when is a horse too old to ride? - Horse Forums - Horse Forum Topics & Answers - Horse Training & Trainers

*leigha33* · 03-01-2008,

I got a "25-30" year old Quater horse gelding. A friend from work gave him to me so my Rocky Mountain mare would have a buddy. The people who had him before my friend did not take care of him so well. His age is estmiated, by the way he acts in the pasture and gets around I dont think he is quite that old. But I am wondering when is a horse too old to ride? Any information is greatly appreciated!! Thanks, Leigh Ann

*appyxlove* · 03-01-2008,

I used to ride/take care of a 27 year old appy..
So I sorta guess it depends

*P8ntCrazy* · 03-04-2008,

I am currently riding a 30 year old 1/2 arab 1/2 QH. Most people cant tell how old he is. And there are days that I don't think he is that old. With an older horse as long as they don't have terrible arthritis and are in good shape they will let you know if they can handle riding. I don't ride mine hard any more but he still goes on 10 mile trail rides nothing hard just walk and maybe a little trot, nice simple rides no mountain trails.

Nutrition plays a key factor in keeping the weight on. Even if the horses teeth have be kept in good shape as they get up there in age it is best to switch their feed to something a little more dense in calories. Older horses don't have much tooth left and it is hard for them to chew the hay properly to get the needed nutrients. Also their gut doesn't function like it did when they were younger so they need food that is easier to digest.

I will use my old man for an example.

I used to feed just straight bermuda hay and he was plenty fat. About 2 years ago we noticed that he was losing his topline and not holding the weight so to his diet I added Equine Senior about 8 lbs a day since I was still feeding him hay. Last year when we had his teeth done I was sure that he would start packing the weight back on but he didn't. So I discussed with my vet (who I worked with) what Should we do. We decided to put him on Alfalfa Pellets (which I had to do slowly since he had never had alfalfa) and Equine Senior. This way he didn't have to chew his food to get the nutrients out of the hay.

Horses must chew their food properly to get the needed nutrients, Pellets are already broke down and senior is really made to just swallow.

So anyway now that he is on a diet that meets his needs he has filled back in and looks about 1/2 his age. And has a ton of energy, that is when I don't walk out with a saddle, he is quite a character.

So if they are kept in good condition and given the needed supplements and support, you should be ok

If they do have a little arthritis a little bute and a joint supplement will help and if it is in an area like the fetlock that can be wrapped with a polo when it is cold that will help also

Hope this Helped

*Ltc4h* · 03-07-2008,

Each horse should be judged on an individual basis. Use your best judgement and if you increase his workload slowly you may end up with a sound, inshape, eager to go riding partner. When you have your vet/farrier/trainer out ask them to give him the once over and an opinion. Remember ask 5 people get 7 different answers. Let the horse tell you how much is to much. My daughters pony who she rides daily religously over the summer is 38. Just got a new horse in age 7 who had such poor care and mismanagement will probably take 6 months before sound enough to start riding. Age is more than a #.

*Dream_Merchant* · 03-07-2008,

I believe that if you keep a slight bit of fitness on an older horse they will last a lot longer - I know Showjumpers that have being going well into their 20's - of course, the way you look after them and how you handle their feeding/supplement scheme is a lot different to a 5 year old in work, but you see where I'm coming from.

If your boy is sound, and you can't see too much arthritis and degrading of his joints, then start by lightly lunging him and slowly but surely building up his fitness and muscles - remember, an older horse will take a lot longer to build up fitness than a young horse as well. Then you start by gently going on small rides etc etc. Make sure you give him ample time to warm up and cool down, and really take care of him.

A joint supplement would be perfect for him, and feed him accordingly to what work he is doing and all that jazz and he should be fine. It's a matter of day by day with them really, watch for any signs of lameless and yeah, don't do anything stupid with him and he should be fine and I'm sure he'll appreciate the occasional nice ride!