What do you think about buying a 20 year old horse?

Question

HI, so i was reading a question on here and a few people answered by saying things like: dont get a 20 year old horse or older cause they cant really do much.

What the heck is up with that! Last november i bought a 20 year old appaloosa gelding. Many people told me to be aware and really advised me against him especially cause i really want to show ect. and he was my first horse.

Anyways he is like an 8 year old horse and can basically do it all and do great in the show ring!

My questions are: Would you consider a 20 year old horse as a first horse?

Do you think people judge a horse too much by its age?

Do you think that people hear the word "20 year old horse" and turn away without even seeing the horses potential?

thanks, I really think that there are some great 20 year olds that would be great beginner horses, people just need to give em a chance!

Oh also do you think that appies can be ridden longer in their later years?

thanks everyone!!

Ps. I also want to stress the fact that i am very much into seeing how he is and realizing that he is older. I make sure he stays healthy by not working him extremly hard, but at the same time keeping him fit.

Answer 1

Hi 10 years ago I took on a 23 year old from a riding school that was closing down and initially he was just like a young horse with experience! However I had to retire him 5 years ago due to melanomas, but he's still going and if you'd have seen him cantering up and down the field with they other horses the other day you still would say he's young at heart.

However most people are not prepared to have a horse they can't ride which is why people avoid buying older horses. Which is a shame, but unfortunately it the selfish way we OWN horses, buying what we want when we want it and getting rid of it when we want something better, without even thinking about where it'll end up. It's not the way we treat our dogs, cats or any other pet so why should it be any different with horses? Yes they're expensive but we all know that when we first buy them!

Answer 2

The best horse, well she was a pony, I ever rode was a share who was 23, she was fantastic, entirely bolt proof and would go over any jump you pointed her at, she got me several rosettes. I also knew a horse who was nearing his 40's and still being ridden occasionally by littleys.

They older ones are the more reliable ones, a lot of the horses in big competitions ridden by well known riders are often well into their teens, as they will have experienced most things, seen it all, done it, not bothered by it!

If the horse is still healthy and willing, there's no reason it can't be ridden into its 20s and 30s. They do develop things like arthritis but that can all be kept under control with careful riding. And there's no reason why an older horse should be skinny either!

This was the 23 year old, I lost contact with her owner sadly, she would be well into her 30s by now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/catxx/21435...

And this beastie is 32! (not mine and not me!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/S...

Answer 3

I think that if the horse has managed 20 years without developing serious joint problems or other use-related issues, then it says something about that animal's quality.  I own a 21 and a 22 year old.  Neither one has a joint issue.  They go barefoot and their hooves hold up to anything.  Both worked hard their whole lives, and both are flexible, strong and capable.  I've seen 5 year olds with joint and hoof problems that these two don't have.  They are out 24/7, never blanketed, and as healthy as can be.  They are perfect for me, and for the rest of my family including grandchildren.

Anyone would be lucky to get one of my two as a first horse, but they'd have to keep looking because my two are not for sale!!!!!!!

So, if you found a 20 year old horse that isn't already broken down, then there's a good chance it won't break down now.  I would definitely buy a 20 year old as a first horse....they usually cost less, have better sense, and if they are in good condition, they can perform well. I believe that managing the diet of an older horse is a big part of maintaining their health, but we should be doing that for horses at any age.

Answer 4

I think people judge them too. Okay, I started out riding a 5 year old gelding. It would've been easier if I started riding an older horse. Older horses are much easier to ride. So I do like them. But since they're older, you probably won't have them as long as you'd like to.  

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with a 20 year old horse...I had a warmblood who i loved dearly who was 20 plus when i got him...The best horse i have ever owned, i will never find another like him.    

Answer 6

It entirely depends on the horse sometimes. I've ridden a 19 year old and he was getting old and slow. But this other pony was around 23 and it was actually hard to get her under control because of her energy. If your looking for a long time riding partner, then a 20 year old isn't for you, because you can get around a 5 year old and have up to 16 years plus.

Answer 7

Where I take lessons all of the advanced schooling horses are in there 20's some even in there 30's now for jumping it is a different story there are 10-19 years old but, still!My fav horse there,Nacho is 24!

Answer 8

I would say that if a 20 year old horse is healthy and fit just like an 8 year old, I would probably buy a 20 year old as a first horse. I don't think anybody judges a horse by how old it is but how well it can do. I don't think people turn away from 20 year old horses without seeing its potential. I would look at a 20 year old if he sounds healthy and happy. I would probably think that appies could be ridden into their later years if they are healthy and not worked too hard.

Answer 9

old horses are the best!! unless they are boring and dead-headed :P

but my first horse  was a 24 yr old arabian & we got her and her saddle and everything for like 500 dollars :D

old horses teach you a lot ! they know all the tricks to getting away with stuff :) they know how far they can go with stuff and everything:)

i still have her and she is 26 now but she is the best horse ever :)

she taught me how to post,canter,gallop,ride bareback :)

she trail rides, shows some & loves cantering :)

but the only problem we had with her was she lost weight and turned into a rack of bones before we knew it! but she gained most of her weight back and now she is probably at a healthy weight for her age.

Answer 10

I totally agree with you. I ride an 18 year old horse and he's wonderful. We do walk trot and canter and just starting small jumps (small because of me not him!)

if i were looking to buy a horse I would definitely consider an older horse because they have the experience of a few years and are pretty set in their ways. so you sort of know what exactly what you're getting. I think a 20 year old horse is perfect for a first horse.  

Answer 11

older horses are usually better to get when its your first horse but if it isn't i would get a younger horse so you can do more

Answer 12

Many horses are still sound at 20 and 8 or 10 years ago a 30 year (that's right thirty) old half arab won a national 50 mile endurance race.

Now, that said, there is a problem with 20 year old horses you need to be aware of.  And that is that many horses (when they were heavily used it was virtually all horses) are too old to do much by that time.  What happens to any people who buy horses in that age bracket is that they have a few good years of riding (often only 1 or 2) and then suddenly they have a sick or decrepit horse or are spending so much on vet bills to keep the horse sound that they have trouble affording to keep it.

I typically recommend 8 to 12 year olds for first horses.  However in some circumstances I have recommended people buy older horses like that.

As far as how many years you have left on your appy...it is hard to say.  Horses do not age like people.  They maintain a certain level of health for an extended time (years) and then tend to age very rapidly once they begin to decline.

Answer 13

Well does the horse have any problems cause if not then it is fine?

Answer 14

For my first horse, totally. :] I've ridden older horses before, I say, why not?

I think for a first horse, an older horse with experience VS. a younger horse with a bit of experience. I'd choose the older one any day.

Answer 15

We have a 19year old gelding that is a great horse.  As long as the horse isn't used hard as a youngster and is sound, there is no reason not to buy an older horse.  The oldest horse I ever took care of (at the boarding stable I managed) was 36 when he was put down.  And he had been ridden til he was almost thirty (he was a wonderful black TB).  A horse can be well used and useful for decades when well cared for.  I plan for my 2 year old gelding to live a very long life, as far as I can make it happen.  He will get the best care I can afford, and will not be pushed harder than he should be to perform.

Answer 16

I not only considered it, I did it.  I had a chance at a 20 y/o Foundation Appaloosa stallion and bought him.  He was a wonderful horse.  Gentle around people and kids, wonderful to ride, would go after the unfortunate dog that entered his pen.

He produced some gorgeous foals including state and national champions.  He died at 32.  I miss him.  Van Horn Waggoner F1700

Answer 17

You can't rule out the young ones; you can't rule out the old ones.

When I first started taking lessons ago a while back, I rode mostly horses over the ages of 25 to 30. I remember one horse was 32 and had so much spunk! He had spunk but would never use it to be harmful to the rider. He had a lot of go and personality which made him fun to ride. I would go for it! Having older horses is fantastic. I have a 26 year old standardbred, who has a lot of spunk yet would never purposely hurt a rider.

Appaloosas have been known to live to be into more their ancient years..that is true. Same for welshes and arabians. You can never predict a horse's age though. You cannot be guaranteed that a 20 year old horse with live 1 more year, 5 more years, or 10 more years. You'll just have to wait and see.

Answer 18

People don't want to ride 20 year olds because they could possibly have a problem with them.  However, any horse is possible of having issues with it, no matter what the age.  A 20 year old would be great for a begginner, but people want something that has more that 5-10 years left on it (because they will most likly not be able to be riden very hard later on).

Answer 19

my horse is 20 too!

people completely underestimate him!

he has the energy and spirit of a 5 year old... but has 4x the experience!

people at shows don't really judge him by his age at shows because he used to be my trainers show jumping horse so he has a little bit of a reputation... they just can't believe hes back on the show circut!

a horse... no matter what their age... has potential i think!

also... older horses usually are calmer and have great temperments... so i think they're perfect for beginners!