This past June, Pride’s Smokin’ Jo “Bones”, a Tennessee Walker born in California celebrated his 36th birthday. His owner, Linda, purchased Bones when he was 9 years old and has had him ever since. Over the years Linda and Bones have enjoyed many adventures together, including 10 years participating in field trials together, and a move from North Las Vegas to the Deer Park area.  Despite a rotational fall last year, Bones is still very sound and healthy even in his old age.  Linda was able to ride Bones until he reached 34 years of age and began his well earned retirement.  Now Bones is enjoying the quiet life in his pasture.  Linda chalks his good health and long life up to great genetics (he is from the Midnight Sun line), good care, and staying active.

According to Spruce Pets (thesprucepets.com), the average lifespan of a domestic horse is 25-33 years.  The average varies largely based on the size of the horse, with ponies typically outliving larger draft breeds.  A senior care routine is especially important to help your horse remain healthy in their later years.  “With careful attention to basic maintenance of a senior horse such as feed, dental, and hoof care, many horses can remain sound and useful into their senior years and remain a joy to their owners even when fully retired.”  In fact, “not that long ago, “25 years of age was considered old for a horse. Now, the life expectancy of horses has increased, largely because we take better care of them.” (https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-long-do-horses-live-1887384)  Staying connected with your local veterinarian, proper nutrition, quality exercise, and extra care can help your horse live well into its senior years.