02/03/2023
BUY THE HORSE THAT IS “TOO OLD”.
I do quite a bit of sales and one thing I’m constantly running into is “he’s too old “.
Why is it that trainers and clients are discarding horses and ponies based on age without even seeing the horse in person or completing a PPE? I’m not talking about 32 . I’m talking about 17…18… even 22. People are living longer more productive lives into their 80’s when 30 years ago 65 was considered “old”. The same thing has happened with horses.
Obviously there is a suitable job for each horse; for their level of athleticism, taking into account any previous injuries, even
considering taking it a little easier BEFORE problems happen so that they can be productive into their later 20’s years and have a job.
But WHY is an older horse automatically bad , “high maintenance”, lame , “high risk”? Providing these horses have been well cared for these horses are every bit as useful as a younger horse and even more so. They have more experience , they are often less reactive and safer , they know their job and forgive mistakes that greener riders will make . They have great ground manners, are easy to handle , good for the vet and farrier . They bring all the attributes you are shopping for to the table . But you discard them because they are “too old”.
I can honestly say that I’ve had just as many horses that are under the age of 12 that have issues than the ones that are 15+. History is the best indicator of future soundness . More so than x rays. If a horse has made it into their teens doing a job their whole life chances are they will continue to work and be useful for a very long time IF someone reduces their workload slightly each year as they age and continues to provide therapies as needed. Many will give younger horses that luxury but not older ones because they are ”too old “ and not worth the money or work .
I have 8 seniors in my barn that work 5 days a week. Between the ages of 17-26. You know what? They have to see the vet less often than any of the younger ones . They are the best horses I could ever ask for and are treated like the unicorns they are. We always joke that the seniors get treated like FEI grand prix horses, but it’s true.
Can you really even put a price on safety ?
Reliability ?
Knowledge?
When it comes to horses I don’t think you can and if they are priced fairly don’t expect to buy it dirt cheap just because it’s not 10 years old.
The ability to carry your child or nervous amateur rider without a single worry when the wind blows and the cold weather rushes in mid January when turnout is limited sometimes .
That horse that is “too old” doesn’t need a lunge.
That horse that is “too old” doesn’t notice it dropped 15 degrees overnight.
That horse that is “too old” doesn’t need 3 training rides a week to behave and teach you what you want to learn.
Be better horsemen/horsewomen. Worship the horses that are “too old” instead of discarding . You might get lucky enough that you or your client will own the best horse you have ever had in your barn and get many more years of enjoyment from the horse than you ever thought possible.
Pictured below are all the senior unicorns at Skyland.
