People riding horses that are to old

[Fjord]

But what if it isn't fit/healthy/happy and it's just that the owner still wants to ride or can't bear the thought of retiring it?

What if it's a stoic type that puts up with pain and discomfort, or masks it with adrenaline because of the excitement of going out with friends or being at a show or fun ride?I

And I don't think it's fair to compare an older horse with older humans who can make their own choices, self medicate, or choose to cause themselves extra discomfort and injury.

No, I don't think all elderly horses should stop work at a particular point, but I've seen far too many weak, unsound and frankly miserable looking animals still being ridden because the human has decided it's a good idea.

That's a different matter. Regardless of the age, if the horse isn't fit/sound/happy, then they should not be worked at that level. As long as they are equally as happy doing the job at home, without the excitement and adrenaline, and are not showing signs of pain or discomfort, then I think they can continue.

 

[Fransurrey]

Healthy old horses are the outliers, for sure, but there are plenty more than capable of getting out there. In human sport there are categories for 100-105 year olds in marathon running! As you can imagine, there are not many in that category, but if I reach anywhere near that age, I hope I'll be out there, plodding along! On one hand, my OH hires a 79 year old labourer who runs rings around him. On the other, my mum is 74 and stays in bed all day. So much variation in every species!

 

[Snowfilly]

But what if it isn't fit/healthy/happy and it's just that the owner still wants to ride or can't bear the thought of retiring it?

What if it's a stoic type that puts up with pain and discomfort, or masks it with adrenaline because of the excitement of going out with friends or being at a show or fun ride?I

And I don't think it's fair to compare an older horse with older humans who can make their own choices, self medicate, or choose to cause themselves extra discomfort and injury.

No, I don't think all elderly horses should stop work at a particular point, but I've seen far too many weak, unsound and frankly miserable looking animals still being ridden because the human has decided it's a good idea.

So have I. But a lot of them are young, or middle aged, as well as old.

The OP post mentions age as though it’s a set in stone cut off point, nothing to indicate any of these horses were unsound or miserable.

The poorly muscled 5 year old launched around a young horse track is in a lot more trouble than the properly fit 25 year old jumping the 1.00

 

[Snowfilly]

Healthy old horses are the outliers, for sure, but there are plenty more than capable of getting out there. In human sport there are categories for 100-105 year olds in marathon running! As you can imagine, there are not many in that category, but if I reach anywhere near that age, I hope I'll be out there, plodding along! On one hand, my OH hires a 79 year old labourer who runs rings around him. On the other, my mum is 74 and stays in bed all day. So much variation in every species!

There’s a veterans team at my local football club and it’s not unknown to see 70 year olds playing the full 90 minutes.

Once they get too old for that, they normally go and play golf. A lot of them surf and swim, not so much running but a bit of biking in the mix too.

I have a friend who’s 82 and still ploughes with his draft horse!

 

[Teaselmeg]

I think its very horse dependent, and how generally sound and healthy the horse is, over 25 for me is too old to be ridden.

You must also ask yourself, am I really doing it for the horse or because I love competing and maybe don't have another option ?

 

[Rowreach]

That's a different matter. Regardless of the age, if the horse isn't fit/sound/happy, then they should not be worked at that level. As long as they are equally as happy doing the job at home, without the excitement and adrenaline, and are not showing signs of pain or discomfort, then I think they can continue.

So have I. But a lot of them are young, or middle aged, as well as old.

The OP post mentions age as though it’s a set in stone cut off point, nothing to indicate any of these horses were unsound or miserable.

The poorly muscled 5 year old launched around a young horse track is in a lot more trouble than the properly fit 25 year old jumping the 1.00

The thread title literally says "old", which is what I responded to, in light of all the "healthy/happy" comments.

I'm well aware that there lots of younger horses that aren't up to being ridden for many reasons too.

Next question, how do you decide if the older horse is genuinely healthy and happy and not experiencing FOMO or adrenaline overload?

I've got a very elderly dog here that thinks he'd like to go for a five mile walk but I know a 15 minute potter round the field is his limit ...

Sorry that was meant to include mini-eventer's post as well but for some reason it didn't.

 

[Fjord]

Next question, how do you decide if the older horse is genuinely healthy and happy and not experiencing FOMO or adrenaline overload?

The same as you do with any horse. Watch their behaviour and movement closely at all times and listen to them when you ride. If they are slowing down at home then they should definitely be slowing down at competitions too.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

The thread title literally says "old", which is what I responded to, in light of all the "healthy/happy" comments.

I'm well aware that there lots of younger horses that aren't up to being ridden for many reasons too.

Next question, how do you decide if the older horse is genuinely healthy and happy and not experiencing FOMO or adrenaline overload?

I've got a very elderly dog here that thinks he'd like to go for a five mile walk but I know a 15 minute potter round the field is his limit ...

I guess just like you make an informed judgement about what your dog is capable of other people make informed judgements on what their horse enjoys and is capable of.

My Solly Poppins was my absolute heart horse and I would never have put him in a situation where he was uncomfortable and not enjoying it. In his last few years he just did a little veteran showing a couple of times a year. It was his idea of heaven. He loved all the prep and standing around being admired.

 

[Rowreach]

The same as you do with any horse. Watch their behaviour and movement closely at all times and listen to them when you ride. If they are slowing down at home then they should definitely be slowing down at competitions too.

So why do we see so many owners determined to keep their elderly horses in work despite so many obvious physical issues, necessary veterinary intervention to keep them "sound", prolonged recovery after an event arc etc?

I see far too many cases of this, and far too many professionals doing nothing about it.

 

[scats]

So why do we see so many owners determined to keep their elderly horses in work despite so many obvious physical issues, necessary veterinary intervention to keep them "sound", prolonged recovery after an event arc etc?

I see far too many cases of this, and far too many professionals doing nothing about it.

I think we see this with younger horses too though.

 

[Rowreach]

I think we see this with younger horses too though.

Of course we do, but the OP says old. And while we should all be making "informed judgements" about what our older horses are capable of, too many people aren't doing that.

I suppose I'm being awkward here because the first page of responses was "if it's happy and healthy it's fine", without quantifying that, and it's like giving permission to people to carry on regardless in many cases. Particularly when equine professionals don't have the b*lls to speak up.

 

[stormox]

It seems PTS is frowned on with an elderly but healthy horse, and now it seems riding them is!!... Are we all meant to have paddock ornaments when a horse gets to a certain age?

 

[Snowfilly]

So why do we see so many owners determined to keep their elderly horses in work despite so many obvious physical issues, necessary veterinary intervention to keep them "sound", prolonged recovery after an event arc etc?

I see far too many cases of this, and far too many professionals doing nothing about it.

Because far too many owners do the same to their young horses. I routinely see horses out which I wouldn’t consider fit or sound, and judges keep placing them and stewards keep allowing them into the ring.

Age rarely comes into it.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

So why do we see so many owners determined to keep their elderly horses in work despite so many obvious physical issues, necessary veterinary intervention to keep them "sound", prolonged recovery after an event arc etc?

I see far too many cases of this, and far too many professionals doing nothing about it.

Anyone who has answered this thread with a positive answer that they have no problem with an older horse continuing for as long as it is fit, including no health issues and enjoying its continued competitive discipline, are the ones who would be extremely unlikely to medicate their horse up to the eyeballs and push it far beyond its enjoyment or well being. I do agree that some people do though with horses of any age, and it is very obvious when this is happening to their horses. I like to think that we don't have too many of those on the forum, but who knows?

Assumedly we know our own horses very well, and would very quickly pickup on an unhappy horse being worked beyond its ability or happy co-operation.

And I don't think it's fair to compare an older horse with older humans who can make their own choices, self medicate, or choose to cause themselves extra discomfort and injury.

I assume this is in response to my post #9

I know I've gone down hill rapidly since I can no longer keep active riding, I suspect it's the same for them

My own vets have many, many times over the years encouraged me to keep older horses as active as possible for their continued mobility and well being. I refer back to my statement that most owners know (or should!) when their horses are no longer enjoying or gaining any benefit from further riding activities. It has proved to be excellent advice on all occasions.

My own GP also encourages me to try and remain as active as possible for my continued physical mobility and general wellbeing. With my knowledge of my own older horses I like to think I can confidently assess when riding of any sort has become unpleasant or detrimental to their health. I also have enough self awareness to judge when I am pushing myself too far and to ease off. I genuinely don't understand why you don't accept that comparison.

 

[Glitter's fun]

The same as you do with any horse. Watch their behaviour and movement closely at all times and listen to them when you ride. If they are slowing down at home then they should definitely be slowing down at competitions too.

This ^^^
Whatever the age of horse, you wouldn't be competing without some practice at home , where there's not likely to be adrenaline or f.o.m.o. to cloud your judgement.

 

[Cortez]

It seems PTS is frowned on with an elderly but healthy horse, and now it seems riding them is!!... Are we all meant to have paddock ornaments when a horse gets to a certain age?

If you mean retired horses then yes, a decent retirement of at least a couple of years out in the field (usually in at night) is what I have always wanted for all my horses. They worked hard for me, and the least I can do is give them some rest and ease. I have never seen or ridden a horse over 20 that was genuinely unaffected by age, despite all their owners protestations of being keen, still feisty, etc. Just because he’s bucking or running off with you isn’t a sign the horse is “enjoying” being ridden, quite the opposite in fact. If the horse is genuinely fit and supple then have at it. Most of mine have retired in their very late teens, one worked until he was 22, a couple have been schoolmasters in very light work into mid twenties.

 

[Tiddlypom]

So why do we see so many owners determined to keep their elderly horses in work despite so many obvious physical issues, necessary veterinary intervention to keep them "sound", prolonged recovery after an event arc etc?

I see far too many cases of this, and far too many professionals doing nothing about it.

You object to horses having veterinary interventions to be able to continue in ridden work?

Which procedures are you angling at?

 

[Fieldlife]

This ^^^
Whatever the age of horse, you wouldn't be competing without some practice at home , where there's not likely to be adrenaline or f.o.m.o. to cloud your judgement.

It is a tricky balance. My late, older big warmblood, loved competing at dressage. He was large and needed to be worked regularly to stay muscled to support old injuries. (He wasnt going to be comfortable fully retired without a level of muscle tone owing to past injuries), I worked him over my younger competition horse, if there was a choice between the two, as keeping him comfortable in every way was priority. I continually adapted and assessed the work to see what meant he came out better the next day, and the next day etc.

He occasionally filled in for my younger competition horse at dressage clinics etc. (if unexpectedly other horse off work), and he loved it being centre of attention, and the trainer would carefully adapt what we asked of him.

As he aged, he could do the work at home, but after travelling and warming up, he no longer also had the joy for being in the ring, he told me and I didnt compete him again.

And most observant owners know if they asked too much of an older horse on a particular day, you see the look in their eye, observe a bit of stiffness next day etc. If you care, you know and you adapt what you do / do less / stop etc.

What work older, compromised horses should do is a highly complex issue, requiring a good honest support team, honest evaluation, and constant reality checks. No one size fits all.

It isnt simple or easy with compromised horses, but often they deteriorate fast once not exercising much.

I see lots of older horses that are prone to weight gain, and need to keep moving to be a safe weight too.

I do however also see horses that are older, weaker, lacking muscle and tired, and have paying sharers that expect to ride them :-(

 

[scats]

My pony jumping at 27 had far less problems in her whole life than my current horses have and they aren’t even 15 yet!
Please don’t treat us all as riding-obsessed people working old horses into their graves…

I’ve not had one horse since that pony who has felt anything like she did, so she may well be a total one off in that sense.

Just to add- she never had any soundness problems and was not medicated to ride. She was declared fit and sound by a vet at the start of her 27th year.

 

[stormox]

If you mean retired horses then yes, a decent retirement of at least a couple of years out in the field (usually in at night) is what I have always wanted for all my horses. They worked hard for me, and the least I can do is give them some rest and ease.

Agree, that's the ideal. Great if you have your own land. But not so easy if you pay 150 per week livery, can't afford to have another and want to continue riding.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I think its very horse dependent.

I had a 30+ year old in work once and he loved life, only light work but there was a time or two that he still used to get a bit silly with my daughter on him- He once took off at canter and over a little log out in the fields we were plodding through

Another we had was retired by 20. That was the saddest. I like to see them still going but at their pace and ability.

 

[stangs]

Agree, that's the ideal. Great if you have your own land. But not so easy if you pay 150 per week livery, can't afford to have another and want to continue riding.

God forbid people put aside their desire to ride for a couple years to give thanks to a horse who gave so much for them.

 

[KC31]

My old boy is now 24. He was a top GP Sjer in his day, travelled the globe. He loves a show and lights up when he is in the arena, as if everyone has come to see him. He no longer jumps but did do some dressage for sometime and was so good at that. I have him wrapped in cotton wool as he is my horse of a lifetime, but he would not do well as a field ornament. As long as they are sound and happy then i think it does them the world of good.

 

[ycbm]

I would like to see fewer "the horse is more flexible/comfortable" kept in some level of work" comments used to justify continuing to ride stiff old horses. Exercise to keep joints and/or brains active doesn't require them to carry a weight on their backs. The riding part in riding a stiff old horse seems to be generally done because it's what the rider wants rather than the horse.
.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I rode my old boy right until the end. He was quite happy and it kept his muscle tone which the vet said the cushings would degrade without a decent bit of work. I didn’t everything with him only after running it by the vet.

He loved his rideouts and hacks so that’s all we did. I would do half the rideout then head for the trailer and he would be happily ears pricked and cantering/trotting on his own gas.

We didn’t school, jump, train as such but he was as happy as he was because I didn’t ask for more than he could give.

This was him a few months before he was PTS happily cantering along enjoying the cheers and me just enjoying him

 

[Rowreach]

It seems PTS is frowned on with an elderly but healthy horse, and now it seems riding them is!!... Are we all meant to have paddock ornaments when a horse gets to a certain age?

Who said it's wrong to ride an elderly but healthy horse? I didn't.

 

[Rowreach]

You object to horses having veterinary interventions to be able to continue in ridden work?

Which procedures are you angling at?

And where did I say that?

I object to old horses being ridden where veterinary intervention (or indeed no intervention) isn't actually keeping them rideable.

I do wish people wouldn't keep putting words in my mouth.

 

[Abacus]

I would like to see fewer "the horse is more flexible/comfortable" kept in some level of work" comments used to justify continuing to ride stiff old horses. Exercise to keep joints and/or brains active doesn't require them to carry a weight on their backs. The riding part in riding a stiff old horse seems to be generally done because it's what the rider wants rather than the horse.
.

This is probably true to an extent but it can also be more practical to ride than to walk alongside or long rein. As an example I couldn’t comfortably keep up with my 27 year old even in walk, as he is unusually forward going, never mind any trotting. I wouldn’t lunge him. And I weigh about 8 stone (he’s 16.3). Not sure what the other options are if you don’t have a walker. Ride and lead maybe?

 

[Tiddlypom]

And where did I say that?

I object to old horses being ridden where veterinary intervention (or indeed no intervention) isn't actually keeping them rideable.

I do wish people wouldn't keep putting words in my mouth.

Thank you, that makes it clearer.

I was not ‘putting words in anyone’s mouth’. You have now clarified that you meant unsuccessful veterinary interventions, not successful ones. That’s fair enough.

I’m all for considering which vet interventions are appropriate for a horse, but the bottom line is that the horse must be comfortable with whatever workload is expected of it, be that a 20 minute walk hack once or twice a week, or full on BE eventing.

 

[Abacus]

So here is a second dilemma, when a horse is rather old and creaky and stiff, certainly beyond competing. To what extent should we exercise them through this, assuming it is wholly for their good to keep moving and not for our riding pleasure?

I'll use the horse above as an example. 27, arthritis, apparently sound in trot, perfectly capable of bombing around the field when he chooses. He certainly appears to be happy in his general life (which is mostly lounging about in a field). When he has warmed up a little he is still fabulously forward going. Does he sometimes walk out a bit stiff? - yes absolutely, and I take no pleasure in this part of riding him; however by the time we are halfway down the lane (maybe 100 yards) he loosens up. Then, he will outstride any horse on the yard and does so, as much as one can tell, with pleasure and interest - no leg needed. At the moment I take the view that by doing this a few times a week he is kept supple and more comfortable, and that a hack of maybe an hour justifies the first 2 minutes of stiffness. Genuinely interested in whether others agree.