Re: Distance riding and the aged horse

[Truman Prevatt <truman.prevatt@netsrq.com>]

A
>Hi, I looking at a 17 yr old appaloosa mare that is at a rescue. I was
told that this mare is in good shape and loves to hit the trails. I would
like to do a little distance riding witha a friend of mine and her arab.
Does anyone have any tips for conditioning older horses? She doesnt require
any special feeds or meds. She gets along well with other horses and only
spooks at cameras(i have no idea why...). Does anyone else have an older
horse that does these rides? I dont think i will be doing anything more
than about 15 miles, and will only do it a few times this year. 
>

When Misty was laid up the first time with a foal, I dragged her mother out
of the pasture and started to condition her.  She was 16 at the time.  I
did a season on her.  After Misty got back in shape my wife took old Stormy
for a couple seasons.  At 19 Stormy spooked at something at a gallop and
slipped in deep sand and hurt her shoulder.  She never fully recoved enough
to do 50 mile rides  again, but she was one hell of a horse even at 19.

Truman