Is there a certain age that is best to purchase a horse?

Question

I am currently looking into a 12 yr old Tennessee Walker and I am wondering if he stays healthy and sound how many years can I get out of him, or should I look at some younger horses?

Answer 1

my horse is nine. he is in perfect condition. what r u wanting to do with ur horse? that depends on how many years u can get out of him. like speed racing ( i know u have a tennessee walker but u never know) u could squeeze 4-5 years out of him. but if he was a pleasure horse or saddle horseu could have him until he was ready to retire which is around 25. it all depends on the horse and what u r willing to do with them. also jumping about 3-4 years. i am not sure on the years but they r around that.

Answer 2

Alot depends on what you are looking for, and what you are intending to do.

Buying a 12 year old is fine if you are a relative beginner or not wanting to do much more than trail riding.

If you are more experienced and can bring on a younger horse then go on to do some competition that is a different thing all together.

A 12 yo is gonna give you about 8 or 9 more years of riding as well as companionship!!!

All the best!!

Answer 3

hes fine

most people tend to go from 6-13.

they are still young and have abit of experience.,

gd luck

Answer 4

That is older than I would want to start with. It is a matter of opinion, but I would want one no more than five or six. Depends on a lot of factors.

Answer 5

we have a 14.2hh quarter horse on the farm and shes 16 this year, and going great. shes the one i ride if i just want to go on a trail or ride in the arena or something fun. ans she can still jump 1 metre easily.

as long as you keep your horse fit and healthy theres no reason why you cant enjoy each others company until hes 20 - 25.   the breed of your horse wont affect much really, and tennesse walkers are usually pretty good horses just for pleasure riding.

we have anther horse whos 33 in august and gets ridden every week! and hes happy and healthy :)

enjoy your ridinggg :)

Answer 6

I would buy one between 6 or 9, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a 12 year old, that isn't really all that old you'll probably get 10 or more years out of him if you keep him healthy and exercised. If you like him and feel comfortable with him that is really all that matters.

Answer 7

if this is your first horse...

that is a perfect age.

my first horse was when i was 3 and she was 21, she was more calm and more aware of everything that was going on. i am 21 now and would perfer something with alot of spunk and attitude, maybe even a bull! ha.

Answer 8

Twelve is a perfect age.  That said, any horse you buy at any age should be cleared for soundness by an equine vet.  If he is sound, you'll have many years of use with him..I have a mare and gelding who are 22 and 21 years old...both are sound and capable, although both have a common metabolic condition called insulin resistence which means I have to pay more attention to their diet and one takes a supplement called Evitex.  I would have blood work done to check hormone levels if you want to be really diligent...many horses develop this as they age, although 12 is not that old, and I think it's more common in some breeds than in others.

Answer 9

If this is your first horse and you are less experienced then Id say its a good buy. A younger horse might surprise you.

How is his temperament? Have you test ridden him? If you are doing light work then I'd say go for it, and have a great time with him.

Answer 10

You should get around good 8 to 9 years at him. But near the twenties, you may want to start going easy on him. It also depends on his current health and his living enviroment and his temprement. If he's a firey horse now, chances are he'll still have more fire in him than usuall at 18. If you want to you could certainly look at younger horses. Nothing too young like 2 or 3 if you're not looking to train. A lot of times they're too ditsy at that age.

Answer 11

I know of horses that have lived to be 30...

This horse has alot of life left....what is your experience..you neglected to mention that very important fact.  And, what type of riding do you plan to do?

Usually a horse of this age should be..what you see is what you get..and maybe a few surprises...but a whole lot less than a MUCH younger horse.

Answer 12

12 is a pretty good age.. but when hes in those ages ( 12 + ) its either hard or immpossible to break him of habbits that you don't want.. a younger horse ( 6-10) would probably be good because you still have a lot of time with them ( about 10 to 15 years ) and you can break bad habbits and also teach him to ride how you ride.. not how his old rider rode.. if you ge thte 12 year old you should have about 8 years.. and another up is that the horse is older ( not to old ) but probably isnt real excited.. discoraging bucking rearing and things younger horses would do.. so just some pros and cons for you to think about.. good luck!

Answer 13

if he stays healthy and sound his whole life, you can get 13 years outta him if you ride him until he is 25.

Answer 14

A 12 year old sounds like a good age. He will probably be settled whereas a younger horse might misbehave. If you want a challenge or to teach a horse new things then you should get one 4-8, but older than that will be more suited for basic riding straight away.

If you aren't competing then you would be able to ride your horse upto his 20s, but lessen his work as he get older than this, then retire him at about 30, but it all depends on the horse. When he gets to that age, if you have had him that long you will know when to retire him.