When Do You Stop?

[Ferrah]

I got some flak today from some horse people for riding my Arab/QH mare. Ferrah is about 23 years old, she's fat, sassy and healthy.

I ride Ferrah everyday except Mondays and sometimes Sundays. Up until last year we competed in hunters and dressage. Now I have retired her from the show ring and she is just my trail buddy.

I thought, up until this point that riding her was ok. I take her out on the trails, we walk and jog mostly, and if Ferrah is in high spirits (which is always!) we go for a run. Sometimes Ferrah is so hyped up and excited she comes back pretty hot, but I always cool her out really carefully.

Ferrah has a reputation for being hyper, neurotic and spooky, and no one at the barn likes to deal with her. (except for the barn manager who calls her a sensitive soul) I love Ferrah and I can ride and do things with her that no one else can, we just...understand each other.

Anyway, a lady I quite respect at the barn started giving me trouble about riding her saying that it wasn't fair to Ferrah to be riding her. She started lecturing me on how that horse has done so much for me (which she has) and I should return the favor and just give her a quiet retirement.

This really hurt my feelings and I did not know what to think. I have started dreading going to the barn now. I can't take all the drama that happens down there! I just want to ride and have time with my horse while she is still here.

Am I not doing Ferrah any favors by riding her? When do I decide that riding is too much for her? How do I keep the other boarders from thinking I abuse my horse? I really don't know what to do anymore.

I wish I could pack Ferrah up and move her home.

 

[MagicTheMini]

My arab gelding is almost 21 and I still ride him. I haven't even considered retiring him from either riding or the show ring. We had one mare (arab/QH) at the barn where we used to board our horses that is now 37. She stopped doing lessons about 2 or 3 years ago. She stopped cantering in lessons about 3-4 years ago. Her "pasture" mate is a 35 y.o. appy mare who stopped doing lessons about 2 years ago. She had to stop because she went totally blind (she was blind in one eye since she was 10). Both mares are registered so we do know their ages. As long as you are aware that your mare may be getting old I don't think you will push her too far. You just have to listen to her carefully and make sure you listen to her body. Her body will probably not last as long as her spirit. I think you two will have many more years of riding left together. I know I hope to with my boy. As for the lady at your barn I don't know. Maybe just let her know that you are aware of your mare's age and you are watching her to make sure she is doing well. Have fun riding! L

Oh and I think it is important for her to keep being ridden as long as she is able to. It is wise to keep the older ones in shape. Just make sure you are aware of how her body is handling the work.

 

[nootka]

I think if she's feeling healthy, and you are in tune with her needs and signals, you will know when it's time to stop.

I don't see anything wrong with her being ridden.

You would know if she's in pain or discomfort and anyone else can take a flying hike at the moon.

Maybe they don't know any better, but young horses are not the only ones that can be productive.

Please don't overly worry about this, just keep enjoying your girl and loving her. You WILL know when it's time to cut back or stop for whatever reason.

Liz M.

 

[Jenn]

Riding her and keeping her fit is probably keeping her happy and healthy!

My gelding, whom I put down at age 29, was ridden pretty regularly and extensively until he was 26 or so. At some of the dude ranches I've worked at, horses were in regular rotation well into their twenties. I remember two old boys who were 29 and 31 and used for little kids and also for pulling a light wagon. They got special senior feed but other than that, they were fine. I think they finally went around the bend at ages 31 and 33, respectively.

 

[Warpony]

If your mare is happy, healthy, sound and enjoys her work.... then keep riding her. A lot of horses DO enjoy their work and when you stop riding them they lose their will to live. I've seen it plenty of times.

You know your horse, just be honest with yourself about how well she is really doing, don;t be blinded to her age and health. If you are honest with yourself about how she is REALLY doing, and she actually is doing well, then keep on doing what you both sound like you enjoy very much... and tell that person that you thank her for her advice and concern but your horse seems to enjoy work and you think it is important for her health to keep her fit so you will keep on riding her and they can kindly keep their opinion to themselves.

That is what I would do.

And what ever you do, don;t let the drama at the barn stop you from enjoying your time with your horse. Stories like this make me so glad I can keep my little guy right here at home.

 

[jacks'thunder]

I'm in agreemenet with the others! As long as she can and is healthy and enjoys it. Have fun with her! Just pay attention to her signs and stop when the time calls for it. You know her well enough, follow your instincs!

:

As for the drama at the barn..... well very common from what I've experanced! Nosy, catty, people who butt in to your business for no reason! YUCK!!! Not saying all are bad, I've met some very nice people at boarding barns but mostly I went when no one was there! Just keep strong and don't let them get you down! DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA!!!! It's at every barn I've been to or worked at! LOL!!!

:

Leya

 

[whiskeyranch]

My daughters horse is around 23. Last year she became blind in one eye. So we just made adjustments when riding. No one (other horses) on the blind side etc. Now she is losing sight in her good eye, so my daughter only rides around the yard with her occasionally.

I think it actually makes her sad. She loved for my daughter to take her for a ride. She has lost some of her spirit. We now have a difficult time keeping weight on her. She used to always be fat and sassy.

As long as your horse still loves it, you owe it to her to do what makes her happy. You owe the PEOPLE with the big negative mouths NOTHING.

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

You will know when she is ready for less riding and even those retired love to go for a spin every now and then be it in the arena, pasture or a trail.

Heck we had a school horse who was ridden daily at age 27 and shown to and let me tell you he would get to those shows and just LOVE it he would spark up and he looked years younger. He would only do a couple of flat classes and hunter hack but he would clear those fences with room to spare and you could see in his eyes he was remembering his younger days and glory!

 

[Just Us N Texas]

For what it's worth, I know that a lot of TB farms exercise their stallions several times a week by riding them. That goes for the retired as well as the breeding stallions. Keeps them in shape and happier.

Ride her as long as she enjoys it. We lost a 27 year old last month, and he had been a show horse, a fun horse, and was retired as a riding for the handicapped horse about 2-3 years ago. He let us know when it was time, he just quit going. Said the kids were nice, but he was really tired, and just wouldn't go. We knew then it was time. He was quite a horse, he was born in a college, and had been to college with my youngest daughter and was used in college competition. He was arthritic somewhat at the end of his handicapped riding career, and afterward, was just turned out to pasture to enjoy himself. He was fed every day, as his teeth had gone completely bad, and beet pulp was added good and juicy so he could also suck up the juices. We saved a part of his tail in a baggie, and will always have it to look at and remember!

 

[stormy]

My quarter horse was heartbroken when I had to stop riding him due to advanced Navicular disease. You could see how much he missed going out for adventures in the woods. We also used to have a great big gaited horse in 4H who was teaching beginners about jumping into his early thirties, was used in a handicapp riding program into his late thirties and finally retired around his 40th birthday. We had a Hackney pony recieve an award at fair one year for twenty years of participation in the 4H riding program also. Listen to your heart not someone else's opinion.

 

[Marty]

They all age differently. We had one quarter horse mare that was given to Daniel that completely fell apart by 19 and we had to pull her from all riding and showing. By the time she was brought to even a local show just 20 miles away, she was exhausted from the ride in the trailer. And at home, by the time she was saddled and just walked around the riding ring to "loosen up" for about 15 minutes, she was done. Sometimes there are older horses that just cannot "condition up" no matter what feed/supplement or any program they are on. When they are done, they are done. This does not sound like your beloved Ferrah at all.

I agree with everyone else, I think you are doing fine. I think you will know and Ferrah will let you know when it's time to stop riding her. Some older horses seem to stay in much better shape by staying ridden and thrive on it and that is what keeps them motivated and their minds in good shape. Ferrah seems like one of those. Michael rode Classic Action until he was 32 years old. He died at 33 from a freak accident. Dan rode his pony Frosty until he was also around 33 and grew too big for him. Frosty passed at 36.

I would highly suggest to you that you do have her on some sort of artheritis supplement, a good one, because even if you don't hear creaking and snapping or popping, she does need it at her age. Just because I don't go limping around, does not mean that my bones aren't sore. Get the idea?

And then be wise about choosing what days to ride her now. Don't be unreasonable about it. Don't go riding if it's freezing out there, or in any bad weather conditions where she may loose her footing and slip. And same goes for summer on those really hot days. Just use your common horse sense. You're good to go. ((( )))

 

[Diana]

You should not stop riding and enjoying your horse. I'm sure that if she doesn't see you on a regular bases that she will think that you have given up on her. It sounds like she still wants to go out and enjoy a afternoon ride with you. If she is sound then go for it and ejoy.

 

[FoRebel]

I rode my arab mare up until about 6 months before she crossed and she was 27. She had the energy of a 4 year old too. I think you just need to listen to your mare. She'll tell you when it's time to stop. As long as your girl is healthy there shouldn't be a problem with you riding her!

As for the lady at the barn... Been there, done that with the boarding barns. The boarding barns are very political.... That's why I love having the horses out the back door. I would just tell the lady that made the comment about you riding your mare with her age that as long as your mare is happy and healthy you are going to continue riding her. Tell her that you also aren't pushing her to perform. That may get her to shut her mouth about the situation.

 

[Reble]

Sounds like you and your horse have connected, she will tell you when she cannot take you riding any more.

I had Reble which was our first Quarter / Arab, from 10 years old till 26 years old. He went to a handicap gentleman that just wanted to ride occasionally. Enjoyed just to groom and have someone to talk with. I was learning and was trying to get him to side step. There was a Lady at the barn ( Trainer ), that said that horse is not listening very well, can I get up and try with him. I said go ahead, she got up started to try to get him to side step, he would not listen at all, got worse, when she went to step off he would not let her down. Finally she got off and said get rid of that gelding he is going to hurt someone, he is ready to explode.

We taught him to knell so I could get up on him and broke him to drive.

My children ages 1 year old and up was up on him and he was always a gentle giant. Reble was 15.3 hands.

Well thank goodness I did not listen to a trainer that had no connection with horses. He became our babysitter horse, took Santa 3 years in a row right inside the mall with everything happening around him and was the best horse who taught us everything he knew.... He knew what I was thinking and I knew what he was thinking best of friends, and at 26 we gave him to a handicab gentleman.

Reble was still not ready to have his day just in pasture, they are happy working than standing doing nothing, as long as they are still in good health.....

You will know when to stop, she will tell you.

:

 

[Sterling]

My old equine companion appy was 29 when I had to put him down. Up until then he'd get seen regularly by my vet and she always told me that as long as he's healthy and happy, keep doing what you're doing. Evidently the riding, trail riding, and shows kept him upbeat and "young". Just to be in the hub bub of things made him shine. Of course there were things we did differently and I adjusted to meet his needs, but taking care of an Equine Senior is just part of that comaraderie that comes with owning a horse that has given his all for you thru the years. He'll let you know when he's ready to slow down. And from what you say you are very in tune to her needs, so I'm sure you will do just fine.

Don't let what others say sway you from enjoying the best years of your horse's life...that companionship and bond that you have. Some people don't know what else to say when they feel a spark of resentment at your relationship. They see you're content and happy...some people don't like to see others like that. Evidently you have a nice little mare that has many miles yet to go before she's retired. Happy Trails! :saludando:

 

[Danielle_E.]

As far as I am concerned 23 is not that old. Yes they are in their senior years but I have a 30 year old arabian mare who has a 4 year old little girl who loves to go for a "walk" on this mare's back. I believe horses are like people. It's like a person who goes into retirement and doesn't do anything at all, well they age VERY quickly but the person who is active in his/her senior years, lives a richer and fuller life and has better health. Keep riding your horse, she is sound and healthy and you are helping live longer by keeping her active :aktion033:

 

[runamuk]

One of the first horses I took lessons on, was a 26 yr old flea bitten grey q-horse mare who still competed and had set speed records at age 25. I knew an Arab stallion who was ridden up to age 30 and he looked great and was in fabulous health. My first horse (not pony) was 22 when I got her and she lived to hit the trails which we did daily and when I sold her she went to a 4h'er who needed a good solid horse with a bit more challenge than her pony. I know of several other horses who were ridden well into their late 20's and for some reason most of the ones ridden regularly had fewer health/weight/age related problems.

She will let you know when she is ready to retire but I bet it won't be for alot of years yet

: those arabs frequently live well into their 30's

 

[miniapp]

There is nothing wrong with riding your mare at that age... my dear old mare Pokie was still giving light lessons at 23 years old and actually went to a show and WON her pleasure class with a child at 24! Your "respected" person needs an attitude adjustment..

: Our older horses are like our senior citizens, if they are physically and mentally fit, they don't want to be put out to pasture...

: they want a job. And horses, especially if they are USED to constant work and attention, really seem to go backwards if that all stops abruptly. I have had many, many horses stay fit and healthy WELL into their 20's.. and with all of todays advances in medicine and feed, I really feel that many of todays 20 year old horses are like horses in their teens. And look at the high profile Jumpers on the big circuits... many of THEM are well into their 20's.

:

I lost my love in January at age 32, she had been with me for 29 years. I miss her everyday... keep an eye on your mares overall health and mental state, adjust her feed if she needs it and keep on doing what you are doing. SHE will tell you when she has had enough...

:

Give her a hug from me... ok?

Suzy Hooper

Show Horses by Suzy

Fresno, CA

 

[Casnos Minis]

[SIZE=14pt] I say as long as she is healthy, happy and is able to be ridden, RIDE!!!!! I rode a horse up until he was 38, we tried to give him a retirement, but he was miserable. I used him at Gymkanas, he loved it. I know alot of people that ride older horses, my cousin take lessons on a 23 year old. As long as they don't have any pressing health issues you need to do what makes them happy. If that means you ride them, then that's what you do, until you feel it's time not to. [/SIZE]

We are looking at my daughter's lesson horse ans she's 17 now, Cassidy will get 3 years on her by then my son will have taken her over. He'll ride her for a while then we'll see what happens. Just tell the woman thanks for your concern, but my vet and I both agree that she's not ready to be retired yet. You'll know whne the time comes trust me.

Good Luck,

Christy

 

[twister]

:saludando: I agree with the others, keep riding her she will let you know when she wants to stop. I lost Shelley my palomino qh/tb cross 2 years ago at the age of 36 and I rode her into her 30's, we didn't do any great distance at that age but she loved to go for a trail ride and I would put my grandchildren on her and know she could be trusted to just plod around with them. Your girl sounds like she has lots of get up and go left in her, I hope you can continue for many more years. :bgrin

Yvonne