or less retired, just a little work in the school and he is only 17 but he has had a hard competition life and last winter we had a lot of problems with lameness, which was very worrying in a horse that had never been lame before. So at present he is turned away for the summer and will be brought back into light work in the autumn, just to get and keep him fit and supple. He has never been happy to hack out it completely stresses him out so that is not an option with him.

But Fany is 16 and will work for at least another 6 yrs as she is very low mileage.

You know your horse better than anyone else, if he is happy then continue with what you are doing.

FDC
 
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