Riding the semi retiree

[sweetsalute]

A few months ago I posted about my 20yo mare with neuro symptoms, that got bad enough I was strongly considering euthanasia. Long story short, she’s improved substantially and is healthy and happy.

I’m riding her maybe a couple times a week, either a short (<15 mins) session in the arena, which may be lunging instead of riding, or a 30-45 min trail over easy terrain. I’m letting her set the pace on the trail, some days she plods, some days she wants to run and feels solid underneath me, so I let her. In the arena, I don’t ask for much, and if she tells me a hard no (on something she’s never previously had a problem with), that’s fine, we don’t have to do it. She’s not 100% sound, and I doubt she ever will be again. But, she’s happy, keen to do things and gets quite the attitude on the days where I only work with the 4yo and not her!

Sometimes I feel guilty that I may be causing her harm in still riding her…should I be? The day she tells me she doesn’t want to is of course the day I will stop. I’ve had this horse for 12 years, so I’ll know when she’s done.

[HPFarmette]

Sorry I don’t know the back story but, is it safe for YOU to be riding a horse with past neuro issues?

[RedHorses]

If she’s happy going out with you the exercise will probably do her good. I’ve had two horses live out their lives with me and I did exactly what you’re doing - let them tell me what they’re up for on any given day. Both were happy to go for a wander with me right up to the end. One more often than the other.

[sweetsalute]

I should clarify. Her symptoms are mild, the only reason for considering euthanasia was that at a point her feet could not be trimmed due to balance issues (I wasn’t riding at this point). A course of previcoxx resolved that issue and she now has no problem balancing for trims. Riding is a calculated risk (isn’t it always?). Flatwork/trails only, this horse is as safe as you can get in regards to reliability, non spooky etc. I observe her in the paddock as often as I can. she still goes tearing around when the mood strikes and not once have I seen her look unstable on her feet (the issue was picked up thanks to a severe hip dip on the lunge when it first presented). Were I to get on and feel she was struggling, or unsteady etc I would of course not ride.

My train of thought is the exercise is good for her. She loves going out and has always been happiest with regular riding.

[paw]

I’m sure she likes having the stimulation and attention. As long as you’re not pushing, I can’t see the harm, and it’s good for them to have a “job” if they are happy to have one. Sounds like you’re doing it right.

[SuzieQNutter]

Horses with a job last longer than those without. School horses keep going even if just being led with a child. Take that away from them and many die quickly.

[anon38350891]

The only thing I might avoid is lunging without a long walking warm-up. (You may be doing this already.) They get stiffer at this age, and need to stretch and loosen up their backs and necks. I see so many people grab the longe whip and whoosh we are cantering.

I believe the walking is very beneficial for an older horse. Mine is 17 now, and I can feel the point at which his back loosens up and starts swinging. It can take 15 minutes or so of just loose-rein walking.

[SugarCubes]

@anon38350891

The only thing I might avoid is lunging without a long walking warm-up. (You may be doing this already.) They get stiffer at this age, and need to stretch and loosen up their backs and necks. I see so many people grab the longe whip and whoosh we are cantering.

I believe the walking is very beneficial for an older horse. Mine is 17 now, and I can feel the point at which his back loosens up and starts swinging. It can take 15 minutes or so of just loose-rein walking.

This is a good point. I have a 20 year old who is on a similar workload to your horse, OP. He’s out all day, so he’s walking constantly on his own before I ride, but it does still take him a while to loosen up. I have found that canter is much easier for him when he’s stiff than trotting though. He’ll take tiny, mincy steps if we trot first, whereas if I let him canter on a loose rein then go to trot he feels way better.

I do the same as you as far as listening to what he wants to do on any given day, though. He usually comes right up to me to be haltered and tacked up, so when he sees me coming and walks the other way, I give him the day off (yes, he’s spoiled but after 10 years with me he runs the show lol). Most days, he’s eager to do something though, but I do keep it short and sweet, just enough to get him some good exercise and stretching!

I do think hacking out is the BEST thing for him though. Easy on his joints but the uneven terrain is excellent for his fitness.

[happilyretired]

I have a coming 22 year old gelding that I’ve had for 10 years. I get him out about 3-4 days a week pretty regularly – we keep it simple, basic WTC and some days just walking in the arena and then a hack around the property. He’s happy to keep going and like others have said, I think its always better for horses (and people!) to keep active as long as they can. We’re very careful with him during the hot humid summer months to take it easy and not over do and over heat him.

[JustTheTicket]

It sounds to me like you’re managing her about as well as you can. As long as you’re safe riding her, it seems like you’re not doing any harm. It’s probably helping her in the long run by keeping her body moving and her brain occupied with a job, albeit an easy one. As long as she wants to keep playing, I’d let her. When she says “no more”, you’ll know.

[sweetsalute]

Thank you all! Good points about the warmups, once she’s loosened up a bit (at her age a bit of arthritis wouldn’t surprise me), she’s still offering the loveliest trot. Talking her into walking first is a bit harder…walk is boooorrring she tells me. And from the safety perspective, I figure I’m far safer on her than I will be on the breaker haha. I also forgot to mention she lives out 24/7 in paddocks that are min 1 acre so she has plenty of opportunity to keep moving.

[Casey09]

I can’t see how what you’re doing would cause harm. I’be convinced myself that horses can be happy with turn out and friends. Riding is a bit of exercise and physical therapy, and appropriate riding for the age and condition of the horse probably helps unless a vet recommends against it.
On the other hand when I retired my horse, a lot of people said he would be bored and die sooner. He lives out with a friend, and he has lived a long life. I think he was about 21 when he retired, and it’s been 10 years. A lot of situations can work. Enjoy your horse and try not to worry. If the horse seems to be enjoying the exercise and isn’t horribly stiff and requiring tons of pain meds the next day, then have fun.