I’ve got an oldie (28) who has shown quite a bit of interest in going for rides lately and I am so happy about it. I trust her with my life and she never takes a wrong step. For someone who is discovering the joys of trail riding again and horse camping I want to make sure she is safe and fit for walking trails and taking in the sights. No stress is important. Any ideas since the weather is starting to break? She’s a Cushings gal but it is under control.
Like any horse start doing some rides to get her back into condition. Most horses hate retirement. Enjoy her!
Thank so much and I will. She’s a little rackin’ mare that kinda lost her rack when she tries to trot with the others but she’s 14.2 so the perfect size for me and she’s my first horse. I’ve had her almost 21 years and so glad she’s willing to carry my arse and help me regain my confidence as well as bringing me full circle (not a 20m, not doing those again!).
I have a 28 year old too! I have had her since she was 4, and we have done way to many 20m circles in our time together. She loves to go out, but I don’t take her out as much anymore - she trips a lot (which is very distracting), and has some sight issues - I think. And, there are days when I swear her is senile - but I love her so much. Her overall condition is great. Last year, I took her out a few times, 1 hour trail walk - seemed fine for her. Have fun with your old girl!
I brought a 26 yo mare out of retirement to start fox hunting to pack my kids around. She wondered why I waited so long to show her such a fun sport.
Just my opinion here
but I believe that a) it is good for the horse to have a purpose
but b) it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to manage the health and condition of the newly working older horse
You need to monitor what you are asking of them and only do what they are capable of. Better to do a bit to little that too much
I have good friends that frustrated me with their older (over 30’s) horse. The horse was a real go getter but would go charging off on the trail. They would go too far - as it was part of the horses “charge” and then he would be literally dragging back to the trailer. If this only happened once, I could understand, but it happened over and over again
IMO a responsible owner would cut the ride short so the horse had the energy to get back to the trailer and withstand the ride home.
IMO it takes thought and commitment to make sure your horse is not being over-taxed, whatever the reason
but by the same token, a lot of horses do NOT like being retired and you can find jobs that they are capable of doing.
Our old boy (mid-30s) could not ride safely - arthritic hips - - but we found we could still drive him with a light cart for a short distance - he loved having a job
Probably wouldn’t hurt to have a vet check just to establish baselines and make sure there aren’t any lurking issues, mild arthritis, etc., but I would say that short walks are best to start out, gradually lengthening the time out. You could even start out hand-walking, or riding for part and walking for part. I would stay around 1 hour or shorter at first, and work up to 2-3 hours if that is your goal. When you ride, try to make her engage her back through bending exercises and stretching down to strengthen her back muscles. You can also have her to belly lifts to build those same muscles, as well as some walking lateral work and backing up, both in-hand and under saddle.
I am bringing my 22 year old TB out of retirement right now, and she is very swaybacked, so I am working through the same issues. Adding to my difficulty, my 22 year old has dental problems (my vet says she has the teeth of a 30 year old) and all she will eat is Equine Senior, so she is a rocketship like Drive NJ described. And Drive NJ is right–it is OUR responsibility to make sure we keep our horses comfortable and working within (not beyond) their ability at that point in time.
Good luck! It sounds like you are doing everything right and you’ll be able to enjoy each others’ company for a while yet. 
