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Whats the average life span of a horse2007-11-24 21:22:38

I ask this as my step-daughter has a horse (which I think is around 21 years old) and I know she will be devasted when it finally goes to meet its maker. It is very well looked after and hasn't got or hasn't had any major problems with illness whilst we've had it. It has plenty of space in a field, plenty to eat and is stabled at night, or in bad weather.

Answers:

Many folks make the mistake of assuming a horse into his teens and beyond has passed his useful life. Not so. In fact, the elders are often the steadiest and most reliable mounts. It is, however, important to moderate the workload and take all necessary measures to insure the continuing health and comfort of the aged equine.

All of us know of the 40-year-old horse or pony, and with genetic luck and very good care, your horse may also live into his forties. Whether or not your horse will live this long depends on genetics, good home and veterinary care, and a dollop of luck. We generally find that horses begin to show signs of aging in their mid-teens. If they were living in the wild, poor dentition alone would probably lead to a natural lifespan of 12 to 18 years 鈥?not withstanding predators and other mishaps. What can you expect for your horse? If we assume that your horse does not suffer a catastrophic event, such as colic or fractured bones, it is reasonable to expect that your horse will live into his twenties, and many will reach their thirties. Good dental and other veterinary care, good nutrition, and regular exercise, will help your horse to live as long and healthy a life as possible.

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the average horse has an expectancy of 25 to 30 years

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21 is a very good age for a horse to still be alive, so prepare your step-daughter, it wont live too much longer, I estimate ~2 years.

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An average horse can live into its 30's but it should NOT be rode hard by the time it turns 25

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The "official" average is 25...but I've known lots of horses that made it to 30...and some ponies get close to 40. My eldest is 24 and he has always been healthy but was diagnosed with Cushing's last year and they usually founder from that so I'll have to let him go when he does...OMG, answering this just brought a tear to my eye. NEXT!

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I believe its like 9 years. can not be so old like dogs. The smaller the animal, the longer they live.

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Usually 20-30 years, though I know of one horse that lived to 35 in good health. It was a Tennessee Walking Horse, which is a breed known for long life span.

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the average is 20-30's but my old boy went on until he was 37 yrs old. and being ridden very lightly until he was 30ish. its better to keep them in work for as long as poss so they keep their joints mobile. he may start to drop weight and so will maybe need additional foods but apart from that just spoil him rotten in his last years!! they are brill older, so set in their ways!!