Veteran Horse advise

[cassiejames600]

I currently ride a 22yr old welsh x she is about 13-14hh, very hardy little pony, she is scared of cars and vans, quads, tractors any vehicle really lol, so i tend to not hack as much as to get out to woods i have to go down a narrow lane!

I would like to start jumping her, but im scared she is too old, she would be padded up with tendon and fetlock boots and she does currently work well in the school on the bit does direct transitions well, loves to gallop out in the field (when i ride)

Just need a little advise on what i can and cant do because her age, she doesnt act or look 22, and has no health problems, at the moment.

 

[Paint it Lucky]

Why not have a go at some jumping? Start small and simple, make sure you are on a good surface, I'd avoid jumping on hard ground as she will be more prone to concussive injuries at her age. I'd also avoid much trotting on roads for the same reason (if you ever go on any!)

It is great that she is still healthy. I have a 22 year old anglo-arab who sadly suffers abit with arthritis, but it is manageable and I still ride him most days, doing a mixture of schooling and hacking. I still jump him occassionally for fun but nothing serious anymore as his technique is not great! (He doesn't pick up behind like he used to).

I think that with veterans it is important to treat them all as individuals, see what she can cope with and go from there, she'll let you know if it's too much. If she's done a particularly hard day then let her have a day off and probably a few easy days afterwards but generally just take everything as it comes. Best of luck with her.

 

[coss]

I agree with the above. 22 isn't all that old though depends on the horse. The way you are able to work the horse on the flat and the enthusiasm for going for a gallop, to me would suggest there is no problem jumping. Just ensure its better surfaces so as not to jar the joints etc as they won't be as shock absorbing. Saying that, my 33year old arab only started feeling the hard going on the flat (we don't jump as she's always hated it) in the passed few years (maybe since re was about 30)!