Is my horse too old to ride?

Question

I have recently "inherited" a 25 year old Quarter Horse. He really is a good horse, overall he seems to be in good shape as far as I can tell. He hasn't been ridden in 2 to 3 years. And he has only been ridden off and on throughout his entire life. I lead him around yesterday then rode him for about 15 minutes (just walking) and he did really really well. Should I just let him love his pasture life and leave him alone? Or is it okay to ride him twice a week (nothing vigorous - of course)??? I need help!?!?!? Am I doing the wrong thing by riding him?

Answer 1

Of corse you can still ride him at 25! Thats not THAT old. I had a horse that was rideable up intil he was 32. In fact riding him a couple times a week would be great for him. It will give him exercise and keep him healthy. Obviously he cant be ridden like a 9 year old, but he should be able to do the basic w/t/c, maybe a couple cross rails if his legs are still good to him. Take it easy and see what he can handle, just dont overwork him and try to stretch him out after you ride. It will keep him healthy longer.

Answer 2

One of my horses is 26 and he's still giving lessons a few times per week. He's only been ridden on and off for the past few years because I have a younger project that I've been riding, and I don't always have someone else lined up to ride him.



My own senior horse actually does better when he's being ridden. He's generally more limber, and when his muscles tone up he looks a little less old and saggy. He seems to be in a better mood when he has something to do too. I plan to keep my old horse in work for as long as he is physically able.



I suggest you continue to ride your older horse lightly. As he gets in better shape, you may find that you can do a bit more. I wouldn't suggest anything crazy or high impact at this point, but some longer trail rides or some trot and canter work should be just fine for him if you work him up to it.

Answer 3

Sure you can ride him! It might be a good idea for him to have a vet check first just to be safe, but depending on the horse 25 can be old retired age, or still fine to ride!



I used to ride an Appy mare that was well into her 30's. She still thought she was a filly, prancing around, she loved to go for a short gallop! She passed away at 36 (one morning she would just not get up) but she had been ridden weekly until a few months before she passed.



The best thing you can do for his health IS to keep him in good shape. Just like us humans! (you know how some 60 year old people are all old and broken down and others are still climbing mountains etc?) Keeping active helps your body work better and be stronger all around. Gotta keep the blood flowing if you will!



I have ridden many horses well into their 20's, and I hope to keep riding my horse (he is 16) for at least another 10 years :-)

Answer 4

No. An old horse can enjoy being ridden lightly as long as he is not showing any obvious signs of discomfort. Let him live happily in the pasture but take light rides a couple times a week(: I think your best bet is to have the vet out for a hundred or two and make sure he is healthy enough to be ridden. You don't want to harm this horse or further any injuries if he has laminitis or something. But probably enjoys getting out and riding again(:

Answer 5

So long as your horse is in good health, and seems happy to be ridden then there is no problem. I had two older geldings one who lives until he was 39y and the other until he was 37y. The older one was ridden on and off by small children in lessons, and loved having something to do. The younger of the two was still ridden up to 3 times a week and competed at pony club on weekends and still loved to jump up until a year before he died when he started getting stiff and sore. They both loved getting out and doing things.

Keep an eye on your horse - look for things like, fidgeting when you put the saddle on, unwilling to be caught or have the bridle put on, misbehaving when your riding, reluctant to move or go faster than a walk. Things like this will indicate if your horse is starting to resent being ridden, which can indicate sore back or joints, or simply not enough energy. If your horse is reasonably docile or starting to have ribs or spine showing, consider riding bareback with just a pad instead of a saddle. Also try fun things like riding in water like dams or the beach that can help take the pressure of older joints.



your horse will let you know when its time to stop riding, until then - enjoy having an older horse, theyre really great to get up your confidence and teach others ti ride on.

Answer 6

Your horse is not to old to ride. As long as you don't work him to hard! Some horses do enjoy being ridden, and it would be a very good chance for you two to bond! I am sure he will love being ridden a few times a week. Just make sure he's healthy and fit, always keep an eye on him!

Answer 7

By all means, ride him. It will give a lot of interest in his life. As you say he is doing well for his age. Keep him well fed and clean and still continue with his farriery and annual "jabs". More important with an older horse are the teeth. Don t neglect anything. He sounds a good one so cherish him and he will look after you. I have just read an item in Horse and Hound that a 32y.o. grey is still out hunting !!!

Answer 8

I would consult a vet before you start riding him. Every horse is different. Some are fine to be ridden into their twenties and some need to be retired. It all depends on how sound he is. You would probably not want to do more vigorous work with him. But he may be fine to walk around and have a relaxing ride with. But do be sure to talk to a vet.

Answer 9

Considering that one of my sister's polo horses played until he was 27, no, your horse isn't to old to ride. As long as the horse is healthy and sound, there's no reason he can't do at least light work. It may take him longer to warm up than a younger horse would need, but that's manageable. And what you describe is fine for a horse this age.

Answer 10

Ride him lghtly like you did, a few more times and see how he goes. I've see.n lesson horses that worked 5 days a week last to almost 30. I believe the daily exercise and "job" of getting used keeps them going longer

Answer 11

If he is in sound condition a bit of exercise is good for him. My old mare competed in Barrel racing til she was 34 when I retired her. It all dependshow he copes, taking in consideration his diet, what you feed him & what he requires, eg as he ages he will need more energy & protien as well as balanced vitamin & minerals,seasons eg winter or summer, cold/ heat, whether he is stabled/paddocked, rugged/unrugged.

Have a Vet do a health check on him.They will be able to tell you wether he has any ailments such as arthritis, bad teeth or anything else that may effect him as he ages.

With proper health & care horses are living longer, so he may well be a good riding buddy for many years to come, I still rode my old girl a few times a week after she retired until she was diagnosed with cancer & was laid to rest nearly 12mths ago.

Have fun.....

Answer 12

Depends on your horse. Horses have different responses to age. If in doubt, have the horses vetted and ask a professional who is looking at your horse and looking out for his well being.

Answer 13

If he's healthy he's fine to ride. I've known a gelding happily gave beginner lessons till he was in his early 30s. As long as they arnt in pain their fine. My barn has gone on the motto "don't ride them till after 5 and then ride them till they die" which just really means don't ride them till they are fully developed then ride them till they don't enjoy it anymore or it puts there health at risk. And it honest works considered the 30 year old geldings getting close to his 40's out in the pasture and slot of our lessons are in their 20's and still enjoy being ridden (my fav qh gelding is in his late 20's and gets really excited when he finds out I'm jumping 2ft)

Answer 14

He's not too old to ride. My niece had a 36 year old QH that she rode.

Answer 15

my 20 something old gelding is good for about 15 miles a week and still lopes on cue.



He's having a blast

Answer 16

Yes