My horse is 26yrs Thoroughbred used to showjump for a living. She is always full of it, would it be wise to jump her dure to her age? She is a fit horse and constantly has energy i just thought this could be a ideal way to keep her fit and allow her to enjoy her last years?
2006-12-05 19:46:58 · 13 answers · asked by andyc2069 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Would she be happy with low jumps? I think it would be fine, if she is still physically fit..but just go easy..and keep the jumps very low, and non stressing..and be aware of any holding back or indication of pain..I knew a mare named Goldenrod, who was in several magazines, for winning consistently at gymkhana at 28..so much would depend on her overall condition..
Her mental health is as important as her physical health right now..
2006-12-05 20:04:22 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well for one thing don't go out right away on 4ft fences. Because she is old she may have back problems. Jumping is a great way to keep your horse fit. Start of with some small crossrails. The make it up to small straight rails. After you have worked her up gradually to 2ft fences, I wouldn't go any higher than 2'6ft. You don't want to cause any unessecary stress on her. How do you primarily ride her now? Can she ride flat for an hour than jump for 15 mins? How long has it been since she was last jumped. can you feel the spunk in her stride? Does she want to jump? Mainly think about the fact if she is ready. You may be but give her time to do it.
I really hope this helps you. I have an aging horse that I jump pretty high too but he's only 22. So it's possible.
Good Luck
2006-12-06 11:35:08 · answer #2 · answered by Cowgirl8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she's not arthritic and still seems to enjoy the jumping, then there is no reason she cannot continue. I would keep the jumps low, and do alot of trot poles, etc to keep her in shape for it. I worked a 23 y.o. retired A-circuit hunter who I jumped because he loved it. We never did over 2 foot jumps, and we never jumped more than one "full course" (about 5-6 jumps in the arena). It was just enough to keep him fresh and enjoying his work without risking injury to him. We only jumped once a week, however we did trot poles, cavelliti, etc whenever we worked . His comfort level was closely monitored during the whole time to make sure that he wasn't uncomfortable, he had long warm ups and cool downs to keep his joints happy, and he was on a joint supplement to keep his body as happy as possible.
On a side note, I work with several therapy programs that have alot of older retired horses in their stables. Many of them jump with the same "restrictions" I described and enjoy it. We even have a 25 year old Lippazan cross that events and loves it. It's not about the age, but rather the condition of the horses physically and mentally.
2006-12-06 11:05:14 · answer #3 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is getting on in age to safely jump courses or do jumping gymnastics. If she is in great shape and sound I can see no reason to not add a few small jumps to her riding routine. Horses that made a career of jumping love to do so and she will probably be happier if allowed to jump every so often.
Discuss this with her vet.
I bought an old show jumper when he was 21 and going blind in one eye. (I was scared of where he was going to end up when the jumper barn started to disperse.) I only had him for 5 years but he was one of the best horses I have ever owned. I would jump him over small brush piles when we were out on trails and would add a few small jumps (2 -21/2') at the end of session in the ring or after a trail ride. Kept him lively and happy.
2006-12-06 07:28:19 · answer #4 · answered by smartgrrlz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should consult your vet. If he/she gives your horse the ok to continue jumping then you can, but I would keep the jumps low. Jumping can be a great way to keep her fit as long as she is still happy doing it. Also, if your horse has worked her whole life, you might want to consider giving her time off to just be a horse. I find that older horses do best when they are pasture kept with other horses, provided she has access to a shelter in the pasture or a stall at night. She would still require exercise to keep in shape, and you could continue to ride, but after all she has done for you, maybe it's time to do something nice for her.
2006-12-06 16:02:51 · answer #5 · answered by rockerchic821 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask her. i'm not being wise. after a few jumps, does she limp? is her breathing normal? you know her better than anybody. what does your vet think? maybe consider lowering the jumps if she's straining to get over them. i wouldn't try competing anymore though. many horses give up the will to live if they're taken from the "work" they love.
2006-12-06 11:08:57 · answer #6 · answered by Isis Is: HOPEFULL HOUNDS RESCUE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would excercise her but be careful not to over do it. You may want to call a vet and get their advice about how often or how high you could jump her
2006-12-06 19:38:04 · answer #7 · answered by STF11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its probably not the best chose to keep jumping cuz an old horses joints can lock up and cause sever Injuries. so my advice is you can keep riding just keep her on the trails and don't jump her.
I HOPE YOU HAVE FUN TRAIL RIDING!
2006-12-06 08:51:22 · answer #8 · answered by chickie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just make sure that you don't do really high stuff and make sure that she is in prime shape. Jumping her as long as it doesn't cause her pain would be great expecially if she likes to do it.
2006-12-06 12:47:22 · answer #9 · answered by college_cowgirl80 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, jumping will not be in her best interest. Jumping is for young fit horses and the injuries are high on jumpers
2006-12-06 03:55:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋