Is it ok to ride my 17yr old horse?

Question

We have just got a new 17yr old mare and she is in great condition. But I dont want to push her. the age thing is playing on my mind. She is so kind. She is in paddock condition and has just had her feet and teeth done. what do you think?

Answer 1

its fine.u can take her for light workouts n trots.ntn else

Answer 2

If she is sound and not in pain there is no reason not to ride her. Many horses are ridden well into their twenties. If you have any doubts and she has not been ridden in awhile, check with your vet and farrier. If they give the okay, then take it easy and see how it goes. I wouldn't do anything too strenuous with her but some light trail and pleasure riding should be okay.

Answer 3

I've ridden horses up 2 about 30 yrs old. As long as she's not in any pain, sound, and isn't a problem horse, you should be fine riding her.

Answer 4

Please don't kill your elderly horse by trying to ride her. At her advanced age, the enormous weight of an adult human straddling her frail back would probably shatter it.

Answer 5

work her up slowly then you know she is fit yes it is ok she is not all that old

Answer 6

17 is getting a little old, like mid-to-late middle age for a human. By now she should be well-trained, used to riders, etc, assuming she hasnt been mistreated. Horses generally live to be around 25 and many can be ridden to the end as long as they dont have major health issues. If your mare is in great condition you should be fine.

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Answer 7

Did you buy her to ride her?  I would think at this age, she's been ridden enough.  Let her retire in a pasture somewhere and enjoy her few remaining years.