The decision of when to retire a horse depends entirely on the individual animal. Many factors determine whether a horse is still suitable for sports, recreation, walks, groundwork, or other activities. In many cases, a horse that can no longer perform in competitive sports may still be fit for lighter work and thrive in that capacity. However, it is also possible that an older horse develops ailments that make it unsuitable for any kind of work, although it may still be able to enjoy a pain-free life in the pasture.

When is a Horse Considered Old?

The age at which horses retire varies greatly. Retirement age depends on the breed, the size of the horse, and the activities it has performed throughout its life. Ponies can often stay healthy and active for longer than larger horses. Wear and tear on the skeletal system, such as arthritis, or internal diseases like Cushing’s can eventually make a horse unfit for work. Some horses are no longer suitable for riding at 12 years old, while others can enjoy trail rides and training well into their 20s or beyond.

Movement is Key

Horses are naturally active animals. They need movement to stay healthy. In the wild, a horse walks about 16 kilometers a day searching for food—mostly at a steady pace with the occasional sprint. A horse’s skeleton is supported by a “coat” of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Movement keeps all these soft tissues healthy. For this reason, movement is often essential even in cases of mild joint wear. For example, if a horse has developed mild arthritis, continuing to ride it may actually be beneficial, although activities like jumping or cross-country might no longer be suitable.

Movement also supports your horse’s digestive system, immune system, and nervous system. So even if your horse is retired, it’s wise to ensure it continues to move at an appropriate level. This could include taking it on walks or giving it more hours of free movement in a comfortable, stable herd environment.

Masking Pain

One challenge in assessing what an older horse is capable of is that horses are excellent at masking pain or discomfort. This is particularly true for cold-blooded breeds and Friesians. By “masking,” we mean that they don’t show obvious signs of discomfort or pain. As prey animals, it is vital for horses not to appear weak, as the weakest member of the herd is most likely to be targeted by predators.

For horse owners, this masking can make it extremely difficult to detect problems. However, there are tools available to help you assess whether your horse is in pain.

One such tool is the Equine Pain Face, which allows you to evaluate your horse’s facial expressions (nose shape, ear position, eyes) to determine if it is experiencing discomfort. There’s even an app available that helps you track these observations over time. This can help you better assess whether your horse is improving or worsening with training, for example.

Learn more about the Equine Pain Face: https://www.licg.nl/media/4661/pijn-herkennen-bijpaarden-6_0t-hgs.pdf

Additionally, scientists have developed a more complex and detailed system for identifying pain signals in horses under saddle. This method can help clarify vague signs of pain or tension, including subtle lameness. You can watch an explanatory video about this evaluation method here: https://youtu.be/hrZgtrqbMVI?si=3kL7hjWVtEimO-dE

Consult with Your Veterinarian

Older horses often develop ailments or conditions that limit their abilities. Always consult with your veterinarian, using diagnostic tools like X-rays or ultrasounds, to determine what is still possible for your horse. Managing inflammation and pain with standard pain medications or powerful plant extracts such as black cumin and clove could also be an option to keep your horse mobile for longer.