when to throttle back or semi retire

[sally2]

In a quandry as to when to throttle back with my much loved heavy cob. She is now over 16 and always willing and keen to go but you sometimes think is it fair on her. We ride almost every day for long hacks and do some schooling in the summer months in a field [no menage] she never refuses and is such an honest cuddy. We were out the other day and she took off like a rocket so i think she must be sound and fit if she can still do that. We trail all over the Ochil hills up and down steep hill sides and ii never get a refusal. I suppose someday we wont be able but i would like to here from anyone else who has any stories or experience of the older horse and what they do with them.

 

[Jake10]

I think it depends on the individual horse I had a 23 year old TbxWb mare on loan for 4 years who hunted most of the season and would regularly 3-4 times a week do flat work and jumping. Have also loaned a 26 year old (was told he was 16!!) Tb ex racer who could jump (loved it) but not very often or very high and wasn't able to do regular fast hacks or school work just a fun quirky horse to plod around on.

 

[galaxy]

16 is no age at all! They go around Badminton at that age!

You'll know when she wants to slow down.