labruyere : for an enhanced relationship with your horse: at what age should I retire my horse

Monday, 2 July 2012

the quick answer to the question

at what age should I retire my horse?

is in all probability

- as long as he's healthy -

a lot later than you think...!

Using my 'old' horse as an example....

I have a 26 year old Thoroughbred
(pictured above)

who is very 'high mileage'
having been ridden 300+ days a year for all of his competitive career

vets have always advised

the absolute worst thing I could do

would be to retire him

obviously,

the level and type of work he does

takes his age into consideration

but he is still ridden 2 to 3 times a week

and, believe me...

he can still act like a 4 year old on a ride

when the mood takes him!!!

but the regular exercise...

keeps his circulation and joints going...
and most importantly keeps his brain active...

if you want to know why

healthy horses shouldn't be retired...
just picture old people in retirement hostels

if just left in their rooms

in front of the television

they quickly go 'down hill'

if out 'playing bingo'

and 'nipping down the dance hall'

they can stay active and 'with it' for years...

please, don't leave a healthy, intelligent horse

to 'moulder' in a field

just because he's reached some arbitrary date on the calendar...

- just think,

how would you feel

if you were 'in his hooves'?

So, at what age should I retire my horse?