I agree with the article. The only thing I would say is A) Most certainly a joint supplement and B) Bute only if and when needed. I've a 19 year old QH that sill jumps and is on joint supplements, he barely rarely needs Bute.
This article makes me feel a ton better. My 15 year old gelding and I compete in big eq (3'6") and I initially had a concern for his health. If jumping a 20 year old horse is fine, then I'm sure my horse is in the prime of his life. Thanks!
Good article. I best liked the last paragraph. Your horse knows better than you do what he can and can't do.
This is so true. Both me and my barn buddy's favorite horses to ride at the barn are 30+ year old geldings. They are both still pain free, healthy, and love to act like they are 2! We still jump on them and to be honest I think they love still being treated like all the rest of the horse, not the old guys that are there just to be looked at and petted.
This is so true. Each horse is different and sometimes the age at which he started jumping, especially hard training may be a factor. We have 31, 33, and 20 year old horses and have found that B-L Pellets seem to help with their joints. Also I spoke with a woman who had an Arabian who competed in 3 day eventing until she was 28, then lived to be 40. Amazing!