Too old??

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tiggerkk

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I'm looking at a horse to buy, and I've found a lovely one which seems like just what I'm looking for. I havent been to see it yet, but am in contact with the seller. Its turning 14 in April, and I was looking at 12 as a maximum age, should I be concerned as I want to continue to compete it, it looks fit and well from the photos, but am wondering if I should go and look at it. Dont want to waste the sellers time?? help!!
 
I dont think that is too old at all, you find plenty of horses aged 20+ that are still out competing at high levels. If all the other boxes are ticked I would say go for it :D
 
That would depend on how long you want to compete for, what the horse's history is and what condition they are in. Do you want a schoolmaster? Or are you after a regular competition horse?

If you could tell me that, I could help you more.
 
Wouldn't consider that old at all. My friends mare was still doing mini x country at aged 30 and tanking round whilst doing it xx
 
kippen64 said:
That would depend on how long you want to compete for, what the horse's history is and what condition they are in. Do you want a schoolmaster? Or are you after a regular competition horse?

If you could tell me that, I could help you more.
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the condition looks good (from piccys) its currently out doing ODE and hunter trials. I want to compete for the forseeable future, and would prefer something that has seen a bit of everything, it doesnt havent to be at the top levels as I dont compete that high, I want something that I can take XC, do dressage tests, charity rides, and start doing hunter trials etc :)
 
I wouldn't sat that's old.... My sister is selling a mare that's 15 and as long as she's fit enough for it - like any horse - she'll carry on competing for another 5 years I expect, and still at a decent level :)
 
14 is still plenty young enough, some horses are competing at top levels at 19, think of Over to you at Badminton for example. If the horse is perfect apart from being 2years older I would go for it
 
Mere youngster, our daughter takes her 21 year young pony out to a gymkhana the other week and he came back with 4 1st rosettes. Folk ask if he is going to be as big as the other one when he grows up. (other one is 2" taller and 8 years)
 
One of mine is 17 now. Last year when I was hacking her out and she was being a bit bright, a passer by asked if she was a youngster (I felt so ashamed).

She is great fun, no arthritis, or age related problems to date. One day I hope she grows up.
 
If you want something that's seen and done a bit of everything, I'd say that was a perfect age :)

When I say to people my ex racehorse is rising sixteen, I get "oh, he's quite old then" Then they meet him :D He has so much energy and often behaves like a bloody four year old - looks fabulous too :)


They're all different so I would never discount one on age - there are far more important things to consider and weigh up when deciding on the right one for you. I'm pretty sure the horse that won Gatcombe last year was 19?!


Good luck!
 
tiggerkk said:
the condition looks good (from piccys) its currently out doing ODE and hunter trials. I want to compete for the forseeable future, and would prefer something that has seen a bit of everything, it doesnt havent to be at the top levels as I dont compete that high, I want something that I can take XC, do dressage tests, charity rides, and start doing hunter trials etc :)
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14 is a fine age then. All going well, you could happily anticipate another 5 years of competing with this horse. There are eventing horses at the top level that are a lot older than this.
 
Horses qualify as "veterans" at 15 at shows round our way. I think our horses have easier lives these days and I wouldn't label them a veteran as young as that!
 
The-mad-cat-lady said:
It worries me that you call the horse "it" ..
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I have a strange habit of doing that too. Don't know why!

I used to feel as though 14 was getting older, but my mare is turning 14 in April too and shows no sign at all of age! The only area where she would show her age is if I was to sell her - while she is exactly the same in health and mentality as she was at 11 I expect her value would have dropped a few grand!

With ponies its even less of an issue.
 
I don't think that's too old at all, ours are all teenagers/twenties now and are still full of energy and showing no signs of slowing down. As long as it's been well cared for and is in good general health then I don't think it being 14 will be a problem at all :) Good luck!
 
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