What is the average life expectancy for horses?

With proper care and nutrition they can live well into their 30's. Purina Feed did a search back in 2003 for older horses to be on the feed bag. The horse that won was 36 years old. They just got an email not to long ago saying that the horse had just turned 40years old. In 2006 we lost our 30 year old to severe colic. I am currently riding a 27 year old 1/2 arab 1/2 quarter horse. Most people cant believe he is as old as he is. But when it comes down to it, it is proper care (regular dental care), good nutrition, they will be in the back yard for a long time.

That's incredible and awesome at the same time, 40 years old!

I am sorry about the loss of your 30 year old horse.

Thank you,

He was a great "Free" horse, We got him in his mid 20's. He taught my husband how to ride. It was our pleasure to provide him with a home for his final years. Horses like "Ziggy" (the 30yr old) are rare and I am lucky enough that it looks like "Sunny" (27yr old) is going to be the same way. My boys are learning to ride and he is so gentle with them. I wish everyone could have horses like this to learn with. They are such joys to have.

WOW! 40! I knew horses could at least live well into their 20's. Bu I didn't know they could live into their 30's. That's amazing.

When I was first learning to ride (my own horse) we had a mare at our ranch that was 32. Punky was well cared for and healthy, but she looked like a bag of bones! She was probably never a beauty, even in her prime. She foaled her first filly when she was 24 and lived to be 39, I think.

Well this old retired Arab show gelding of my daughters will be 33 on Feb 16th. His name is Naborrs Crusader aka KC-
This photo was taken early last spring. He is a wonderful old horse.

I too love the old guys and Arabians. They are truelly wonderful. Posted a picture of one of my old girls in Gallery. Last year she was 27 and the riders very first "off" line class. Couldn't have ask her to be better.
They also went in the most classic head-only halter class she can do,you have a sheet on the horse, wouldn't want to show off that sway back.
This is her graduate up horse, from her 38 yr old welsh pony. And her older sister also rides an Arab 26 this year. Really neat to look at their papers her father was born in 1966 and grandfather in 1942

Hi,
I have heard well-cared for horses will live to be over 30 years.
Hope this helps,