Comments on: HI Spy: Share Your Senior Horse Stories

By: andrea

andrea — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 09:50:48 +0000

Acorn, my horse of 5 years, is 17 years old. He has taught me many things.
1. don’t let a horse know you’re scared.
2. get on again after you fall.
3. don’t chase a horse to catch him; it will. not. work.
4.perseverance is a virtue.
He might be a 36″ high mini, but he is my horse and I love him.

By: Marie

Marie — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:27:46 +0000

My 23 year old Quarter Horse gelding is a dream come true. Any training you could imagine, he knows it. Anything you ask of him he does it. He has changed my life forever. Whenever I feel like breaking down and crying he’s there. The smoothest bareback lope you’ll ever feel. He’s the total package and he’s all mine. I wouldn’t trade him for the prettiest black stallion alive.

By: Jozie

Jozie — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:02:29 +0000

Chief, my 21-year-old Quarter Horse gelding is the best old boy I could ask for. He’s great with his little brother, 5-year-old half-Mustang gelding, Lakota. Chief helps me a lot with my confidence, and hopefully this summer, him and I can canter more with my best friend and her Arabian mare. He helps me with more than my confidence, but he is my confidant, my savior, my love, my life. I love him so much, and after he goes, and then far down the road I do to, I’ll go up to Heaven and search for him, Lakota, and Cheyenne, my late Kentucky Mountain mare.

By: Erika Eckstrom

Erika Eckstrom — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:52:51 +0000

Before Pretty (aka. Sock It To You) and Bubba came to me, they lived together in the same stall, same paddock, and went on the same trail rides for 10 years. Pretty had lost vision in her right eye midway through as a result of leptosporosis. While Pretty relied on Bubs for her right-sided vision. Bubs relied on Pretty for confidence and companionship.
Midway through their second summer here, Bubba died, tragically. Horses usually mourn, but not the way Pretty has ever since. My fast but reliable horse no longer would lead trail rides. She would get nervous more often, even buck and rear if being pushed.
In other words: Pretty started acting like a half-blind horse.
I wonder if she would act this way if the relationship she had with Bubba hadn’t been so special due to her blindness. And I wonder if she would be the way she is if she weren’t blind.
Now, a couple years later, she is completely blind. I wouldn’t trade her for the world and she has been my trail guiding horse despite her blindness and despite the fact that I have many other horses that could replace her.
She now lives with my stallion, Sierras All The Gold – APHA Stallion, and she has truly found a new mate in Sierra. When Bubba died I truly worried about her. I’m so glad she paired off and can live protected in her paddock as a pair.
I’m also so glad that because she is infertile, she keeps the stallion company; meaning she keeps him calm, happy, contented and disciplined. This has given her worth to the stable beyond a riding horse and as a result she is guaranteed a space in the barn. For this I am also thankful for because I never want to have to make the tough decision to re-home her in particular.

By: Lindsey H.

Lindsey H. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:27:45 +0000

I am nominating an ”Oldie” with my friend’s pony, Snikkers. He is 18 years old, but he sure doesn’t act like it! He does jumpers, he has the most personality I have ever seen, and he’s furrier than a bear!

By: Anna

Anna — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:11:20 +0000

The horse I ride at my barn is 19 years old and until I started riding her, she was a hunter jumper. Now, she is a first level dressage horse. She is so willing to learn it’s incredible. Even though she is getting older she still wants to learn. Every new movement we introduce she tries so hard to learn. It takes her a few tries but then it clicks. She is the most dedicated horse I’ve ever ridden and known.

By: Molly

Molly — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:40:03 +0000

My senior Arabian mare is still one of the most energetic horses at the barn. She loves to jump, run, and play. She still acts like she’s a filly and doesn’t stop her age from letting her have fun. She has taught me so much, because I never thought such an old horse could still be a challenge under saddle!

By: Anna

Anna — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 19:47:57 +0000

My Dutch Warmblood mare is turning 23 this sept.
and is so healthy and strong! She is the most gental
soul. Always forgiving when i make a boo boo while riding. Riding just wouldnt be the same without her!

By: Jozie

Jozie — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:46:41 +0000

I have a senior horse, who is just the coolest horse ever. I still have to work out the kinks in him, but in the 8 and half months he’s been with me, he’s taught me a lot. I love my boy, and when his time is up, he’ll join my mare. But for now, I hope to ride soon.

By: Reagan

Reagan — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 11:49:04 +0000

my 17 year old “senior” (i think they should be called wise gurus) Boogie, is my best friend in the whole wide world. Last year I fell off my mom’s horse and broke my arm,so i was afraid to ride again, but he brought me back to success! He is so wise and knows ALL of my “buttons” bu the treats me like royalty, (so i’m returning the favor!) And he still can beat all those greenies at the barrel races (his fastest time was an 18!)
IN MEMORY OF MY OLD HORSE ANGEL. WE SOLD HER AND I HOPE SHE HAVIN’ HAPPY TRAILS WHEREVER SHE IS.