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Would an older horse be better2007-11-24 21:23:28

Depending on how much money you are willing to spend and if you buy the horse from a someone reputable, the age range will be pretty large. I've seen 4 year olds that are dead broke, but I know from the years I used to compete (former barrel racer), That between 7 and 12 I felt my horses were in their prime.

With proper care, you can enjoy riding a horse who is 18-20. You just have to remember you can't go out their and run their legs off when they are out of shape. It takes longer to condition an older horse, but it is certainly not impossible.

Good luck to you. I have been around horses now for 25 years, and I never reqretted it.

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You should look around for a horse that already leads that kind of life. Many younger horses would be perfectly happy in the pasture during the week. Ask around to some owners who are selling. If you try a horse and you don't like it, ask the owner if they have any other horses for sale that fit the criteria you are looking for. Remember that sudden change can be bad, even unhealthy for a horse, so be very careful. Good luck!

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I don't see why Lisa is getting thumbs down - she has a great point! I have always kept horses even in times when I did not have the time for them. Not fair to the horse, not fair to me. If money is not a problem, and you do want to get a horse. try this...find a place that has full board including forced exercising (longing or treadmill) and/or riding. Simple turnout time won't be enough. Then you will have a fit horse that you won't be stressing by heavy riding only once or twice a week, and he will be ready for you to ride without having to worry about working off a week's worth of "fresh." On the other hand, if you are just planning on going out on easy walking/trotting trail rides of an hour or less at a time, an older pasture horse will probably work out fine. Maybe you can find a local youth that will be willing to come out a couple of times a week and ride or longe, just for "horse time." Just some random ideas, take your pick! Sounds like you have already put a lot of thought into this...

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nah that would be fine for an "older" horse, some horses are like 30 but they act like they are 10 so it just depends and a horse that is like 14 is just in its prime so u should have no troubles :)

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Yeah, I'd say...young horses need to be trained and are often quite "green" (inexperienced, for those who haven't heard the term used that way before). Older horses are often mellow. I recommend a gelding, as stallions are often very dominant and stubborn, and mares are almost as bad when they are in heat and are just about useless for riding during that time.

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You are looking for a well trained horse not a old horse. You can find a good horse at any age. I have a 5yr old that I ride with my 4yr old daughter. She is a Morgan & well manered horse. Just look for a "family" horse. Don't buy the first horse you see, go look at a few. & Ride them when you look at them. Good luck!

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i think you answered your own question. an older h orse would be gret for what you are descriing. vourse not all older ones can sit and then be behaved when ridin. but riding every weekend isnt bad at all. thats a lot more than a lot of horse people ride as it is. i dont think your horse will complain about siting in a green pasture for 5 days and working 2. my horse gets it the other way around, he gets 2 days off. wither way i dont think either would be happier than the next. the only thing you dont want to do that could make her unhappy is, not riding her, and she is out of shape. then taking her out and working her really hard. that could be a little tough on a horse that is out of shape. if you have the resorces and the kow how and good time on the weekends, go ahead. just get something thats broke. there are a lot of horses for sale out there that all ready live that life. good luck!

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That sounds like a nice idea. Get a nice older horse that is older and doesn't need a ton of excersize and that is ready to settle down. You should rescue one and ride him every once in awhile and retire him to a nice pasture =)

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an older horse can be more calm or lazy but u really have to go on the specific horse a young horse might be more relaxed depending on how and where it has lived.. look at the breed and amount of training as well. dont go purely on age.

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ITS NOT THE HORSES AGE ITS YOUR ABILITY TO RIDE AND THE HORSES ABILITY ON HOW BROKE HE IS AGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!

AS THE OLE SAYING GOES YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

YA CAN FEED A GOOD HORSE JUST A CHEAP AS A BAD ONE!!

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probably a bit of an older horse cause a green or young horse needs to be exercised practically EVERY DAY= R U SHURE U HAVE TIME FOR A HORSE?