Anyone in Connecticut, Mass or Rhode Island?

Question

this isn't a question really but i will make it one! Next Week Saturday the 19th in Salem, Ct Mitchell Farm Equine Retirment is haveing a fundraiser which will demo Horses doing multiple discplines hence the name " Celebration of the Horse" it is $20 pre ordered and $25 at the gate. Bring a chair or blanket if you come.

for more info go to http://www.mitchellfarm.org/index.html

my Question is how old is the age to be retired as a horse?

Answer 1

Just like the first poster said, there is no minimum or max. age requirement...it depends on the horses "job" and why he is being retired...injury, old age, end of show career, etc.

There was a harness pony that was retired last year..his name was Sammyshine...he was in his 20's and won the championship for many consecutive years..he earned his retirement and fortunately will have a retirement I should be so lucky to have!!  

Unfortunately, many other don't have the same fortune and after working for years for their owners get put in the hands of people that have no concern for their future..just a couple hundred dollars in their pockets..it is so sad.  But thank goodness for places like Mitchell Farm and many other rescues that have a heart for retirees or "throwaways" and let them retire in a safe home.

Thanks for taking an interest and supporting their efforts!!

Answer 2

Depends on the horse.  There are retired race horses that are barely 10 years old and they do not race any more and only breed.  Then there are some old lesson ponies that keep working until they are well into their 30's.  It all depends on the horse and what their lifes has intailed.  Some show horses that do the big shows will retire from showing to become a lesson horse.  This can happen when they are about 10 or so also.  I live in VT so I am a little far to go to the thing in CT.  But sounds cool hope you have fun

Also I forgot if they get injured and can no longer be ridden or have some other physical or mental issue that develops they can get retired at any age to finish life out in a pasture.

Side note:  At the local 4H shows there is a little walk trot girl who rides a horse that placed 7th in the Rolex a long time ago. He had injured his knee which took him away from the big ring. He is in his 30's now and had been retired but loves to do walk trot with his little beginner.  It is cute to see him have a good life still.