Re: RC: Is my horse to old to begin training?

[Linda Flemmer <bluewolfranch@yahoo.com>]

I started my older gelding, Rocket at the age of 9. 
He was green broke to walk/trot when I got him and had
some muscle wasting from an old, severe injury when he
ran through a fence as a yearling.

With rehab, he successfully competed in 50 mile
endurance rides and did well...  In his second year he
finished top 10 in the HW division in the Old Dominion
50.  That's a tough ride!

Nine is not too old if the horse is sound.  I'd
evaluate him for arthritis before putting a lot of
time & money into him.  If all is clear, go for it. 
If there are soundness issues, save yourself heart
ache and time unless you are willing to lower your
goals to the horse's capabilities.

Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Ranch
Bruceton Mills, WV
--- Minaxminax@aol.com wrote:
> I am in Colorado and leasing a saddlebred gelding
> (and seriously thinking about purchasing him) who is
> 9 yrs old that I have begun to train for endurance
> riding.  He is an excellent trail horse and loves to
> trot everywhere.  What is everyone's opinion on
> begininng to train for competition when the horse is
> 9?  


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