The value of an older schoolmaster

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loverly

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I've come across a lot of people who will dismiss a horse because it's age is in double figures for numerous reasons - and one which is normally used is because it's too old.

BUT surely an older type of horse who has been there and got the t-shirt is invaluable?

I made the mistake of buying a horse half way through the backing process and since I was inexperienced I didn't have much of a clue how to bring the horse on so I sent him away to be professionally schooled (this didn't work out well). Now since losing this horse, I just want to have fun at the lower levels and had a total re-think of what I am after.

I love the sound of one horse that I'm planning on seeing, but owner doesn't think it'll pass the vet as he has "wear and tear" but believes the horse will be fabulous at BE90/100 level which is what I'm after. (Horse has 30 BE points so experienced!). Would you take the risk if you just wanted to have fun and gain experience?
 
I bought an older horse and I have had so much fun and learnt more than I ever thought I would, when my vet came to vet her he knew exactly what I would want from her in the future. He passed her fit and healthy for the purpose I wanted her for, we are still going strong after nearly 8 years together. Her passport stated she was between the ages of 16 and 21, my vet thought she was the lower end of estimate so guessed she was 16/17 and is now 23/24. I am so glad I was not put off by her being older, I would of totally missed out.
 
I have an old been there done that showjumper who also took someone through the PC ranks in SJ and DR. He was 18 when he arrived and is an absolute star, looking and feeling more youthful than ever having a slightly quieter life.

He wasnt 5 stage vetted as no chance he'd pass, think it was 2 stage basic checks, and has only looked a little off once which a week in the field cured. I'd definitely have another old man/lady :)
 
I've got a 20yr old BS schoolmistress and she is the best! I'm terrified of jumping and only pootle around over small courses (2'6 max) but she helps me out and never tries to scare the living daylights out of me!

Lots of people say she'd be happier with a more confident rider jumping much bigger fences, but I really don't care. I'm happy, she's happy and that's what matters.

So glad I've got her :) experience is invaluable as long as the horse is sound, what does age matter? Like with humans, it's just a number :D
 
Old riders for young horses; young/inexperienced riders for old/experienced horses. At least ONE half of the partnership has to know what it's doing.
 
Mines a real pony schoolmistress, & even at 23 & 14.2 I would rather my daughter move onto her when she's 9 than the kind of 13.2 I could buy without breaking the bank!
And not my horse, but the one who did more for my riding than any person was a psg schoolmaster who I rode when he was in his late teens. If you so much as moved your hand an inch down from where it should be he became worse than a just backed youngster, & if you didn't ask 100% correct you didn't get. In a few years I learnt so much from him, without doubt he made me the rider I am. Plus an ex intermediate eventer to jump, but without the flatwork from the first, learning to jump her wouldn't have taught me as much.
 
I have a 14 yo ex racehorse on loan and she is so much easier than my 8yo tb.
All my horses except 2 have been in double figures and they are the ones ive learnt the most from.
 
I have bought an older horse before and if a schoolmaster is what I'm after then age is no problem for me provided the horse is sound and the price reflects the fact that you will be unable to get your money back by selling the horse on in the future because.........I do think that if you buy an older horse, you have to be prepared to offer that horse a home for the rest of it's life.
 
Got a 15 year old 2 weeks ago for my son,

In 2 weeks they have competed twice at 2ft 3 , came 5th and 8th and at 2ft6, clear but not placed.

Most importantly my son finished each round with a Cheshire cat grin and a big pat for the horse.

Previously he had 6year old that was very spooky and prone to dirty stops.
 
I just bought one! I'm fairly experienced, have ridden and produced some decent dressage horses in the past, but have had a long time off, and come back into it for fun, not to do anything serious. I've had my share of youngsters, tricky horses and raving lunatics - and decided that I really wanted an older horse, preferably an advanced dressage horse who was looking for an easier life - bit of schooling, the odd party, happy hacking - that sort of thing.
And much to my surprise - I found one! He's not 100% sound, and he's a bit of a big pansy to handle - but I'm really enjoying having a horse that has all the buttons installed. Just need to remind myself where each one is now - we keep getting accidental passage, I cant work out why, and I KNOW its rider error!!
 
I just bought one too - for a very small sum. She's 24 but is in great shape and should have a few confidence giving years left with her. She's amazing. I am totally in love with her and she is absolutely priceless. I am so lucky to have found her. My other one is 34, so I already knew what an asset a senior horse can be.
 
I had a 32 year old pony on loan when I was learning to ride properly and she taught me so much more than any thing else could, she wasnt a dicipline specific girl and had done a bit of every thing in her time including teaching several people to actually ride as oppose to passenger in her later years. She taught me to jump, was the safest hack going and taught me to really ask and be determined in the school and would step it all up a level for a more experianced rider.

Then I got the ride on a fab little 13.2 19 year old pony who had been a bit of a pc demon in his time and was ace at mounted games. He would flying change for fun out hacking and if you wernt secure enough to sit that he would duck out to the side (as one of his other riders found out regularly) he would also refuse to slow down for bends out hacking when in the mood and would either change if he was on the wrong leg or just nip round these sharp bends with great pleasure. We had a good laugh attempting to jump a natural ditch which resulted in us standing at the bottom and many other strange situations and we used to gallop around the fields bareback all the time. He had great pleasure jumping a whole row of trotting poles after not seeing them for a long time. In the end he taught me a great deal about warming up a horse properly and keeping an arthritic boy with wind issues going.

Between them they taught me loads and I wouldnt be the rider I am now with out them both, would they have much value to buy possibly not but what they taught me was priceless even though I never owned either and am hugely grateful to their owners that let me learn from their ponies.
 
I've just bought a 13 yo of unknown breeding but who has done a bit of everything to quite a good level and is such an easy, uncomplicated ride. Such a contrast from my previous well bred, huge warmblood who was 7 but acted like a green 3 yo. Don't think i'll ever buy a younger horse again. I'm 43 now and am looking forward to slowing down gradually with her when the time comes :cool:
 
I bought my chap aged 17, and he is worth his weight in gold! He has given me back confidence and joy in horses again, and I would not swap him for the world. He has also improved my riding, as he has been well schooled so I need to ride him correctly to get a tune out of him. He's anyone's ride, and I would definitely get an older horse again.
 
After buying a 6 year old which I had a very bad time with/ made a lot of mistakes which although I tried I just did not have the confidence/ know how to put right. I sold her to an experienced friend and now have a 14 year old who is the best thing that has ever happened to me! I have been out and had more fun with him in 5 months than I had with her in 2 years. And I am learning lots and able to work on improving my riding.

I have had the opportunity to ride my YMs young dales who from the age of 4 has been the best hacking confidence giver but he is one in a million and still learning every other discipline himself.

Definitely an older horse convert :)
 
I bought my horse when he was 17 and he has been a star. I had lost my confidence due to a couple of nasty falls but he is so kind and safe I will take him anywhere. I just wish i had found him years ago. He will live out his life with me as I just could not bear for him to move to an uncertain future
 
When I eventually buy I'll be looking for an older been there done it type. My first share horse was a relative youngster in the age stakes at just 15 but in the time I rode him he taught me so much and gave me so much confidence, he was fantastic. Also when I was at college I briefly rode an ex advanced eventer who was 14 or so I think and, although I only rode him once, he made me feel surprisingly safe as we jogged sideways round the school! I would have loved to ride him more, I much prefer experienced horses as I don't really have the experience to ride something that needs bringing on.
 
I think you are being extremely sensible, i have a four year old for sale at the moment and have been inundated with enquiries from novice riders, who want a forever horse. They seem to think that they are inheriting problems with an older horse, but I point out how easy it is to ruin a young horse.

Have had a couple of people come to view my horse, and jump on and try and ride it like an older horse, luckily mine is a cob so pretty unflappable, but she is still a baby and you wonder how long it would take her to realise she can get away with a great deal of things.

It amazes me that once a horse reaches 10 that either buyers just aren't interested, or they want to buy them for peanuts.
 
Amazed so many people will not look at older horse because they will loose money when they sell them on!! In the big picture not every horse will be sold at a profit. As so many others have said their school masters are worth their weight in gold. If a vet is realistic with wear and tear and what you want to do at vetting they will always be money well spent. Lots more value can be wiped off teaching a younger horse with prospects bad habits!
 
My boy is a 28yr old ex grade A showjumper, who was used as a puissance horse. I've had him for six years and thanks to him my riding has improved beyond measure, my confidence has sky-rocketed, and I have the privilege of owning one of the most incredible and talented horses I've ever sat on. He's got dreadful old man legs - spavins, wind galls on his wind galls, a slightly thick tendon from an old injury etc. - is a chronic box walker, has mild COPD, and can be ridiculously naughty, but he was the best money I've ever spent.
He has been the catalyst for me opening a livery yard, and buying a lovely youngster to bring on. Without my old Roy boy, I wouldn't be half the person I am now.
I say go for it! The oldies are the best.
 
As much as I loved my previous horse - I found it hard work. The rewards were amazing and we had such a bond in the end, but the thought of going through it all again fills me with dread!

I would just like a nice, easy, fun horse that I don't have to 100% focus on striding, balance, and various other thoughts like "can the horse cope with jumping 1m at a show just yet" etc, etc...
 
LJR said:
I think you are being extremely sensible, i have a four year old for sale at the moment and have been inundated with enquiries from novice riders, who want a forever horse. They seem to think that they are inheriting problems with an older horse, but I point out how easy it is to ruin a young horse.

Have had a couple of people come to view my horse, and jump on and try and ride it like an older horse, luckily mine is a cob so pretty unflappable, but she is still a baby and you wonder how long it would take her to realise she can get away with a great deal of things.

It amazes me that once a horse reaches 10 that either buyers just aren't interested, or they want to buy them for peanuts.
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This is an interesting post. I have just bought a just-turned 5 year old who really is the most unspoilt and genuine horse I have ever had. BUT I am experienced (dare I admit it on HHO) so on the odd occasion he is a bit bargy, and generally behaving like a teenager, I nip it in the bud. This is exactly why the seller stipulated "no novices". That said, my previous purchase was a 17 year old pony for my older son who we still have and will not be selling on. He has been there, done it, and has several t-shirts - he has instilled so much confidence in my son and even I enjoy hacking him out. Just waiting for younger son to grow into him now. Go for it - if everything else clicks, they are the one for you. Good luck. :) xx
 
I bought an older horse.
He is at inter II level, competed psg, came 3rd in pavo cup aged three. He is a super star an brilliant for teaching not only me but also taking my novice oh around farm rides, hacks and on gallops!!!!
 
loverly said:
I've come across a lot of people who will dismiss a horse because it's age is in double figures for numerous reasons - and one which is normally used is because it's too old.

BUT surely an older type of horse who has been there and got the t-shirt is invaluable?

I made the mistake of buying a horse half way through the backing process and since I was inexperienced I didn't have much of a clue how to bring the horse on so I sent him away to be professionally schooled (this didn't work out well). Now since losing this horse, I just want to have fun at the lower levels and had a total re-think of what I am after.

I love the sound of one horse that I'm planning on seeing, but owner doesn't think it'll pass the vet as he has "wear and tear" but believes the horse will be fabulous at BE90/100 level which is what I'm after. (Horse has 30 BE points so experienced!). Would you take the risk if you just wanted to have fun and gain experience?
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I bought a 7 yr old cow bag... ended up with one of the most coveted schoolmasters, 5 yrs of not being on the circuit and she was recognised instantly on her return! I wouldnt buy an older schoolmaster, I prefer to produce them for myself but I understand what you are saying. I believe it was the last Olympics that a 21 yr old horse competed in eventing, and this yr at hickstead, the speed and main derby had 18 and 19 yr olds a plenty... they were some of the best contenders too. I think that is enough of an illustration as to the value of age... Fine wine and all that :D
 
mutley75 said:
Amazed so many people will not look at older horse because they will loose money when they sell them on!! In the big picture not every horse will be sold at a profit. As so many others have said their school masters are worth their weight in gold. If a vet is realistic with wear and tear and what you want to do at vetting they will always be money well spent. Lots more value can be wiped off teaching a younger horse with prospects bad habits!
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I'm afraid the age should be reflected in the price. I have just seen an ad for an ex 3* horse requiring a non-jumping home, 17yo and a cribber. The £6k price tag is taking the pee IMO.
 
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