Would you buy an 18 year old horse?

Pale Rider said:
More people should buy older horses instead of thinking they can bring on youngsters. These forums would have a lot less stupid problems if people knew their limitations. Breeders and backers don't help, telling novice people that they can cope with newly backed young horses. People are buying massive powerful youngsters and making a complete hash of it, frightening themselves and their horse, then blameing the horse and everyone else, for their own lack of skill, knowledge and experience.
Green and green equals black and blue.:)
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But there is old and then there is over the hill. 7/8 years old is good enough to expect the basics well established and a little experience under its belt

18 is near past it and for a start Insurance would be a issue to, as do they not limit vet bills for over 15 years old

There is old and in my eyes too old, 18 for me would be just taking on someone else problem in the fact in a few years you are stuck with a retired horse that might well live another 10 years and not be of much use to you unless you a happy hacker and want to plod about.

Me personally would not buy a horse over 9 / 10 years old, but that's just my view of course.
 
All horses are individuals and if fit and healthy I would go for it.

However you do need to be prepared that it is nearer to retirement than not and do you have the money/facilities/time to keep it in it's old age?
 
When I was younger my 14.2was in his 20s when I got him and he was the best pony ive ever had. I also bought an 18yr old horse and he was amazing. I did get vet to give them a check over before I bought them even though therthey didnt cost much. More for peace of mind. They both competed and held their own against their younger counterparts they just took a bit longer to warm up and cool down.
 
Buying any horse is a gamble I know of people with young horses between 5-11yrs that have developed various problems and can no longer be ridden. So if you like the horse and its healthy id go for it. Good luck with whatever you decide
 
As some one posted age is but a number( oh i love that saying ) but honrstly does the horse tick yhe boxes. do you and you r important person do you like horse. Horses when cared for can go on for years x
 
If you remember (which I certainly do) a horse won Burghley when he was 18 two years ago! I have friends who take their twenty somethings out hunting so go for it!
 
Ludoctro said:
18 is near past it

18 for me would be just taking on someone else problem in the fact in a few years you are stuck with a retired horse that might well live another 10 years and not be of much use to you unless you a happy hacker and want to plod about.
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Lenamore was selected for the London Olympics at 20 - the team selectors clearly didn't think 18 was near past it. Always a handful poping round Badminton and Burghley at 18+

Many compete at lower levels to 25, - your welcome to come and sit on my 19 y/o and see how 'past it' you think he is!

I do agree though some thought should be given to retirement plans, there is nothing to say you have to keep them for 10 years off work, plenty of people let their oldies have a nice summer off then PTS, or retirement livery works for others.
 
Depends on the horse. Some will be starting to need quieter lives. And others.... Well there was an 18 year old going round badminton last weekend!
 
If you know the horses history and it is 'low mileage' i.e. Not been ragged around or used in RS then go for it. Theres several liveries at our yard with horses/ponies over 18 - the 'low mileage' ones are still working well and in very good health but the ex-hunter, RS ones are looking their age.

If the horse suits you now and will do in the coming years go for it xxx
 
Polos Mum said:
Lenamore was selected for the London Olympics at 20 - the team selectors clearly didn't think 18 was near past it. Always a handful poping round Badminton and Burghley at 18+

Many compete at lower levels to 25, - your welcome to come and sit on my 19 y/o and see how 'past it' you think he is!

I do agree though some thought should be given to retirement plans, there is nothing to say you have to keep them for 10 years off work, plenty of people let their oldies have a nice summer off then PTS, or retirement livery works for others.
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As I said that's just view and I'd not purchase a horse of that age.
 
Yes I would and I did as a schoolmaster for my husband. He has been just perfect in every way. If the horse is in good health and is suitable I wouldn't let age get in the way.
 
Thank you everyone for your replies!

I'm due to go view him tomorrow, so have made my mind up that I'm definitely going :)

As for long term plans if I were to buy him, I know I sound young saying that my mum was concerned about his age, but I'm actually in my 20s and graduating uni, I just ask my mums opinion on a lot of things! My mum has a house in the borders with paddocks so my plans would be to retire him down there when the time came :)

It's a good point that a lot of you have made - that age is just a number and that a horse could be retired at a young age also.
Will definitely ask about his past tomorrow! Ahh nervous!

X
 
Good luck chotty, go in with your eyes open as you would with any horse!
Wrt insurance, had no prob getting mine onto petplan, full vet coverage, no exclusions as I am not aware of any pre existing conditions
 
Good luck on the viewing and as others have said keep an open mind :)

I bought Ben 4 years ago at the age of 18, he has been my best friend ever since, I trust him in every way, even having a good gallop on the beach, restored my confidence after horendous time with a rather bolshy Sec D who thought it fun to run through hedges literally and spin on the road!

Be honest about your abilities, I thought I was better than I actually was!
 
chotty said:
Thank you everyone for your replies!

I'm due to go view him tomorrow, so have made my mind up that I'm definitely going :)

As for long term plans if I were to buy him, I know I sound young saying that my mum was concerned about his age, but I'm actually in my 20s and graduating uni, I just ask my mums opinion on a lot of things! My mum has a house in the borders with paddocks so my plans would be to retire him down there when the time came :)

It's a good point that a lot of you have made - that age is just a number and that a horse could be retired at a young age also.
Will definitely ask about his past tomorrow! Ahh nervous!

X
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Honey if you are in your 20's then you are young!!! No shame in that!
 
Talking of older horses, I've recently lost a 33 yr old who was still light hacking. An Appaloosa I had was still active and ridden at 35 yrs.

With proper feeding and appropriate exercise, a horse at 18 should have a good 10 yrs of active life, and be capable of a lot more than your average rider does.

A horse at 15 is about halfway through its active life.

Most horses suffer poor health and an early death because of what's done to them. Too much too young, wrong feed, wrong grazing, inappropriate riding, and being shod to name but a few.
 
if he's 18 and has been sound all his working life, no reason to be worried at all. Some things will naturally slow with age, but depends on type and mileage as to whether that's getting old or not!

No guarantees a 7 year old would stay sound, he'd have less history behind him. it's a minefield! good luck though!
 
YES, I did, sadly only had her just over 2 years, I would do it again, I wish I had more time with her.
She was slower, calm, she was a pleasure to own.
 
Yes I would, but you have to remember that this should be the horse's last home. Its good that you have retirement plans in mind at your mum's already, but remember that someone will have to be around to care for him, it wouldn't be just chucking him out.. I'm sure you know that!

Yes I agree that 18 isn't that old nowadays, and the likes of Lenamore and Over to You competed at top level at that age, but they were both retired soon after to a slower pace of life, and this may apply to all horses, whatever level they are at. Some will go on and on for another decade, others won't. You have to be prepared to deal with it whatever way it goes.

Good luck OP.
 
If the horse is what you want, go for it. However, are you prepared/able to keep it when it's working life Is done? I guess this is the same for any horse but the older they are, usually the quicker this decision comes.

Having said that, a friend of mine show jumps at a very high level with oldies professionals have rejected. Not sure how she handles the end of the line though.

I have several retired horses as well as my current show jumpers, but I'm fortunate to have my own land.
 
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