Equine & Horse Advice: How old is old?

Discussion on How old is old?

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claire sidebottom

Posted on Friday, Feb 25, 2000 - 1:37 pm:

I was just wondering how old people think is old for a pony. We might be getting a 22 yr old pony on loan that has not been worked for years. Apart from recurring laminitis she is very healthy but overweight. Would a child or light adult riding her 3 or 4 times a week, either hacking out for an hour at walk/some trot or in the school walk/trot/very small amount of canter be too much to ask of her?

Teresa Alexander-Arab

Posted on Friday, Feb 25, 2000 - 8:56 pm:

Hi Claire,

that is a real difficult question to answer. The best bet would be to have the pony vetted to see if he/she is sound. The two big concerns I would have is the recurring laminitis (probably from being overweight) because it can lead to some serious problems and the fact that he/she has not been worked for a few years. Aside from that I've seen horses retired at 20 and ponies being worked into their 30's! There is one horse at the barn where I board. He's a 22+ hanoverian who is still going strong. He broke his leg a couple years ago but you wouldn't know it to see him under saddle. He puts the younger ones to shame. I guess that it's the same as with people. Some are still a going concern in their nineties and others seem old at fifty.

Me, I plan to ride into my 80's and beyond.

TeresaA

Sharon M Roboski

Posted on Friday, Feb 25, 2000 - 9:38 pm:

The last barn I boarded at had a 28 YO TB who still lessoned beginners over jumps, did some showing and was a marvelous "uncle" to all the weanlings. A real trooper; show him a trailer and he'd jump on it. Last I heard he'd been sold to a child with CP and was still - gently - going strong!
Sharon

claire sidebottom

Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2000 - 7:40 am:

Thanks Theresa and Sharon
I know what you mean about people, I am sure my mother in law was born old!
Claire

Zoe English

Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2000 - 11:13 am:

I purchased an 18-year-old eventing schoolmaster Appendix for my daughter at Christmas and he's like a four year old. (So far) it's been the wisest horse-related purchase I've made in years! He's always been well cared for and he's like a little energizer bunny. He had some back soreness (though he always performed beautifully under saddle anyway) so I had the massage therapist, a fellow trained by Jack Meagher (who wrote Beating Muscle Injuries in Horses) come and do several sessions on him and now he's loose and full of juice. I'm a firm believer in a high level of preventive maintenance--a lot cheaper in the long run than expensive curatives. Same with people and cars. It's the ones that get the oil changes every 3000 miles that are still going strong at 150,000. So if there's some way to get that pony in shape and build up her endurance gradually, I'd say you have a good chance with her.

(I have to believe all this. I took up riding again after a 20 year hiatus at the age of 45 and it's going to take me that long again to get my seat back! Here's to the geriatric human crew.)

Zoe English

Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2000 - 11:16 am:

Zoe English

Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2000 - 11:17 am:

Sorry for double post!

Chris Mills

Posted on Monday, Feb 28, 2000 - 10:12 am:

I agree with the other posts and would only offer a couple of comments.

How the horse was used and treated when it was young often affects how it can be used as it ages. Keeping an older horse in steady work is better - long layoffs are not a kindness. The horses I started on as a child where all "schoolmasters" well in their 20s that gave 2-3 lessons a day. I'm not convinced horses have a sense of "time" and are more into the "here and now" - so they are only as old as they act at the moment.

As far as this pony - his return to useful work will depend on the lasting affects of the laminitis bouts. I would go to great lengths to prevent any more episodes (manage food, pasture time, etc.) and bring him back to work very slowly through lunging, trail walks, etc. that gradually request increasing effort over weeks/months. If I were signing up to care for the pony for the rest of his life or buying him, I'd have a vet check him out.

I think Dr. O has information on laminitis that would be worth reviewing.

Lanna Speir

Posted on Monday, Feb 28, 2000 - 1:20 pm:

My response would be the same as everyone else, the main concern I would have would be the founder! Other than that, age really doesn't mean that much, my Paint stallion is 21 years old and you would never know it by his conformation or by the way he plays in the pasture. I also ride him like any other and he is awesome! I also have a 20 year old mare that is due to foal on April 6, she appears in excellent condition accept for an old knee injury. She walks with a bit of a limp, but gets to playing, rearing, running and bucking with the other girls! With their big pregnant bellies, I get a kick out of watching them. Good luck!

claire sidebottom

Posted on Monday, Feb 28, 2000 - 1:21 pm:

Thanks all
She has been well treated all her life - I know her history back 18 years, except that she has lived on a yard where ther is no sound worm regime. Her laminitis might well be controllable if I can strip graze her etc and I am only wanting her as a light hack and fun ride for my daughter and a light weight adult friend. As she belongs to a member of the family I am not going to run into the usual loan problems of who pays for the vet etc!

Helen Weedon

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 29, 2000 - 7:44 am:

Hi Claire. Ponies generally go on much longer than their larger friends and keep more healthy too - definitely a case of the best things come in small packages! I've ridden ponies well into their twenties and even into their thirties and they certainly were not old plods. My own mare is thought to be TBxWelsh, is around 18 and goes like a rocket. She has far more energy than her much younger friends. I don't make any allowances for her years, just give her an extra week each year to get fit for the show season. However, I am careful not to hammer her about - she chooses when to gallop, and when to stop, I just steer (and pray!)I certainly do not believe in retiring horses as soon as they reach 16 - its cruel to just dump them in a field in my opinion. They soon stiffen up for a start. This pony you are looking at will probably cope just fine with what you want to do - but do get her checked out first and if you decide to go ahead, take things really gently at first and listen to what SHE says.

Karen Lee (1069)

Posted on Sunday, Apr 22, 2001 - 8:30 pm:

Ponies, Age & Weight. I am considering buying a 14h 980 lb 7 year old gelding. I am 5'4" 175 lbs and 47 yrs old. This gelding was started on the ground at 4, was not ridden till 5, and has done 1000 hours of strenous trail with a 160 lb rider. The horse appears in excellent shape and did well on a vigorous hour and a half ride with me. He has had excellent care and is well muscled & balanced. I ride conservatively and do not jump. Am I too much for this little horse? Will I be too much for him as he ages?

Nancy Herbert (Gemtwist)

Posted on Sunday, Apr 22, 2001 - 9:16 pm:

I defer to Dr O if any studies have been done, but the rule of thumb I've always heard is that a horse can handle 30% of his own weight on the flat and 20% of his own weight over fences. So a 980lb gelding can theoretically handle a maximum of 294 lbs; The only thing I question is that seems pretty stout for a 14h pony. I would expect his weight to be more in the 800lb range (still well within your requirements).

Good luck and happy trails!
Nancy

Robert N. Oglesby DVM (Dro)

Posted on Monday, Apr 23, 2001 - 7:21 am:

Sounds about right to me.
DrO

Debbie Stubbs
New Member
Username: Dastubbs

Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2003

Posted on Sunday, Jul 13, 2003 - 10:33 pm:

}I have a Shetland pony that is 37yrs old. She had been in perfect health until a few years ago when she came down with colic. After 3 different vets saw her a sanded diagnosis was made. The first two vets said she's old probably has cancer you should put her down. I'm so glad I did not follow that advice. Her health improved and she has been in good spirits. Little kids still ride her once in a while. Last week she developed a small running nose and was not eating well. I had a vet come out and he said she had beginning colic again. He stated it was probably from a very long tooth in the back of her mouth. He was concerened about putting her under general anethesia due to her age. He took blood work and when that came back stated her liver function test looked ok but not her "muscle"activity. I wanted to know what he meant by that. He seemed to get a little annoyed with all my question's and just said "It has to do with a hundred doller word and I wouldn't understand". He said he want's to look at her again and maybe he can take care of this problem with out putting her under completely. My concern is what "muscle activity" is he looking at and last week when he took the blood it just had to be a stat lab draw and emergency care for that tooth. Now he says she can wait until next weekend to have it taken care of.
I would appreciate any advice on this. I want her to have appropriate care but I also don't want to pay for a needless surgery.
She my baby I've owned her for 36 years and I want her a round as long as possible.
Thanks for any advice.}

Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 8761
Registered: 1-1997

Posted on Monday, Jul 14, 2003 - 10:19 am:

Debbie without more specific information we cannot be of much help, but if I had a veterinarian who treated me this way I would be looking for a new veterinarian, have the results sent to one willing to take the time to explain the problem.
DrO

Suzanne Moore
Member
Username: Suzym

Post Number: 384
Registered: 9-2002

Posted on Monday, Jul 14, 2003 - 12:18 pm:

Amen to that, DrO!

I don't understand why he feels the need for general anesthesia anyway if he's just going to remove the offending tooth. My vet/dentist had to remove several of my 20+ gelding's molars, and he never laid him down. He use a combination of tranquilizers and analgesics, DJ never felt a thing and came out of it within minutes after the procedure was over.

But, as I said, I'm with DrO - you need another vet!

Bonnie Davis
New Member
Username: Bonnie23

Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2005

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 12:41 am:

I am 46 years old and taking up riding again. I am currently leasing a 16 yo thoroughbred gelding. He was retired from racing at age 4, per the current owner. He has had "Lucky" for about 2 years and not done much with him. I am taking lessons twice a week with a trainer on Lucky. He is truly "bombproof" and I feel very safe with him. I am considering purchasing him from the owner. I have not had any vet check or exams done for him yet. I did have the chiropracter look at him and do an adjustment. He didn't see anything major. Lucky was acting a little sore when the saddle was put on him and I got on, but I have since gotten a pad (SaddleRight Orthopedic Saddle Pad) that the chiropracter recommended. He is fine and doesn't appear to experience any discomfort. He does have high withers and I don't think the current saddle fits him well. Long, long story short - What are your thoughts regarding purchasing a horse of this age? I would like to learn with him and compete in Level 1 dressage eventually. The owner is asking $5000.

Zoe English
Member
Username: Nonie

Post Number: 196
Registered: 1-2000

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 6:41 am:

I bought my daughter a 17-year-old Appendix Quarter horse several years ago for Pony Club and I am fond of saying it was the ONLY sane horse money I have ever spent. He was a real schoolmaster. Your horse has had less training, but he is "bombproof" and you feel safe on him. I would have him thoroughly vetted, if you can afford it (should cost about $700 including Xrays) and you might bargain on the price a bit, considering his age and lack of training. You are bound to find some things on the vetting, for a sixteen year old ex-racer, but weigh those against what you plan to do with him. It is certainly feasible for you to get to Level One with him. Good luck!! (I took up riding again at 45 after a seven year hiatus and never looked back. My daughter and I now own three horses and I have never been happier).

Oh, and by the way, the schoolmaster is 23 now, sound, and retired to golden pastures and living the life of Reilley, which he richly deserves.

Zoe

Zoe English
Member
Username: Nonie

Post Number: 197
Registered: 1-2000

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 6:43 am:

LOL, I just checked the above posts and this is the second time I have written this. Ooops.

But what I said stands.

Zoe

Christine C. Mills in NC
Member
Username: Chrism

Post Number: 1126
Registered: 4-1999

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 8:51 am:

I'd also have him vetted, even if he was free to avoid having responsibility/expense of a pasture ornament.

Look at your life realistically, too. How much more would you ride him if you owned him? What would you do differently if he was yours? A lease arrangement is very nice for the returning rider as it builds skills until they are ready for their own horse. But, there is always the possibility you would grow out of him and then what are your plans for a retiree?

How each horse shows their age can be highly variable based on conformation, use history, health, etc. A 16 yo is no spring chicken, but also not likely a retiree. My older horse is a tough, athletic nut at 22 - she doesn't think she is over the hill!

The main thing, like all horse ownership decisions, is to go in with your eyes wide open and try not to make an emotional decision. This means, 1) vetting, 2) knowing what you want to do with the animal, 3) what your plans are for him when he is no longer able to do what you want, 4) realistically assessing your interest/time/family commitments and financial resources regarding a horse.

Once you work through all this and think he is the one (you may want to look around and see what else is out there for the same price - try dreamhorse.com), make an offer, pending vetting results and then have him vetted. Do offer and final sale in writing.

Finally, about the money. If someone said "asking $5K," I would ask them if they'd take $3K and see what happens if I was sure this horse was "the one." I would expect to go back and forth and be prepared to walk away if the price was not acceptable.

Cheers.

Chris

diane sibley
Member
Username: Dsibley

Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2005

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 8:55 am:

Enjoyed reading posts about taking up riding again during 'midlife crisis' years. I was 46 when I started riding again. The critters have put me in the trauma center twice...one belonging to a friend, the other is my own. Went from 0 horses and disposable income to 5, building our own barn/indoor arena/boarding facility, and begging for spare change!

I have had several friends ask my advice about buying older horses. I agree that a vet check is a good idea, but also warn people that there is NO horse over 7 that won't show something. You just have to decide what you and your pocketbook are willing to live with. Another consideration is what you are going to do when (not if) the horse retires. Do you have a facility where you can put your good buddy on green pastures for the rest of his life, for a reduced rate, or can you afford to keep two animals at the present facility so you can have one retired and one to ride?

There are no guarantees in the horsie world. I found the horse of my dreams, four years old, had him vetted, and he passed with flying colors! I brought him home, let him settle in for the nite, and tried to ride him the next day. Lame. No idea what happened. I ended up donating him to a therapy program where he is carefully used and very well cared for, but he is still lame.

So, you have to consider training, your comfort level and experience, your finances, and the findings on the vet check. You could buy a young animal and it could drop dead of colic the next day. I trail ride with a man who has a horse who is at least 39 years old, and who keeps up with my Appendix QH! Good luck...let us know what you do.

Kim von Asten
Member
Username: Twhgait

Post Number: 20
Registered: 11-2005

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005 - 6:52 pm:

Good thoughts Diane, I agree completely!

I bought my now 25 y.o. mare when she was 15. I had just lost my 3 y.o. mare to colic. That mare had spend a year making me afraid of horses. She used to buck, rear, kick and I was so scared of her by the time she died. Anyways, "Maude" came to my attention and was owned by my equine vet. I was scared of her age, and very scared of horses, but when I rode her (hunched up in the fetal position, waiting for her to try to throw me), she took my breath away! I paid $3,500 for her and in no time at all she completely had me cured of my fear of horses. She is so awesome that I bought her daughter as a yearling. Her daughter is just like her! She's had a few problems here and there but nothing that qualifies as career ending. She's so pushbutton I can take her to a show anytime and win blues against horses half her age. So, I often say it was money very well spent and she's given me years of enjoyment. I own her daughter and now her grandson and fear is a thing of the past.

Sara Tardanico
New Member
Username: Starda01

Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2005

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 12:20 pm:

Hello all,
I'm new to this board, although I've been a member for a number of months now, I have just been lurking.

I read this discussion with much interest since I too am coming back to riding after a 30 year layoff. I'm 52 yrs old, and I recently came into a 15-20 yr old Appendix Quarterhorse which my 10 year old daughter and I are sharing.

I say I "came into" this horse, bc he was brought to the stables where we board him as a school horse, and promptly gained a reputation as a horse that spooked easily and after dumping a few less advanced riders, none of the instructors were using him, so that's where I started riding him.

After a 30 yr hiatus from horses, I'm pleased to say, I've only fallen 3 times, and only once from my Jimi. I had ridden alot , everything resembling a horse from neighborhood backyard horses to show ponies to racehorses, when I was growing up in Maryland and Virginia. Amazingly enough, some things don't leave you, like riding a bike. As out of shape as I was and still am, I still reacted automatically when Jimi shied, and retained my seat, and wouldn't let him off the hook. So we got along and I fell in love with him. Yes, even when you know better, you still do it.

Anyway, I leased him for a month, not ever intending to buy him or any other horse, and besides, he had lameness issues and according to the owner was 15 yrs at least. Even so, he's a handsome fellow and they told me he would fetch $3,500 or so. Well, along came Hurricane Katrina and ripped the roof off one of the barns, and one day the owner came up to me and said he was going to sell the horse because no one ever used him for lessons and he'd give him to me for $1,500 and I could pay for him when I could. So I took the plunge.

After working on his lameness issues, I found out he's probably got Navicular Syndrome, so we have him in the eggbutt shoes on the front and a maintenance does of bute and he's doing much better. Still isn't a horse that will ever be 100%, but I'm older and rickety too, so I can relate to him. Anyway, he's been going much better.

Its been quite rewarding, I've started schooling my daughter on him, and she's a beginner, first on a lunge line and then with sidereins. I am being very cautious. Last weekend we went to a show and she placed 5th in a walk/trot class against about 15 other kids on very expensive cute ponies. I was so proud of her! Here's a pic of my daughter on our Jimi at the show Lea on Jimi

Also, since I've been riding, my own physical being has improved. Even lost some weight!!

So to all us midlifers, I say Go Get'em!! Sara T

Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl

Post Number: 291
Registered: 2-2002

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 12:37 pm:

He is beautiful!! You yourself are just a young'en in my book. I'm going to be 70 in May and would still like to find a 'steady' horse to replace my Sierra who passed a year ago. Keep up the good work. That horse is beautiful and your daughter precious.
Shirl

Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood

Post Number: 896
Registered: 3-2001

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 12:41 pm:

He's gorgeous. Good for you for taking the "plunge." Looks like it is good for the three of you.

The original discussion was regarding what age is too old for a horse, and 15 is not old at all. Your horse may have another 20-30 years left with good care. So much is being done today with hoof lameness. You may yet come across a techique for getting him sound and pain free.

Congratulations. :-)

Debbie Green
Member
Username: Green007

Post Number: 173
Registered: 7-2004

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 12:48 pm:

Hi Sara,

I just love stories like yours. May you, your daughter and your Jimi have many wonderful years ahead of you!

Sara Tardanico
New Member
Username: Starda01

Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2005

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 12:56 pm:

Thanks to all,
I know I probably veered off the original discussion, but I did want to show just how good an older horse can look and be, even if they do have issues, and they certainly will. I'd heartily agree that a proper vetting to have a grasp of the issues is invaluable.

When the vet came to look Jimi over, he told me he thought he was closer to 20 yrs old. After 15, it starts getting harder to tell with much accuracy. Anyway, as long as we can keep him going, we will, and I'm lucky to have a sister in Tenn. who has horses on her own place, which is where we will retire him when the time comes.

Sara T

Nancy S. Kaplan
Member
Username: Redalert

Post Number: 238
Registered: 10-2004

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 1:47 pm:

What an adorable, precious picture of a healthy, shiny, beautiful horse, with a quite competent looking (beautiful seat and posture)rider... You should be proud of both! I wish you all the memories to come that my youngest daughter and I made while traveling the show circuit for many years. Looks like there are many great times ahead for you all! ENJOY!
Nancy

Zoe English
Member
Username: Nonie

Post Number: 198
Registered: 1-2000

Posted on Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 - 7:00 pm:

Wow--you can see your face in that horse!!

I'm curious--what is the brand on his thigh?
He looks lovely, and your daughter is a fine little rider. You will never regret this bond you are forging with your daughter, Sara, and it will last a lifetime. My daughter is 20 and at college now and the horses keep us closer than ever. Of course, we have THREE now (we started out with one, just like you

so you have to be careful).

Best of luck to the three of you.

Zoe

Sara Tardanico
New Member
Username: Starda01

Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2005

Posted on Friday, Dec 16, 2005 - 12:15 am:

Hi Zoe-
The brand on his thigh is S-F, his name bf he came to us was Snickers, which is the name of a Quarter Horse sire. I don't know his bloodlines, he's an Appendix QH, and I'd say 99% Thoroughbred. Beyond his previous owner I don't have any info, and she couldn't even tell me who she'd got him from.

Thanks for your compliments,
Sara T

diane sibley
Member
Username: Dsibley

Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2005

Posted on Friday, Dec 16, 2005 - 7:12 am:

Bonnie's statement that she feels very safe on her horse is probably 75% of the answer to her question. For a first horse, your comfort zone is one of the key issues for learning and getting your seat back. As pointed out earlier, a vet check is crucial, and researching pricing, conformation and bloodlines on web sites such as 'dreamhorse' is a good idea. Keep in mind, though, that the sale websites are very dangerous! I have bought three that way, and have two that I am just praying don't sell until my barn goes up! Also some scam artists lurking on those websites, so be very careful.

Just an endorsement for vet checks (No, Dr. O doesn't pay me!!): I found a beautiful paint gelding that I thought was everything I wanted in a horse. I bought him pending the VC. The owners hauled him there for me, so I really don't think they were aware of a problem. The vet called me two minutes into the exam...horse had a bad, bad heart murmer. When combined with the known problems...hard keep, underweight, bad hooves...I ran. Cost me $50.00 for that lesson!

WTG
Member
Username: Angel77

Post Number: 113
Registered: 5-2005

Posted on Monday, Dec 19, 2005 - 1:57 am:

Dear Sara,

What a great photo. Jimi looks so happy to carry your daughter like precious cargo. Looks like you got a wonderful horse.

Good Luck,

WTG

Erika LIPTON
Member
Username: Erika

Post Number: 68
Registered: 10-2002

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 20, 2005 - 7:31 pm:

Have to agree with so many of you--15-20 is certainly not old! Check out the ages of a lot of Olympic horses, and they are doing extremely hard work. Health is the issue. One of mine is in his 30's. No teeth, but runs around like a ten year old. My main riding horse is sneaking up on 17. You'd never know it. Only my two "youngsters" give me any trouble....

Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne

Post Number: 184
Registered: 9-2005

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 20, 2005 - 11:33 pm:

Everyone....if you think that is old...last weekend at the clinic's host barn, where I am sending Demetrius for training while I am recovering from surgery in a month, there was 42 year old pony happily munching away on his hay.
Now that's a plus for good clean country living.

He was so cute. Looked completely healthy. When I was talking to the owner, in complete awe over his age, she said he was her first pony as a child and she has owned him for 40 years. She said he does have some minor health issues however, like any senior, such as being blind so he needs to be hand walked 3X daily. She said there is also the increased cost of vet bills when they get that age to keep him healthy.

I had to laugh when she added....her husband's worst nightmare is.....as she looked around a packed barn of high level dressage horses....is that they will all live that long! LOL

Too funny....I guess you never know how long you have got!

WTG
Member
Username: Angel77

Post Number: 118
Registered: 5-2005

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 - 12:44 am:

Whay a great story Corrine! Sure sounds like that pony never wants to leave his owner. Now that is obvious great care and love!

I do think in the coming decades we will all see many wonderful stories of our equine partners living longer. As there are so many individuals and industries that are constantly striving for better health care for our beloved animals.

I had a cat that lived from 1976-1999. It took two euthanasia shots for her to go to heaven. The vet said she had never seen anything like it in the 30+ yrs she had been practising.

AGA report look at what Glasgow did For Storming Norman at Spruce Meadows this year. The horse was off for an entire year. Glasgow comes back to win the Chysler Cup(I think-one of the Grand Prixs anyway that he had won in 2002)in not so great conditions. The horse jumped his heart out! It was a fantastic double clear.

Currently I care for a 28+ mare. I have posted about her before. I've got her about 98% sound.
She is getting better every day. She really doesn't work per se. She will go out with me and my horse.

When I begin to warm up I just pass her off to one of my girlfriends who are either on a horse or on the ground.

She is really sweet and sometimes has chidren under 50lbs that will brush, feed treats, and pet her. She is totally bombproof. They may occassionally ride her just walking learning to steer and for two times around a 30m arena they might trot or not. It is really cute.

Happy Holidays!

WTG

Cheers to all of our animals and all of the people who care for them!!!

WTG

Christine Holmes Bukowski
Member
Username: Canyon28

Post Number: 130
Registered: 8-2003

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 21, 2005 - 12:31 pm:

There are only two kinds of ponies, one that is about to founder and one that has been foundered. Ponies are very hardy and so they dont need much feed, that is why people founder them so easy. I hope your pony can be made sound by proper trimming or shoeing, you will need a good farrier from now on for him.
Older horses can be a real joy to own, if they are still reasonbly sound and in good condition. It all depends on the way they have been treated all of their life. I have many horses that are over 20, my stallion Cutter, is going to be 31 in January and is still breeding sound and physically sound, which is completely amazing. I have five brood mares and saddle mares that are over 20, the oldest of these is 24, and having a foal by Cutter in May. Several of the best horses I have ever owned were in their late teens when I got them and were sound well into their 20's. If taken care of properly, a 16 year old horse will be ridable for at least 8 years, and if you are in your fifties now, that is a long time! The AQHA bloodlines I am raising are very long lived ones, and it shows with the age of my stallion most of the mares I own. Chris www.canyonrimranch.net