When Do You Stop?

[^T-bird89^]

Yes, it is not the horse's age but how well they age. We know several horses that are over 25 that are still ridden. Mine is 16 and people always think he is 4 due to his spirit...so it all depends on the horse. Our horse Ruby, who is 23, will prance on her own accord for whole ride sometimes- so as long as she is healthy it is fine. Thorn's dad was 39 years old and still kickin last i heard- of course that was only around the pasture but still!!! You're doing nothing wrong as long as she is not showing signs of pain or discomfort- it is good to keep riding them if possible because it helps them stay in shape and be healthier, so that they live longer. I would say keep it up!

 

[PaintedPromiseRanch]

so many good posts on this thread and all the great stories about the old ones, can't keep a dry eye! i will just say DITTO to all the great advice with one small addition - maybe this person whom you respect is jealous? perhaps she had an older horse that was not in as good a shape as yours... you can just look her in the eye and politely say "thank you for your concern, i respect your opinion and appreciate your willingness to share it with me" and leave it at that. my dad told me a long time ago, that i did not have to agree with him or even do what he said, but i did have to respect him enough to listen to what he had to say... so treat her with respect but do not live your life according to her advice, because in this case she is obviously wrong!

and you are so lucky, my mare is only 20 but was a roping horse before i got her and worked very hard in her younger years, her legs are already breaking down to the point where she is semi-retired, no more running or even trotting as she will come up lame every time. even her length of time walking is now restricted... so enjoy your mare while you can, just as everyone says pay attention to her and she will tell you if it is too much!