Older horses

[Mrsjenks]

After talking to various people and visiting a few local liverys and riding schools I've decided to avoid full tb's, my husband has suggested a older horse may be better for my first horse as have people at the schools we visited, we have arranged to go and see a 18yr old tb x standard horse as the lady has described it.

can anyone offer any advice with regards to owning the older horses.

tia

 

[Mrsjenks]

This is him, he's got a very good nature, I've rode him today with no problems at all and he feels very safe, I'm getting him vetted next week. Hopefully all will be well

 

[Archiepoo]

erm think u should check ur picture lol x

 

[Mrsjenks]

Lol sorry thats one of hubby's rifles, pictures on now

 

[Archiepoo]

is it a standardbred x with a tb ? anything crossed with a tb can still have tb moments even at 18 yrs old! if you want to school and hack out you need to try it out it in those situations . hes very pretty btw!

 

[CaleruxShearer]

I have a 16 year old warmblood that events at Novice Level, the trick to keeping older horses happy is knowing the little things that work for them. For example I always rug mine up slightly more than is necessary, because I know if he gets cold he will stand and get stiff and shiver and drop weight. In the winter he has his legs bandaged in the stable overnight to keep his joints warm which again reduces stiffness. In the winter he has his feed soaked with warm water etc.

You'll soon get the hang of keeping them happy! It would be a good idea to have him vetted and then the vet came pick up on any stiffness etc and be able to best advise you on how to manage it. Good,luck, he looks lovely.

 

[Mrsjenks]

Hi, thanks for the tips ! Yes he's a sb x tb with an amazing temperament from what I have seen so far ! Going to start a new thread to see what people think about sb x tb ! Caleruxshearer I will most likely be asking you for more tips in the very near future if all goes to plan and we buy Archie !

 

[CaleruxShearer]

No probs, give me a shout if you need me

 

[Mrsjenks]

Thanks! I will

 

[madmav]

If vet says he is sound, go for it. I ride a 7/8 tb that is now a stonking 23 years old. He still jumps, does (wins!) dressage etc. Important thing is to keep them going, provided they're still in working order. Enough work to push them and keep them supple, but not too much to over-do it. I have to do the same thing to myself as equally not in first flush of youth.

 

[Mrsjenks]

Great stuff forgive my ignorance but what is a 7/8 ? I do believe in 'if you don't use it you lose it' so, if he is in good health- which I suspect he is, I have a really good feeling about him

 

[Tronniehead]

I have a 23 yr old loan horse as myself am a novice. My first loan, he has been great to help me gain confidence although I still lack confidence, but as he is a bit of a plod and for me much suitable than something that's going to run off into the hills with me , I prefer it although at times would love him to be a bit more forward.
Any tips on good exercise etc for the older horse. I ride about twice a week and am the only one who rides him. I sometimes walk him around as well in hand.

 

[Coldfeet!]

After talking to various people and visiting a few local liverys and riding schools I've decided to avoid full tb's, my husband has suggested a older horse may be better for my first horse as have people at the schools we visited, we have arranged to go and see a 18yr old tb x standard horse as the lady has described it.

can anyone offer any advice with regards to owning the older horses.

tia

I dont see any problem with older horses, depending on how older is defined. A freind of mine bought a young horse that threw her problems through greeness and then sold on and bought an older horse that literally knew every trick in the book. It all depends on the individual horses temperament, condition and fitness. Your choice sounds like he suits you, if he is vetted and passed and you liek him, why not?