I don't want an old horse . . .

[MeredithW]

So, I am getting a horse next year, or the year after, and I have never owned a horse before, but I have worked with and rode horses all my life. My mom says we have to get an old horse, no younger than 20 . . . but I don't want to because I don't really like old horses. If I'm not really a super good rider, but I can trot pretty well, and canter OK, what age for a horse would a good idea be for me? I'm looking for a Norwegian Fjord, because I've heard that they are naturally calm and gentle . . . . but I am also going to ask my riding teacher about the horse because she is really good with horses and knows me well.

I hope someone has some good advice, because I really don't want to get an old horse. I want a horse who is with me most of my life, and who won't go lame a year after I get him, and who won't die suddenly one day. I want a horse who I can bond with, and who I can ride freely for years and years.

Thanks for any info anyone has!

 

[Free Feather]

When you say that you do not really like old horses, do you mean that you do not want to start with an old horse, or that you do not like horses when they get to a certain age? I do not think you should get a horse if the latter is the case.

 

[res]

20 is NOT old... My 31 yr old Arab is still being ridden/competed by my daughter. My 39 yr old Morgan X is also still being ridden, and will start competing this fall with my youngest son aboard. My youngest Arab, at 10 years old, is now where near ready for a beginner rider!

Old horses are PRICELESS for beginners. They generally have a "been there-done that" attitude and are unfazed by many beginner mistakes that could be a disaster on a younger less seasoned horse.

I agree with your Mom that an "old" horse is a great place to start.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

I hope someone has some good advice, because I really don't want to get an old horse. I want a horse who is with me most of my life, and who won't go lame a year after I get him, and who won't die suddenly one day. I want a horse who I can bond with, and who I can ride freely for years and years.

I understand your line of reasoning, but 20-year horses can have a long life ahead of them, and sometimes young horses have health issues too. Old horses are nice because they're already trained and such.

Norwegian fjords are very neat-looking, I have never seen one in real life though. Are they rare?

 

[cassie]

I think anything over 15 is fine. Personally, I think 20 is pushing it. Depends a lot on the horse though. My drafters didn't make it to 25 but my Morgan mare died at 33 and she was in good shape until then.

 

[MeredithW]

When you say that you do not really like old horses, do you mean that you do not want to start with an old horse, or that you do not like horses when they get to a certain age? I do not think you should get a horse if the latter is the case.

That is not the case. I have been riding a 27 year old horse, and I love him dearly! I'm only worried that if I get a really old horse like my mom wants, he will get lame, or die suddenly, or have many heath issues. I dearly love old horses!

 

[MeredithW]

I think anything over 15 is fine. Personally, I think 20 is pushing it. Depends a lot on the horse though. My drafters didn't make it to 25 but my Morgan mare died at 33 and she was in good shape until then.

That's what I was thinking too.

 

[MeredithW]

I understand your line of reasoning, but 20-year horses can have a long life ahead of them, and sometimes young horses have health issues too. Old horses are nice because they're already trained and such.

Norwegian fjords are very neat-looking, I have never seen one in real life though. Are they rare?

Hmmm... okay

Yes, Norwegian Fjords are amazing! They are sort of rare, I've only seen one once in my life . . . . but there are many for sale in my area.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

I hope you're happy with whatever horse you get!

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

15 is a pretty sweet spot to me. The horses I've had over my life seem to calm down by then and they've been around the block so to speak, but you still have plenty of time with them. We got a 15 year old horse about 15 years ago and he was a retired trail horse. He was the most awesome guy during his riding days, and he has been sound his entire life. He's still kicking but has been dropping weight and we will probably have to euthanize him before the winter. However, he has had a great life with us!

A better recommendation I can think of is have your trainer work with you to find a good horse. Don't buy a horse just because it is cheap or pretty. Any breed or color can be a good horse. Horse shopping can be really difficult sometimes and even super frustrating. But spending a good amount of time trying horses and deciding on one that works perfect for you will be less disappointing in the end.