This makes me so sad

[CobsaGooden]

I am currently on the hunt for a full loan to move yards or a LWVTB. I have posted a couple of wanted adds on FB pages, stating what I want (low level riding club, hacking and some jumping) and I am so saddened by the responses I have had.

5 in total. All of them 19 plus years old. All wanting a new home for a beloved horse they no longer have time for. All either out of work or intermittent, 2 with old injuries that need rehabbing.

No real responses needed, just makes me sad that people are so willing to move on their older, less healthy horses.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It is sad I see so many horses over 20 for sale.

 

[dorsetladette]

It's sad that people just don't want to do the right thing by their older faithful friends.

Good luck with your search - hopefully you will be in the right place at the right time for an absolute cracker!

 

[poiuytrewq]

I think there’s old horses and old horses though. Lots are perfectly happy and able well into their 20’s and so loaning them to someone who can have some fun, keep them ticking over and give them attention they may not otherwise be getting is a good thing.

The rehabbing injuries maybe not so, but again a 19 yr old who say did a bit of a leg and needs a few months really easy work could still give someone years of quiet hacking or more.
It’s all very individual and if I was looking to loan I’d not rule out a late teens. I’d not buy one but that’s a slant to the loaners benefit. You don’t have to do the whole retired thing if you don’t want to.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I took on a 21 year old and never had an issue until he got kicked in the field and the horse broke my boys leg.

 

[Fieldlife]

I think there’s old horses and old horses though. Lots are perfectly happy and able well into their 20’s and so loaning them to someone who can have some fun, keep them ticking over and give them attention they may not otherwise be getting is a good thing.

The rehabbing injuries maybe not so, but again a 19 yr old who say did a bit of a leg and needs a few months really easy work could still give someone years of quiet hacking or more.
It’s all very individual and if I was looking to loan I’d not rule out a late teens. I’d not buy one but that’s a slant to the loaners benefit. You don’t have to do the whole retired thing if you don’t want to.

Yes but if your older horse "does a leg". You as owner should do the rest, the rehab, and the getting the horse back into a level of work. The working out what level of work is right for the horse now. And only then put the horse on loan with someone, if that feels right.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Older horses for sale makes me sad. Older horses for loan are different. May well be the right thing for that horse. My YO's daughter's first pony is a gorgeous 12.2 school master. He's well into his 20's but still so full of life. They will never sell him but he has had more than 1 loan home since being outgrown, adored in all of them and carries on making children's dreams come true! They visist at least monthly, vet homes very carefully. It is more common in ponies but can be just as good for horses who can no longer do the job they used to do but are far from being better off retiring.

One day I may well be looking for a loan home for Lottie if I ever decide she's better off as a dressage and hacking horse than a jumping one. My ankle arthritis means riding is uncomfortable after an hour or so, so I would not be a good fit for a predominantly hacking home. BUt she loves her hacking so could be great with anyone willing to take on a horse who needs some medical management in return for an awesome hacking / all-rounder. And after potentially several years of fun with a loaner, she could still come home to retire.

Personally I'd try and get more info on them. You may just find a gem with loads still to give.

 

[Fjord]

I'd rather someone loan an oldie, if they keep tabs on them, rather than sell. Not sure the person loaning should be doing the rehab though.

Hope you find your perfect partner soon.

 

[IrishMilo]

Older horses are best kept ticking over. I have no problem with someone loaning out a horse of any age.