"Perfect" age for a horse

[Kerry W]

I notice a lot of instances, where people are looking for a horse that is between ages 6 - 10, and no OLDER than 10. Some of them are experienced horse people, some are not. Seems to me that some of the true "gems" of the horse world, are a bit more mature.

Oh well...just leaves more for those of us who like a "BTDT" horse! http://www.augk18.dsl.pipex.com/Smileys/e022.gif

[TrueStepPaso]

What is a BTDT....?? I'm just curious, plus I'd like to learn something new today! :razz:

Personally...I like between 8 & 15 yrs of age. Its a great time for your horse, physically. NOT saying it doesn't exceed that though.....

[ErinC]

Been There Done That????

[ErinC]

I saw 6-15

I like young horses, I love to work the babies up to age 6,
then I like to start over.
but Yes I do enjoy a BTDT horse...

I just could not ride them all the time, I would be board ...

[pasofantasy]

Been There Done That????

Right! I had just PMed it to her as I don't always post everything. :lol:

[motorgypsy]

If they're sound and give all indications that they will stay sound we say age 5 and up for riding. The younger ones can be silly. Some are born sensible but I like a horse with a little life experience! But our truly scariest paso fino was 17 when we got her. She was so sensitive and trained to be so responsive and so tough you'd better know what you're doing if you got on her. She spun on a dime and had two speeds, stop and gallop. Of course she turned out to be one of the best trail horses we have but it took a year. But then Chinook took 2!!

[Heidi]

I voted 10-15.
I didn't meet my best horse until he was 11. We rode together for 18 years until he passed away at age 29. I love the double-digit aged horses.
Heidi

[Linda Y]

I love older horses! I have no qualms whatsoever looking at horses up to 18 years old, as long as they are in good shape. Cassador, who was 16 when I got him, was without a doubt one of the best trail horses I ever rode. Wish I could find another like him that was sound.

[Candice Burger]

Couldn't decide 8-15 is my ideal range.

[Kerry W]

:shock: I'm wondering if more people would have chosen 0-3 if I'd have posted this in the spring/summer, when all the foal pics get posted??? :lol:

Thanks for the responses....I've always thought it interesting...almost as much so as "favorite color" of horse...which of course, should be grulla/grullo! :twisted:

[jodiTowne]

Even though I keep saying i will not buy another over the age of 10, I have bought an 11 and 13 yo this year. Partly it is due to my lack of time. When I have time I want to ride or in the mini's case...hook to cart and go. I want relaxing and worry free rides. Of course it depends on the horse....my 1st paso was 17 and he needed A LOT of riding time. But I'll never buy another that age (for me) because the 8 good rideable years went by too quickly.....

[CarolU]

I like working babies too. Once they know it all, time for me to move on to a new mind.

That said, I don't mind 'starting' an older horse in the ways of Parelli patient perfect practice...you know!

[Minouri]

I think the perfect age depends on what you want to do with the horse. Although, that said, I don't know enough about training to ever want a baby on my property. I love to visit them and smooch them.....but I'd have no idea what to do with one if given one.

I like a horse that already has it's head straight. If that happens at 6 or 16 it doesn't matter to me if the horse is healthy.

Snowy is probably the last 20+ year old that I'll adopt because of the short length of time we were able to really ride him without worry. I wouldn't go back, though, and change my mind about getting him. He was the perfect horse for what we needed at the time. And he continues to bring us joy, just not as a reliable ride.

When I finally can go shopping for my next horse I'll be looking in the range of 8-15.

[appyday]

I did the 6-10

[diswick]

I like the older horse, over 15. I find they are just all around better horses, and I have had all ages so I have experienced them all. I like young horses the least (0-3).

[Rusel]

Give me the newborns up to yearlings.... then the older over 16.... already did the 2 to 8 yr olds and rouge stallions, now it's past my prime..

And by the way Linda there is an awesome mare for sale that is 19...in good health and is rideable..... they are selling her because they are moving to Tennesse...

If you can get the magazine Southern Horse Connection SHC, she's listed with a photo on page 62 phone number is 813-792-0821.

If I had a larger place with grass I'd get her in a heartbeat, she's gorgeous and super gaited....... and CHEAP..!!! Can't remember the guys name but he is looking to place her out to a nice home....