VETERANS have long been fondly thought of as loyal confidence-givers. From a retired competition horse ready for a quieter life to the reliable children’s pony who has been handed down through the generations, taking on an equine with a bit more life experience can often be unbeatable. But the future of an older horse or pony must be considered, and that can include potential health problems for these golden oldies – and sometimes difficult decisions later down the line.
Bella Knaapen confesses that when she saw an advert for 17-year-old part-bred New Forest Bow in 2015, she “disregarded” him owing to his age, and only went to view him after a friend convinced her to. The striking gelding bowled Bella over with his medium trot – and promptly found a special place in her heart.
“I had told myself I didn’t want anything older than 15 because they’re a veteran, they’re getting too old to do anything, and that’s basically what the world tells you,” explains Bella, who says her mind has been “completely changed” since meeting Bow.
Bow underwent a five-stage vetting and his previous owners made Bella aware of a former injury which caused minor stiffness in the sacroiliac joint. Over the years, the gelding has remained in good health and the pair have competed at elementary dressage, low-level showjumping and eventing, showing and longdistance pleasure rides.
This story is from the November 11, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 11, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I've ever 'He's the best ridden'
Dannie Morgan wins three national titles and the next generation of dressage stars rise to the occasion as one title goes down to the wire
I Am Maximus hailed hero
The Grand National produces a triumph of sporting brilliance, with several fairy-tale endings
Evergreen mare takes top spot
Familiar faces take top honours, as eventers impress and new combinations win championship titles for the first time
A match made in Paradise
The 1,000 supreme titles are netted by a much-admired 138cm show pony and a consistent heavyweight hunter
McLean's dash north pays dividends
The Scottish rider picks up a raft of Highland qualifiers and there's an unusual jumping test in Somerset
Buy Some Time finds the winning factor
A six-yearold makes a welcome return to form and some unexpected fast ground produces an epic clash
A sash, at last!
Sarah Moy fulfils a lifelong ambition, a spooky superstar” retains a title and polocrosse provides a winning formula
A win for Cesar and Claire
The VWHs Claire King battles demanding going to take the Wynnstay hunt ride on honest and clever” Cesar Et Rosalie, reports Catherine Austen
Cognac
This \"Jekyll and Hyde\" ex-racehorse never said no to a fence and had a definite sense of humour
We've got each other's backs
As part of H&H's 140th anniversary this year, we are celebrating Britain's great horsey families with a series of interviews. In our second instalment, we speak to multi-medallist Gareth Hughes, his wife Rebecca and their daughter Ruby