When to retire an old horse

mypettingzoo · 02-24-2006, 11:09 AM

I have a question. I have a 28 year old appy. He has had prostate cancer in the past. we got it removed about 2 years ago and hes doing great. My question is when do i decide to retire him and what are the signs that he is unsound. I have noticed that when I or someone else rides him he trips a little now and then. He has always been a clutz but am wondering if this is a sign

Im thinking of cutting back his work load in the summer to just walking and trotting and see how he does. he still enjoys going out and just putting around. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

thanks Danielle

Super_Trooper · 02-24-2006, 11:12 AM

If he is sick/thin/sore I would just retire him. Lots of 28 year old have lots of life left, however, I would keep the riding to light, slow, fun stuff...nothing too much.

tazz001 · 02-24-2006, 11:13 AM

That is a good question...if he is still able to enjoy his work and has no major health problems...I would just semi retire him...like you said an old guy just puttering around...it is better for him to be happy than bored...

As long as no one gets hurt on him...let him do his thing!!

Moostang · 02-24-2006, 11:17 AM

Wow, I have never heard of a horse with Prostate Cancer, I am glad he is going well on that and is still rideable at 28!
Generally if you are an observant horse owner, the horse will show you when they are ready to retire, there is no hard and fast rule. They may frequently come up lame, lose weight, or just lack the energy to carry around a person. You will just have to watch and see when riding really causes a strain on the horse or really reduces his quality of life.

mypettingzoo · 02-24-2006, 11:20 AM

I think i am just going to semi retire him. he still runs around and chases his stable mate around. Hes not sick or thin. plus most of the people i put on him are beginers so it will make it easy for both of them. thanks for the input.

JBandRio · 02-24-2006, 11:21 AM

If he's tripping, make sure his feet are in good form.

Other than that, just watch to see if he seems like he's enjoying even a ride around the pasture at a walk. If he is, keep on.

Just_me · 02-24-2006, 12:49 PM

The tripping could just be the result of a bad trim.
I would retire a horse,if it looks unhealthy,feels weak,can`t carry a rider on its back anymore,lameness,weight loss...
the horse will tell you when he needs to be retired.If he still enjoys what he is doing and is not in pain I don`t see y you should stop riding him.
Maybe cut back on his work a little for now and see how he does?

JumperGurlie007 · 02-24-2006, 01:09 PM

I think that you should do light riding but dont cut off riding completly becuz then your almost asking him to die when people let there horses go they get way to out of shape. At my barn we have a 45yr horse we still use and he still wants to canter!

CJ · 02-24-2006, 03:13 PM

I retired Shenandoah once and for all when his knees seemed to waver. I figured if his knees/ legs were unsteady it wasnt safe to put anybody on his back, or fair.

02-24-2006, 11:09 AM	#1
mypettingzoo Full Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vermont Posts: 43 Images: 11	When to retire an old horse I have a question. I have a 28 year old appy. He has had prostate cancer in the past. we got it removed about 2 years ago and hes doing great. My question is when do i decide to retire him and what are the signs that he is unsound. I have noticed that when I or someone else rides him he trips a little now and then. He has always been a clutz but am wondering if this is a sign Im thinking of cutting back his work load in the summer to just walking and trotting and see how he does. he still enjoys going out and just putting around. If you have any suggestions please let me know. thanks Danielle

02-24-2006, 11:12 AM	#2
Super_Trooper Senior Member+ Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BC Canada Posts: 9,472 Images: 77	If he is sick/thin/sore I would just retire him. Lots of 28 year old have lots of life left, however, I would keep the riding to light, slow, fun stuff...nothing too much. __________________ True commitment begins when you reach the point of not knowing how you could possibly go on, and deciding to do it anyway! http://b1.lilypie.com/mCKWm7/.png

02-24-2006, 11:17 AM	#4
Moostang Senior Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Northern Calif Posts: 10,132 Images: 679 Blog Entries: 55	Wow, I have never heard of a horse with Prostate Cancer, I am glad he is going well on that and is still rideable at 28! Generally if you are an observant horse owner, the horse will show you when they are ready to retire, there is no hard and fast rule. They may frequently come up lame, lose weight, or just lack the energy to carry around a person. You will just have to watch and see when riding really causes a strain on the horse or really reduces his quality of life. __________________ Diet Dr Pepper is a gateway drug http://moostangproductions.com

02-24-2006, 11:21 AM	#6
JBandRio Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 24,443 Images: 146 Blog Entries: 12	If he's tripping, make sure his feet are in good form. Other than that, just watch to see if he seems like he's enjoying even a ride around the pasture at a walk. If he is, keep on. __________________ - JB Acres, owned and operated by Dynamite animals. - It's a wonder horses as a whole don't just kill us all and be done with their misery. - Keep your voice soothing and low - even when things get western (buck1173) - You can't hit me with all those snowballs!

02-24-2006, 12:49 PM	#7
Just_me Senior Member+ Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: europe-the wide wild world:-) Posts: 2,519 Images: 6	The tripping could just be the result of a bad trim. I would retire a horse,if it looks unhealthy,feels weak,can`t carry a rider on its back anymore,lameness,weight loss... the horse will tell you when he needs to be retired.If he still enjoys what he is doing and is not in pain I don`t see y you should stop riding him. Maybe cut back on his work a little for now and see how he does? __________________ ,.:+`The OnLy Place Where YoUr DreAms BecOme ImpoSsIble,Is In YoUr Own ThinKing`+:.,

02-24-2006, 11:13 AM	#3
tazz001 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 528 Images: 2	That is a good question...if he is still able to enjoy his work and has no major health problems...I would just semi retire him...like you said an old guy just puttering around...it is better for him to be happy than bored... As long as no one gets hurt on him...let him do his thing!!

02-24-2006, 11:20 AM	#5
mypettingzoo Full Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vermont Posts: 43 Images: 11	I think i am just going to semi retire him. he still runs around and chases his stable mate around. Hes not sick or thin. plus most of the people i put on him are beginers so it will make it easy for both of them. thanks for the input.

02-24-2006, 01:09 PM	#8
JumperGurlie007 Full Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cali Posts: 32 Images: 5	I think that you should do light riding but dont cut off riding completly becuz then your almost asking him to die when people let there horses go they get way to out of shape. At my barn we have a 45yr horse we still use and he still wants to canter! __________________ happy trails to you until we meet again...R.I.P Chip I <3 My horses! Silver,Tiffany,Josie and Blue!

02-24-2006, 03:13 PM	#9
CJ Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 5,774 Images: 48	I retired Shenandoah once and for all when his knees seemed to waver. I figured if his knees/ legs were unsteady it wasnt safe to put anybody on his back, or fair.

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