Consider a “Wise” Horse | Adopting Older Horses

Written By Colleen Fitzpatrick

DHOH "Anna" & owner Hailey. Anna is the perfect horse to teach Hailey the ropes - a retired kid horse from Bar Lazy J Ranch and found her way to us via The Annie Project.

In the world of horse rescue, I often hear of people looking for young, sound, well-broke horses for very low budgets. I totally understand – I’d love to get an all-star horse from a rescue. I’d also love to help some of the horses that may not fit the former description, but they fit the latter: they are all-stars.   

Think if you were a horse, how would your description read? In my case, I’d probably never get adopted. My back bothers me when I wake up in the morning. I have nervous tendencies (bite my nails like it’s my career). I definitely wouldn’t tie well as I can’t sit still. And I have my fair share of bruises and scars. Would you be top on the adoption list?

I’d have to guess most people, like most horses, have a scar or two. Yet they still deserve to live wonderful, happy lives.

So, I ask you to consider a “wise”, senior rescue horse. Consider a horse that might be a bit older. Might have a bump on his knee. Might need a Previcox pill with his morning feed. Might be the wrong color. Might be a little bit shorter or taller than you’d first thought. Might need a bit of extra grain to maintain weight in the winter. Might need an extra blanket. Might have a heart of gold.

Some of the best advice I ever received in the horse world was to look for horses that were good and kind. Good and kind will save you in a bind, beautiful and unblemished will not. Horse rescues are filled to the brim with good, kind, older horses that are just waiting for someone to do right by them.
​
Senior horses can be more life-changing than younger ones. And yet older horses, like many senior pets in shelters, are overlooked. Most people overlook older horses because they’re afraid they can’t keep up, or they’re past their prime, or they have nothing to give. The reality is that these older guys have so much to teach. They’ve been there, done that. So don’t be afraid to take the reins of an older horse and give them the chance to change your life.

---