Would anyone buy a perfectly sound 34 year old horse?

Question

I have a sound, barrel racing, huntseat, lesson, trail arabian mare. she is sweet and loves people. she has no health problems. and was shown last year, always in ribbons and has alot of spunk. she even came out reserve champ. in barrels at the local fair (youth 12 and under)
just wondering!
o and how much would you pay?

I was just wondering, i dont want to sell her. im just tierd of ppl calling her a worthless piece of crap. she looks great and i love her and i really just wanted opinions on what others thought about buying old horses.

AND IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEAN TO SAY, LIKE DOG FOOD, DONT!

Answer 1

If she's still doing all that, I would definitely buy her! She's sounds fabulous! Depending on how much she's won, I'd probably go for about $800-$1500 for her. There may be people not willing to pay that for her, but if she's in as good condition as she sounds, she's worth it.

Answer 2

To answer your question for myself, personally- no, I would not buy a horse that old. The reason is that the typical horses lifespan is currently about 30 years or so if they have had consistent and proper care throughout their lives. While there are cases of horses living beyond the typical lifespan it is generally viewed as risky to buy an older horse because the perception is that an older horse will require specialized care and will not live very long. For many people a horse is a large investment and they do not want to be left holding the bag when the horse passes away.

It's wonderful that your horse has lived so long- you are obviously doing things right. She does not sound worthless from what you described. She sounds like a great horse quite frankly and you have the ribbons to prove it so I would just ignore the naysayers.

Answer 3

I really think the people posting answers are writing what YOU want to hear and not the whole truth. The average life expectancy of a horse is less than 30. Yes, many horses live beyond 30 and are in pretty good health, but more have died before that age.
Your little Arab, God bless her, is well over the average and she may live on for another 5-6 years if all goes well. But just think about it for a moment. How many people out there would really invest in a horse that has already surpassed her life expectancy. A horse that could have a heart attack 2 hrs from now or 2 days from now. She is old. You can not put a price on her as to a stranger she is worth very little if anything but to you, she should be worth her weight in gold. Not only that, she would be heart-broken to have to change at her stage in her life.
Love her, tote on her and I hope she is around for a few more years.
My first one passed at 29, her son at 20. Yours is doing well.

Answer 4

I don't like using older horses for a few reasons. They are dead broke, which some people love, and don't have any surprises or unexpected actions. They also take a little more care because of joints and extra supplements. Don't get me wrong, I would not mind having to do that at all, but it's a little extra money that I can save. If they do happen to have any bad habits, it's harder to break them of it. They move a little slower. I like having my horse as ready as I am and would rather them walk around a trot than a slow walk. My first horse was a 4 year old, so I've also been used younger horses. I think it's better to start with an older horse, but if you know what your doing, it's more fun to start with a broke young horse. If I was going to buy a 34 year old horse, I'm sorry but I wouldn't pay much for her. I paid $2,000 for my 4 year old, so around $500 to (possibly) $1,000 depending on how lively, flexible, and willing she is.

Answer 5

Ignore those people who say such a mean thing about your horse. I have had 2 senior (29 and 36) horses and have never heard such comments.

Most folks that met mine were impressed at how healthy they still are/were. So your answer to them is that you have done a GREAT job taking care of this horse to help her to live so long and so well.

A horse that age doesn't have a lot of resale value since they are living on borrowed time, but a lot has to do with the potential buyer and how much they like the horse. I always recommend older horses for green riders, they are very undervalued in my opinion because they offer a higher degree of safety and reliability.

Green-on-green = black and blue!

Answer 6

I wouldn't but that's because young horses (4-7) are my specialty. But at my barn, a 36 y/o TB just got sold to a riding school, and the people paid a good deal of money for him. If your horse is quiet (I think by 30 most horses are) then consider leasing her out to a stable that needs schooling horses, or selling her to a family with a young kid who needs a calm horse.

As for price, I'd say probably not over $4000.

Answer 7

She sounds great and I think that you should keep her for yourself. Maybe you could win yourself some ribbons or give lessons to younger kids.. Or even possibly see if local rescues are looking for horses.

Answer 8

How long have you had her and why would you want to sell her. Sounds like you have a terrific mare. Are ya sure she is 34 years old with all that energy. My goodness, I think you should keep the old girl. Please keep her. If I could have a horse I would buy her.

Answer 9

At that age you would need to give it away doesnt mater her showing exp.what hurts is the age or you would need to donate her to places that takes horses or feed lease her out.

Answer 10

well i might if my parents would allow me to,she sonds great exsept i dont think i would run the risk of buying a older horse.i would problaby pay about $900-1,700