Quick Q - is my mare too old?!?!?!

[stargirl88]

Opinions would be appreciated, I have a mare who's 13, and I've had her for a few years. Used to just do schooling really (she was never well schooled, previous owner couldn't ride for buggery) haven't ridden her much in the last year other than wandering around the nearby fields.

Actual point is, I've ALWAYS DESPERATELY wanted to start jumping. Nothing high-level, but just to do a clear-round at a show on her would just be amazing....... but is 13 a bit old for this sort of thing? Before I started the harder work, I would of course get a vet out and give her a once-over, and have a good saddle fitter out to check it.

Also, she has not worn shoes for over a year (she is sound) - should I be popping some shoes on her if/when I start? I'm always in two minds about everything!

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

Start with some pole work at home and get the help of a good instructor! I'm sure that clear round jumping won't prove too much of an issue if you do the ground work properly! It's not as if you're aiming for Hickstead this year, is it?!

Don't worry about the shoes!!

 

[*hic*]

Get an instructor who's sympathetic and give it a whirl. I'd leave her shoes off unless she shows you that she needs them back on.

Have fun!

 

[madeleine1]

13 is no to old for anything. if the mare is in good health.

u dont need to put shoes on her if her feet are good and your not planning on doing excessive road work.

you just need to make sure she has her general check up and then you can start bringing her back into work if thats what you want to do

lessons would probs be a gd idea to

 

[Ruto]

Opinions would be appreciated, I have a mare who's 13, and I've had her for a few years. Used to just do schooling really (she was never well schooled, previous owner couldn't ride for buggery) haven't ridden her much in the last year other than wandering around the nearby fields.

Actual point is, I've ALWAYS DESPERATELY wanted to start jumping. Nothing high-level, but just to do a clear-round at a show on her would just be amazing....... but is 13 a bit old for this sort of thing? Before I started the harder work, I would of course get a vet out and give her a once-over, and have a good saddle fitter out to check it.

Also, she has not worn shoes for over a year (she is sound) - should I be popping some shoes on her if/when I start? I'm always in two minds about everything!

Well I wouldn't say 13 is too old at all. I know a lot older horses who're 20+ and still compete in jumping. But you're the owner and you'll know your horse best! If you feel she's not up to it then don't force her. But if she's sound and healthy then I don't see the problem!
Also, putting shoes on her is by your judgement, but again I don't see any problem with her being shod. It shouldn't cause her any discomfort or problems if you choose to shoe her.

 

[Tammytoo]

13 isn't too old to do anything providing she's fit and healthy. I wouldn't even consider a horse as being "old" until it was 17-18.

 

[ThePony]

If she is too old at 13, then someone needs to have a chat with my OH 15 yo mare!! If she finds it too much though, she will let you know. I'm sure she will love it though! Find a good instructor to help you get started at least so that she has an enjoyable and confidence inspiring introduction to jumping. 101 jumping exercises is a fab book to give you ideas too.

No need to put shoes on, I assume she is currently working comfortably without them? An increase in work over a range of surfaces will do her feet the world of good anyway. The whole 'don't do too much roadwork' thing seems to be a very pervasive myth. As long as you don't take a horse that hasn't done roadwork in months and go out for 4 hour hacks every day for a week, then roadwork is a good thing! As if you were increasing the fitness of your horse, then when introducing new work or surfaces, then work on the fitness of the hooves and all should be well. Should you find that niggles do arrise with her feet, then before reaching for the shoes, I would recommend investigating why the sensitivity has arrisen (lacking minerals in the diet is a very common reason).

Have a brilliant time!

 

[debsey1]

If she is too old at 13, then someone needs to have a chat with my OH 15 yo mare!! If she finds it too much though, she will let you know. I'm sure she will love it though! Find a good instructor to help you get started at least so that she has an enjoyable and confidence inspiring introduction to jumping. 101 jumping exercises is a fab book to give you ideas too.

No need to put shoes on, I assume she is currently working comfortably without them? An increase in work over a range of surfaces will do her feet the world of good anyway. The whole 'don't do too much roadwork' thing seems to be a very pervasive myth. As long as you don't take a horse that hasn't done roadwork in months and go out for 4 hour hacks every day for a week, then roadwork is a good thing! As if you were increasing the fitness of your horse, then when introducing new work or surfaces, then work on the fitness of the hooves and all should be well. Should you find that niggles do arrise with her feet, then before reaching for the shoes, I would recommend investigating why the sensitivity has arrisen (lacking minerals in the diet is a very common reason).

Have a brilliant time!

Like!!

 

[stargirl88]

Ahhh thanks alot folks, she's the granny of the yard by a looong way and I've gotten into the habit of viewing her as such! Especially since we don't mingle with oldies at all anymore, maybe I need to do that to realise how young she still is!
Think I'll spend this evenoon developing a training plan