Frustrated trying to find a very gentle, very safe horse for my 10 year old child to ride around the farm/neighborhood. Few lessons, but a very beginning rider, somewhat timid.
If the horse was gentle, safe, and relatively sound… how old would you go, realizing I would own said horse likely for the rest of its life?
Stories? Wisdom? Advice?
Thanks!
Well, considering the mare I owned from age 2 to 31, who foxhunted for the first time at age 26 packing my 4 yo son, I wouldn’t sneeze at a healthy 20-something or late teens. In my experience, if they get upwards of 15-16 and have had no soundness or other health issues, they are pretty solid. Mind you my mare had navicular and ringbone, never terribly bad, but by the time she got to be around 20 all of that stuff just fused or degenerated or something and she was sound as a dollar, barefoot, the last 11 years of her life. Though I wouldn’t let the kids ride her after she had a stroke at age 28.
Well, depending on the health/soundness of the animal and the aspirations of your 10yo, I certainly would consider a 20 year old–or possibly even older. IME, if a horse has made it to 20 and is still reasonably sound and healthy, you’ve still got some good years left.
I used to own an ancient, sway-backed, one-eyed pony. He was probably 30 or so. Any kid could ride him. Funny, he was the ugliest thing ever, but the kids could never stop oohing and aahing about how beautiful he was. Many a kid sat on his back and felt proud and confident, knowing they could trust in him. I thought I’d be his last home, but he was still going good…so he went on to a new set of kids.
Totally depends on the horse. If he’s looking okay - good condition, not too much sag in his back, perky outlook, enjoying his work - the IMO the only age that’s too old is dead.
I bought a 19yo for my kids last year. She is PERFECT. She has some arthritis, but it’s manageable. And frankly. for the care she takes of my kids? I’d happily pay ANYTHING to keep her sound/happy. When my younger child was leading her, another horse got loose and took off in their direction. She pushed my kid to the side, stepped up between him and the other horse with ears pinned and let that horse know in no uncertain terms to back off. As soon as the threat was over, she was checking my kid over to make sure he was ok. He got the sniff inspection from head to toe. If they get off balance, she’s moving back under them or stopping and giving them the, “Look kid, I KNOW you know better than that, so I’m just going to stand here until you get yourself together” face.
That mare is everything to me. Absolutely everything. She’s practically a second mom to my kids, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is still plenty of spunk (she’s purebred Arabian), so I’m sure she’ll still be going for a while. I am very, very happy with my older horse. And I’d have purchased her even if she was over 20 at the time of purchase. If you find the right horse for the kid and they’re healthy for their age, I wouldn’t let age scare you. A few people walked away from my mare because of her age, and I’ve heard from several of them what a mistake they made when they watch her with my kids.
Great, thanks… going to look at an older teens tomorrow that seems to have all the right stuff on her resume… as well as a very concerned owner in a rough spot.
We had a 25 yr old at the barn that could still jump under 2’ and would do beginner lessons, and trail ride. We have one closer to 30 now that does therapeutic horsemanship 3 times a week. Both are sound/no meds.
The first horse I rode for lessons weekly when I was 7 was a 36 yr old Palamino gelding. He died at 42 when he was kicked in the head by another horse.
My mother was given an old (21 ish) Appaloosa, who was definitely not the cutest. He was THE BEST HORSE! Originally, she just wanted something she could ride on the trails and with me when I was a young. I always wanted to take my pony on trial rides, but we were at a mostly show/ mostly adult and teenage barn and I was 7 or 8. Basically, someone found out she was looking and offered her this appy as long as she agreed to keep him forever. She tried him taking him for a walk in the woods alone, and he was a saint. We brought him to the barn and he just loved all the attention. I think he spent his entire life outside before we got him. Not that he didn’t love his pasture and friends, but he loved his stall and his blanket! Long story short, my mom ended up taking lessons and that sweet, western, backyard appy taught her to jump! It turned out he had an auto change too. . . He took her through the 2’6" classes with no issue! They picked up lots of ribbons at local shows and he was a favorite of all the kids because of his color. He started as a strawberry roan appy with a great tail by some miracle, but by the time he turned 35 he was almost grey. He taught countless little ones over the years, and was very sound until he turned 30-31. He lived comfortably pasture sound after that with a little maintenance.
I agree with everyone else, if they’re sound and happy in their late teens and early twenties, they’ll probably stay that way for the most part.
Agreeing with everyone else - one of the first lesson horses I rode was in his 20s and happily doing walk-trot lessons most days. He was a gem for beginners. (To be clear, he had no problems cantering, he just didn’t do it often in lessons owing to previously mentioned beginners.)
As long as you have a plan for retirement when the time comes, and don’t mind a little extra vet bills for management of arthritis and similar if need be, I don’t think I’d stress too much about an older horse. Maybe make friends with a good feed expert, also. (It is a mantra - old horses do not have to be skinny. Not that you want them fat, but that ribby worn out look? That is on people not making the effort with feed adjustments, not age.)
I got an 18 year old pony for my son and she is adorable. now she is 20 totally sound and my sone loves her to pieces… Our only problem is that he grew quite a bit 
As a 12 year old I learned to ride on a twenty-five year old pony (14.2 hand) sized Walking Horse mare whose middle gait was a trot. She was given to my girlfriend by her uncle. That little mare was one caste iron horse–we had her unril she was thirty-two years old. Pearl would probably still be alive if we had had the feeds available then that we have today! :lol: The only problem she ever had while “we” had her was a mild laminitic event. She came to us with heaves, but we took it easy on her and it didn’t slow her down. Around thirty she started only picking up one of her leads and vet said it was most likely arthritis.
And my first 4-H project was a twenty-one year old Standardbred broodmare, whom I adored.
I just love those old horses! I would think any horse between fifteen and twenty would be a good pick as long as it hasn’t had a history of laminitis.
Bear in mind that about twenty years old you will want to become proactive about the horse’s health–checking the thyroid, checking for insulin resistance and Cushing’s. If you can stay on top of those health issues the horse should have a long life.
Best of luck! 
My QH is coming 26 in February and still packs kids around W/T/C. He’s arthritic in his hocks, managed with an inexpensive joint supplement, total saint. He keeps kids safe and comfortable and the cocky teenagers humble! He’s barefoot, lives outside with two mares, easy keeper, perfect first horse for a beginner. They’re out there, don’t shy away from the older guys 
[QUOTE=Manni01;7813357]
I got an 18 year old pony for my son and she is adorable. now she is 20 totally sound and my sone loves her to pieces… Our only problem is that he grew quite a bit :([/QUOTE]
Our daughter’s horse is 30 years old. And Manni01, when everyone outgrows that sweet pony we have a home for her!!!
[QUOTE=
Our horses grew up with our kids, we have kept them as the kids went their ways as we told each of the horses you do your job and we will take care of you
Old horses are great, as long as you have a retirement plan.
If you run a cold hearted riding school and are willing to send them to auction once they can’t do a beginner lesson, or have pasture at home so a retiree is not big drain then they are awesome.
If you are going to be paying $500pm to board a permanently lame horse then an old horse is riskier than a young one.
OP, you said you’d feed the horse for the rest of its life, right?
In that case, get one that’s as old as possible and can still do the job. You get the same benefits whether the horse is truly retired for a long time or a short time.
I hope you can find a kind old horse to take care of your kid. That’s the greatest!
Back in the day I pick up a lovely little QH who was age 19. He was my son’s learning horse and he is hony size. Today he is still going strong at 34 and still enjoying life. Hard getting him through the winter as he can no longer eat hay. He is on a totally soaked soft diet.
Good luck on the one your going to see. Sounds like it can be a good arrangement for both parties.
Not all riding schools are “cold hearted”…feeling the need to defend:
I train at a large barn with a riding school. The elderly horses and ponies are gradually moved into lower impact lessons until they are doing grooming and walk/trot in the longe with absolute beginners. They go for in-hand “trail rides” with five year olds.
Last year the oldest one passed away in her paddock one night.
Two appy mares are going strong at 25
We are sending a sore/navicular one home to her “real” mom to retire this week.
The half blind 25 yr old pony has a retirement home ready for her because she has made MANY friends over the years. If she becomes too painful due to her eye issue, we’d PUT HER DOWN.
There is NO way any of the school “staff” would go to an auction. They are our beloved co-workers.
The very thought!!!
I love all these stories. So glad to hear so many of these older folks are having a great retirement plan!
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