I hunt and lesson every week with people well into their seventies. I intend to be one of them myself, in 20 years or so.
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When I went to pick up a sheltie puppy 10 years ago, I met a lady who also got a puppy from the litter. She was in her early sixties, and did agility training. She said that would probably be her last puppy to train.
Last I heard, she got 6 more after that, including 2 this year.
[QUOTE=Horsepower;4559543]
So here’s what I am wondering: If a person is in their 60s or older and they love a horse that is only 11, are they too old to buy the horse? My concern is what if they die before the horse. What arrangements can be made for the horse’s welfare if no one else in the family rides or is interested in horses?[/QUOTE]
I am in a similar quandary, only with an added twist. I have the opportunity to buy back a mare I sold about 4 years ago. I did not want to sell her then, but felt I had no choice since my older mare hated her and would go after her. We have done some work since then and I would have to make a couple of adjustments, but could set it up where they could be permanently separated. My dilemna is in the fact that hubby is upset that I want to buy her back, but tells me to go ahead, since he knows I’ll be worried about her if I don’t. My age is also a factor, since I will be 66 in Sept. One part of me says I am crazy and the other part of me is saying God has given me a chance to bring her home and I need to jump on it. I rarely ride any more, so I am really torn about this decision. I’ve read some of the posts but still concerned… it is not one horse, but am adding one more horse to the bunch to make 3.
[QUOTE=sassykitts;8591135]
I am in a similar quandary, only with an added twist. I have the opportunity to buy back a mare I sold about 4 years ago. I did not want to sell her then, but felt I had no choice since my older mare hated her and would go after her. We have done some work since then and I would have to make a couple of adjustments, but could set it up where they could be permanently separated. My dilemna is in the fact that hubby is upset that I want to buy her back, but tells me to go ahead, since he knows I’ll be worried about her if I don’t. My age is also a factor, since I will be 66 in Sept. One part of me says I am crazy and the other part of me is saying God has given me a chance to bring her home and I need to jump on it. I rarely ride any more, so I am really torn about this decision. I’ve read some of the posts but still concerned… it is not one horse, but am adding one more horse to the bunch to make 3.[/QUOTE]
Zombie thread Sassykitts, this thread was dead 6 years ago 
Since you made an account and posted though, why not start a thread about your current situation? I bet you will get some good replies and maybe even something that will help you make a decision!
Personally I don’t think we’re ever to old to buy a horse and if your husband says go for it then why not? Who cares if you don’t ride her. I bet she wouldn’t care one bit if she were just a pasture ornament and even just keeping a horse as a pet can be pretty rewarding on its own. My 84yo ex-BO still has several horses she keeps ‘just because’, they keep her active and give her a reason to get out of the house every day (yep, she does most of their daily care herself!). Those horses are good for her and buying your old horse back might be good for you too in some way.
sassykits, this is a very old discussion, from back in 2009. Many people refer to these resurrected threads as “zombie discussions” and will skip over them.
I see you are new. Why don’t you start a new thread to introduce yourself?
Thanks a bunch for enlightening me and the encouragement!! I did start a new post when I had it figured out how. I have to admit… getting up every morning and being greeted by the welcoming nickers makes my day and since I hate ‘exercising’, I have told hubby that the horses do keep me active and moving. Thanks again!
Thanks for filling me in… actually, I found the post when I queried on Bing search about ‘how old is too old to buy a horse’. I never noticed the date of the post, but am really glad I found it. I did start a new thread with a little more detail. I’m glad I found some fellow horse lovers.
My only concern would be adopting a very young horse (or a green one of any age). We don’t know how long we will live (as evidenced by two of my friends dropping dead at the ages of 49 and 53 recently) but we can certainly make wise choices like adopting an older (say 8 and above) horse that is well broke because like it or not, even at 40 something we are more likely to break than bounce. Now someone in their late 70s or 80s should not adopt a kitten or a puppy UNLESS someone in the family WILL take the dog/cat. Many say they will but the animal is in the animal shelter before the body is at the funeral home. But we all need to make provisions for our animals no matter what age we are.
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There’s an old racehorse expression; “A man/person never dies with a promising 2 year old in the barn”.
I just turned 60 and have a bunch on the farm and a few on the way. If I should meet my maker before they do there will be arrangements made. If they have to meet their maker before their time because of unavoidable circumstances. They have lived a very good life. A lot better then some, a lot.
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Never too old. Doesn’t matter what age you are your horse(s) should be taken care of in your will.
In fact I think having a horse when your older is a great idea. Helps maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
I personally would rather die coming off a horse than rotting in an armchair.
[QUOTE=4THEHORSES;8592478]
Never too old. Doesn’t matter what age you are your horse(s) should be taken care of in your will.
In fact I think having a horse when your older is a great idea. Helps maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
I personally would rather die coming off a horse than rotting in an armchair.[/QUOTE]
I agree with all that 4THEHORSES said, especially the bolded portion.
[QUOTE=HenryisBlaisin’;4559726]
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ll be too old to buy a horse the day they bury me![/QUOTE]
Ditto! A couple of good horsey friends know what to do. So all should be well.
I’m in my mid 60s and bought a weanling when I was in my mid 50s. I have 2 of them now, her and my old mare. As long as you can get on, go for it. I plan on riding until I’m literally unable to get on. Take a look at these ladies:
http://gazette.com/81-year-old-barrel-racer-has-heart-full-of-horsehair/article/149101
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/9489389/Back-in-the-saddle-83-year-old-Audrey-takes-up-horse-riding-again.html
http://www.horsenation.com/2012/07/20/the-age-impaired-rider-to-old-for-that-never/
Go for it!
When you are dead comes to mind. I wouldn’t buy a horse if I was dead, but otherwise, why restrict yourself? Like any other age, arrange for the care of your horse in the event of your own demise, so it is cared for and not left in the hands of non-horse people.
I fox hunt with a 86 year old gentleman who bought a 10 year old horse 2 years ago to fox hunt. Given that the horse has safely packed him through 2 seasons of fox hunting and trail riding there is a waiting list to purchase the horse should something happen to the owner. 
Hello all, I’m so glad you all posted as this is also a question I’ve been pondering myself. My older horse died 7 months ago at the same damned time (sorry for profanity ) as my “riding horse” suffered extreme tendon damage and now has on top of that, arthritis…I have hand walked, walked for 8 months-rehab for my last horse, BUT, I am capable of, and miss “real” riding…so, thinking about buying another horse who is my equal…to give me pleasure in riding until I can’t do it anymore. The point that someone made about anything can happen to us no matter what age has impressed me. I think I have held back because of my age…I’m 68, but kinda fit…who knows what the future will be. But, I also have to know he will be OK no matter what happens to me. Thank you all for you comments. Heart.
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Before you say you are too old, read this short article and watch the video…Keith Waples is 94 and driving race horses, even training miles isn’t exactly easy. http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/news/6-1-18/master-still-going-strong.html
ra
I know a few 75+ that are still breaking colts, training race horses and a few that still drive races. Kinda thinking of going back myself - I am 67
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What?
My dear friend, first trainer and mentor was MFH and leading the hunt at 82 when he retired. He rode until the day he died at 92. At sixty you could look forward to outliving most any horse, (God willin’ and the creek don’t rise.) Go for it!
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:lol: Zombies ARE REAL!!!
This thread originated in 2009, was resurrected in 2016 & again just the other day :eek:
But, since It Lives:
I bought a 2yo mini at age 66 & took up Driving < after some 1/2 dozen Driving lessons some near-10yrs ago & driving a Loaner Pony at Fair in 2015.
I am having the Time of my Life 
My riding horse - TWH - is ~17ish - former horsecamping vehicle & hardwired to gait.
After almost 3yrs with my 2Xmonthly Dressage trainer’s help, he is reliably trotting.
I hope to join the Century Club on this horse 
I also have an 18yo Hackney Pony who was trained to Drive, had a crash & was given to me as a companion.
I ground-drive him for short stretches (aging knees don’t like all that walking in my sand arena) & if I was 20yrs younger & faster, I’d consider putting him in harness again.
Still might, some day…
I have not yet made a legal document to account for the horses if I die while they are still mine.
But I have mental plans for each & have made them known.
Last resort would be to euth all but the mini, better to know where they end.
