Older Horse Question

[Kismet_Kisstme]

I rescued an older saddlebred (late teens early twenties) about a year ago and he's a joy to ride and is healthy as, well, a horse. My question is would he be considered too old to show at an open show in the country pleasure divisions? The open saddleseat classes in my area are always small (less than six riders), and it would be more for fun and experience. Please, let me know what you guys think of a senior in the showring :)

[attafox]

If he wants to and you want to, :clap: :clap: :clap:

[janders]

Definitely go for it! Many ASB's are still showing into their 20's, in the 'less strenuous' divisions. As long as he's healthy and happy, you'll have a blast.

[cj30080]

I showed my ASB until he was 18 years old in country pleasure, hunter pleasure and western pleasure. Then I "retired" him from saddleseat and started dressage. He showed until his middle 20s in dressage - 2nd level. He also learned to jump during this time period.

[mlinky]

If he is healthy and happy to do it, why not? Just like people in retirement, some don't mind hanging in the pasture all day, but others like having a job.

[chelseab2005]

Many of our ASB's show into their mid twenties or older. I'm sure there are other people on this board who remember a lesson horse or some other show horse (I know Ginny Beth showed Mr. P last year) who has shown as an old timer. Many of our show horses enjoy showing so much that they don't care how old they get. It's who they are and the two of you are willing, go for it.

[Daisygirl]

There's no reason to not show an older horse. I think it keeps them young!

Some things to consider though... Weather. If it's hot, it's going to be hard on him. Distance. A long trip in the trailer, especially if it's hot, will be stressful on him. Footing. A ring with bad footing (hard, lumpy) will not be kind to an aging horse. Does he travel well? Some horses "stress" when they leave home and don't travel well. Something to consider if he's older.

So pamper your baby, and have fun showing him!

[chmrperfection]

Many of our ASB's show into their mid twenties or older. I'm sure there are other people on this board who remember a lesson horse or some other show horse (I know Ginny Beth showed Mr. P last year) who has shown as an old timer. Many of our show horses enjoy showing so much that they don't care how old they get. It's who they are and the two of you are willing, go for it.

Hey! Yes, I did show CH Champagne's Mr. Perfection in Western Country Pleasure at one of our smaller shows here in Texas last fall, and probably will again this fall. "Mr. P" as he is affectionately known to most of us was 23 when I showed him last year- and he had a blast! He snorted and flagged his tail and bucked in the warm up ring and refused to flat walk in the show ring. He was still all five-gaited show horse, and has many years of life left to him. I had a great time, and the best part of showing him for me was seeing him so vibrant and full of life, and truly enjoying being a part of a horse show again. For all intents and purposes, he is retired, and goes outside in a pasture in the daytime with his quarter horse friends, and sleeps inside in a cozy barn at night, and we spend most of our riding time on leisurely trail rides through the park and the woods near the barn.

I am a big proponent of lightly showing the more senior horses. As long as they are healthy, they seem to enjoy the attention. They still have lots left to teach us, and it can be pleasant to show a seasoned campaigner that you don't have to worry about being stupid or silly in the ring. Just be aware that some of the more older citizens might need a little bute or something else similar to ease the stress and stiffness associated with travelling and showing. Check your show rules; I know there is a specific procedure thru USEF for showing with bute.

All the best with your older boy.

Sincerely,
Ginny Beth and Mr. P

[3kidsandahorse]

My daughter has been showing in novice rider all year. She has been beaten several times this year by a horse who's over 20. This older horse could show successfully in most pleasure divisions at our local show.

Make sure you get him in shape gradually. Some people try to pull a horse out of the field, clean them up (maybe) and take them to a show. If he's not already in regular work, start at least a month before the show. Do long, slow work to get him built up.

Let us know how you do if you decide to show him!

[serena]

I just received a postcard from ASHA that my 5 gaited horse is 2 points away from her CH status... trust me... I've been tempted to show her! She's 23, but she doesn't look or feel it!
Have fun with your "seasoned" fella... they are a joy

[Kismet_Kisstme]

Thanks for all of your answers!

We probably wouldn't go to any shows until next season since he does need conditioning, and I need lessons since I'm actually a hunt rider who just happened to have fallen in love with the big ole saddleseat dope :wub: (so I'll probably be back to this forum a lot for more help).

Thanks again!

[tj15]

i agree with mlinky- if he's healthy and happy, why not!!!!!

[saddlebredcrazy!!]

i would definatinley do it! :tongue_smilie: