So can you teach an old horse new "tricks"?

[clevelandbay]

Hi all. My horse Rosie is 17 shortly. She's extremely well and reasonably fit with no health problems to speak of. I've had her for 4 years and she is very "low mileage", she'd not really done much in the way of work before I got her. She's lovely to ride and is lovely and patient with new riders.

She and I have learned a lot together (I had not been riding long at all when I got her). Recently, due to having a lovely indoor school and maybe as well to do with my riding gettting a little better, she is going much more forwards and is working in a better shape. She seems to be using her back better and accepting the contact more consistently (although this is still intermittent).

Just wondering really if I can expect her to continue to improve at her age? I realise she's not going to make a grand prix horse (lol!) but I would maybe like to do a little showing with her this year (eek). Should age be a consideration in trying to improve a healthy horse, or should I make allowances?

Any advice/tips/personal experiences would be welcome. I would post some pics if I bl**dy well knew how!

 

[samsbilly]

I got my boy at 14 he is now 18 when I got him he didn't school very well. Now we are schOoling at medium at home. He thrives on learning new tricks. About to teach changes as his canter has improved enough. My instructors horse has just started competing at PSG 18 due to previous health issues and allergies. X

 

[clevelandbay]

I got my boy at 14 he is now 18 when I got him he didn't school very well. Now we are schOoling at medium at home. He thrives on learning new tricks. About to teach changes as his canter has improved enough. My instructors horse has just started competing at PSG 18 due to previous health issues and allergies. X

Well done to you, that's an inspiration! x

 

[be positive]

The more correctly she carries herself when ridden the less strain on her so if you can encourage her to work well it should be better for her in the long run. It will just take longer to establish and as you know may not develop to an advanced level but you should enjoy doing more with her.

 

[clevelandbay]

The more correctly she carries herself when ridden the less strain on her so if you can encourage her to work well it should be better for her in the long run. It will just take longer to establish and as you know may not develop to an advanced level but you should enjoy doing more with her.

That makes sense be positive. I guess it's actually good for her in the long run to learn how to carry herself properly. Hadn't thought of it that way - thanks. x