she's 20 years old but is in good health condition. i take really good care of her such as feeding her cleaning her stall and riding her. but my neighbors are always riding me, about me riding my own horse when they don't even ride theirs. they never groom their horse or give it treats. i think its cruel that they have a horse and the horse doesn't get any treatment what so ever. so should i ingore them and keep riding my horse or take what they say and quit riding my horse? only serious answers plz. thank you
2006-09-03 04:21:08 · 19 answers · asked by .Forever Young. 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Its so great that youre concerned enough about your horses wellbeing to post this question but yes it is most definately ok to ride your mare. Twenty is a healthy age to reach, but provided shes not in ill health and is happy in herself I see no reason not to ride her - obviously i wouldnt give her a similar work load to ten years ago - but she should be quite happy to do moderate to light work for you. An elder horse should also have a yearly check up from a vet - just to see everything is in good working order still. I have a seventeen year old mare that still jumps and wins competitions every sunday - she has no intention of slowing down in her old age!! To aid her along though I feed her garlic granules (healthy heart and breathing) and corron oil (keeps the digestive system flowing and gives a lovely shiney coat) in her feed. So long as your mare is happy and healthy - ride her away! She'll let you know when she wants to take retirement - the signs will be obvious - she'll be more slugish in herself etc - trust me you'llknow! In the meantime wishing ye both the best - as for the neighbours - sounds to me like they're jealous of your ability to love and care for your horse!
2006-09-03 08:30:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is wrong with riding a 20 year old horse in good shape? I am confused here. Tell them to shut up and mind their own business. Horses live up to 40 or 50. As far as their horse, are they badly neglecting their horse? If to the point that the horse isn't healthy I would call SPCA. Here in Texas you can get in serious trouble for mistreatment of horses, or any other animal for that matter. If your horse is health, ride it. They have a mental problem.
2006-09-03 11:27:35 · answer #2 · answered by celticwarrior7758 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family has horses. We had to put our old guy down a few years ago at 27, but we rode him (not vigorously) on trail rides and around the arena until he was 24. I think, as long as your horse isn't in pain, ride him as much as you want. Don't stress him out by riding for too long, but a 20 minute ride 5 days a week won't hurt, as long as your horse is sound. My horse is getting older (he's 20), and I will continue to ride him until he's not fit to do so. As it stands, he is in excellent condition for being 20. He gets lots of grain and vitamins and quality care, as I'm sure your horse does. I believe riding keeps your horse fit in old age, as long as your mindful of their limits, and give extra attention to any signs of lameness or uncomfort. Keep your horse fit, and you a happy rider! Go for a ride and don't listen to your nasty neighbors.
2006-09-03 11:29:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's okay to ride your horse, I used to ride a horse that was 24. We worked just as hard and the horses 15 years younger than him. (He's still jumping and doing x-country) He had no problems with it, neither should your horse unless it has health issues. If you're still unsure on if you should ride her or not, talk to your vet. Your neighbors should give their horse more attention, horses are heard animals and enjoy being around others.
2006-09-03 11:24:44 · answer #4 · answered by Desiree 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course you should keep riding her!!! Don't take what other people say into account, as long as your horse is happy and healthy, where's the harm? It's not like she's lame or something. Your horse would probably get confused if you suddenly stopped riding her anyways!!!
Happy riding !:)
2006-09-03 11:37:56 · answer #5 · answered by Kismet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh...geezz..of course it's okay to ride your 20 year old horse...if it's not then I'm in big trouble with my 28 year old mare. If you take care of your horse...especially worming every 30 day, feeding at least a 10% grain...good beding etc...heck yes...don't listen to these people (neighbors)
2006-09-03 11:24:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Horseluv: what a beautiful question. You obviously adore your horse and I have no doubt that she loves you too. Always do what your heart tells you to do, you and only you, will know when the time comes for the inevitable. Until that day, enjoy each other, she will look after you just as much as you look her. Be kind to her, be gentle with her - imagine it is your old grandad giving you a 'piggy-back' - don't strain her and I pray that you and her will have many more wonderful years together. Take plenty of photographs of her and make a journal of what she and you together get up to. It will brighten your heart when you are old and grey like me. Look after yourself and 'your best friend', take care and God Bless. Thank you for the wonderful question - it warmed my heart..............
2006-09-03 11:29:17 · answer #7 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
20 years old is not too old to ride at all. I had a maiden mare that I bred at 20 who had a perfectly healthy baby. They are actually at a fantastic age to be a horse for kids since they've seen everything and aren't high strung anymore. Don't listen to them at all! They don't know what they are talking about.
2006-09-03 11:24:25 · answer #8 · answered by smashley 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep on riding! It sound like your horse is in good condition and 20 years old is still fine to ride.
As long as you don't do 'anything stupid'.
Your neighbours are stupid. Don't listen to them if they can't even take care of their own horse.
This may seem odd but my mom once said :"If you can't take care of yourself, you can't take care of a animal"
2006-09-03 13:04:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your horse is healthy, not sway backed and seems to enjoy your company then go ahead. it probably reminds the horse of old times.
just go slow and it will be like a nice walk in the park for the horse.
I'm sure you are not to heavy for a horse, they are not exactly wimpy creatures. you sound like a wonderful animal owner:)))
2006-09-03 11:22:54 · answer #10 · answered by rooster2381 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋