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Is 17 too old?

2K views 13 replies 13 participants last post by  moniegx3 
#1 ·
Hi everyone, I am new here :) Hope you guys can help me out. I am 21 and have been riding on and off since I was 10. I am FINALLY getting my own horse (yay!). The one I am considering is a 17 hand, 17 year old Percheron x. I know he sounds tall, but I am 5'10 and I feel ridiculously huge on most horses ;) I really like him, but I'm worried 17 is too old. I dont want to get attached only for heartbreak in a few years. At the moment, he is healthy, sound, etc with no problems at all.
I am an experienced rider but I get very nervous sometimes, but with him I feel very safe - which is rare for me! I don't want to do too much with him, I'm not into jumping 4 foot fences or galloping around. I just want a nice, safe horse to go trail riding with and build my confidence. Any advice would be great, I'm so lost as to what to do!
 
#3 ·
What is he crossed with?

If he's crossed with a stock horse breed (my boy is a Percheron/paint cross), he should have quite a few years left as a trail horse.
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#6 ·
While 17 isn't exactly a youngin' if you're looking for a horse to build your confidence then go for it! I have two friends who are still riding their horses at 26! One is doing very very very low level Dressage and pleasure riding and the other simply rides to ride. They do flat work in the ring and some hill work outside of the ring but both of their horses are healthy, fit, and neither look like they'll be retired from being ridden anytime soon!

With a big horse like that I (personally) would be concerned about a bit of arthritis but arthritis isn't the end of the world. If you had a vet check him over and they said he looks good to go then go for it! He's probably got a lot of years left to give someone and why not let that someone be you?
 
#7 ·
At 17 I would get a vet check before buying. There are lots and lots of horses out there that are ridden well into their 20s but if he has been ridden hard or started too young he might be starting to show some lameness. Have a vet look at him and if they clear him then I say go for it!
 
#8 ·
If you're just looking for a trail horse, then I think you're fine. Like you said, you aren't looking to jump 4'. An older horse can be a great companion. But as mentioned, no matter what you buy ALWAYS get a PPE done.
 
#9 ·
As long as he is healthy - a 17 year old is a great age for a first horse. One of my favorite horses I used to ride was 26-27 years old. He had a lot of spunk and was great for trails. He passed away in his 30s.
 
#12 ·
I would just have a vet check before committing to buying. When I bought my guy I was told he was 14 at the time, but more recently the dentist whom I trust very much has said he is now 24, rather than the 18 I'd thought. He's still in great health because of good care. As long as you take care of them they'll last a long time for you!
 
#13 ·
I have a friend that has a horse that is 17 and is easily jumping 2-3 foot fences with him and he is in great shape!

I saw go for it! But I would also start him on some low doses of joint support to keep away the arthritis.
 
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