The twilight years

Veterans have a wealth of experience, but there are health considerations to bear in mind. Becky Murray investigates the pros and cons of taking on an older horse

- Becky Murray

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.