Would you

[windand rain]

Travel a 25 year old 5 hours to a show 2 nights away and 5 hours back. Currently as fit as a flea not showing any signs of age and loves travelling and going to shows. Was supposed to go last year but was cancelled due to covid seemed okay last year but am thinking hard this year. No change just another year older

 

[Cortez]

If the horse is fit and well, sure, why not. A friend of mine brought her 28 year old mare to Spain and the old gal was 100%.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I think if the horse is used to going to shows and is relaxed and happy I don't see why not, I once got stuck on the M25 for 9 hours with my horse he was absolutely fine and I am glad I always take enough hay to last about 3 days.

 

[EllenJay]

Why not?

 

[Winters100]

Personally I would not. I feel that as they get older travel is harder on them, so at that age I would be inclined to only travel them for necessary purposes. But it is just my opinion, and you know your horse best.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

I think that sometimes what's good for them mentally outweighs potential physical downsides. If they love traveling and going to shows, and is fit and healthy, why not give it a try?
Presumably, you could always plan in a stop to check so they're doing as well as usual only a little bit into the journey, and if something feels a bit off, you can turn around? And/or plan for some extra leg stretchers on the way.

 

[Marigold4]

I wouldn't travel ANY horse for 5 hours unless I absolutely had to. It's exhausting and stressful for both of us and I wouldn't enjoy it. But that's probably just me.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I wouldn't travel ANY horse for 5 hours unless I absolutely had to. It's exhausting and stressful for both of us and I wouldn't enjoy it. But that's probably just me.

I’d agree ? I hate travelling with horses and wouldn’t do that trip myself in my car.... I’m super lazy and get bored very easily ?

If I was the op though, and it was what my horse and I did and the horse was as mentioned fit and healthy then I’d go for it.

 

[ihatework]

I admire your enthusiasm!

Only reason I’d travel a horse for 5 hours would be a home move, get them to a specialist, or a fit performance horse who needs a run/championship that can’t be obtained closer.

No, I wouldn’t travel a 25yo for a show, I’d find a closer show. But equally your horse and you know them best.

 

[J&S]

I ride and occasionally compete a horse who is 27 this year. He has been travelled and competed nearly all his life and loads and travels like a saint. However, over the last couple of years I have limited the journeys to an hour to one and a half hours maximum each way as I do feel he is stiff when he first unloads. I personally would not contemplate a 5 hour journey for an older horse however fit and well they were.