Oct 22, 2021 · Your 20-year-old gelding is starting to look more like a senior citizen—with more sway in his back and less bounce to his step. Horses generally don’t become senile, or as physically frail as elderly humans (unless they have a health problem), but there are some changes that occur as they grow older.

See our fun chart to see how old your horse is in human years and see how we calculate your horse's human age.

Feb 25, 2019 · “20 year old horses still have years of ability and function ahead.” With the changes in understanding and care on equine teeth and feeding, a horse of twenty can expect 10 to 20 (yes, even 20) years of life ahead, and a lot of that time can have useful riding miles within it.

Jan 3, 2012 · I've been out to see a horse and she is 20yrs old. She is perfect except for the age. Because of her age she needs a chiropracter out every 3 months, weight lifter in her food and she can't jump as high anymore. Also, if I was to sell her down the track I'm sure her price would go down. She is the perfect height and is amazing to ride.

Feb 21, 2025 · Is a 20-Year-Old Horse Too Old? A Comprehensive Guide. Understanding the “Senior” Horse. Physical Changes with Age; Riding and Working a 20-Year-Old Horse. Can a 20-Year-Old Horse Be Ridden? Can a 20-Year-Old Horse Be Trained? Jumping with a 20-Year-Old Horse; Adjusting Workload; Caring for a 20-Year-Old Horse. Exercise and Turnout ...

Mar 12, 2025 · The short answer is no, a 20-year-old horse is not inherently too old to ride. However, this simple answer opens a door to a more nuanced conversation about the individual horse, its health, and its level of fitness.

Jan 20, 2022 · Most horses are considered “senior” between ages 18-20. Horses aged between 10-20 are the best horses for beginners. As senior horses age, they require specific veterinary care, companionship, and exercise, even if they’re retired. Watch for common signs of aging such as grey hairs, reduced activity levels, and increased stiffness.

Jan 3, 2025 · Chances are, even if your 20-something horse is strong and healthy, he’s likely to have slowed down a bit. So, how can you tell when your senior horse is ready to scale back? Just as with people, that question can’t be answered by considering age alone. Here, I’ll explain what happens as your horse ages.

Mar 12, 2025 · The short answer is yes, a 20-year-old horse is generally considered old, or senior. However, it’s important to understand that “old” for a horse is not the same as “incapacitated.” While 20 marks a significant milestone in a horse’s life, it doesn’t necessarily mean their riding career is over or that they’re no longer capable of enjoying life.

Oct 27, 2021 · As a good rule of thumb, a 20-year-old horse is getting quite old. Horses on average live somewhere from 20-30 years, so once they are 20, they are usually getting to be quite old. A perfectly healthy, 20-year-old horse is probably totally safe to ride—it’s not as if a switch is flicked once it reaches age 20.