Remedial reading comprehension needed here. “…Charles Nearburg proved his manlihood by running his ‘Spirit of Rett’ (with a modified Pro Stock engine) down the flying mile…”
I know of plenty horses who are older and show. There is just a bit more of attention needed. Make sure she gets enough food, especially hay and grain. If she looses weight, you can put her on some mineral oil. That is what helped with my old show mare.
Just take it really easy. No need to rush her into showing. Make sure that you warm her up and cool her off really well, because the older horses can get hurt easier if they don't get proper time to work. Also, I would say that depending on your horse, you might easily be able to achieve your goal of jumping that with her. I was jumping 3" with a 30 year old horse. She was perfectly fine. But the second she started to be a little different than normal, I stopped. It turned out that she had just begun to develope navicular. I still ride her because my vet says it is good for her.
As for showing her and jumping, I don't think you will do much damage. As long as you LISTEN TO YOUR HORSE! That is the most important thing. If your horse is lame one day, don't stress. It could just be a little thing. My mare did that and she just liked to fool around in the pasture and act young. Sometimes she tripped and was sore for a day. Then just don't ride. Even though your horse might be a bit lame or so, I always exercised mine. I didn't ride her when she was lame, but I played with her in the riding ring and let her do some lunging at liberty. It helped because it is moving the joints, and they need to get exercise, but without the rider's weight.
Since you are havinng trouble with her teeth, get a vet to look at them to see if they can do anything. Try to soak her hay, so it will be softer to chew. Also if you want to, you can soak the grain in water for about 10 mins before you feed it to her so it is softer. you can either leave the water in there or dunp it out. My mare lived outside 24/7 because she loves fresh air and exercise. She also doesn't do well on hay, so I prefer to let her graze when possible. BUT she DOES have a run in shelter available 24/7! She liked to get fed with the other horses and take the water in her grain and give the other horses a nice itchy bath! Man, is she ever funny. I love my old mare soo much. Just because they are old doesn't mean they can't do well! Go show em how its done!
Just go ahead and see what happens. If she shows signs of pain or is off her feed, talk to someone. Maybe even contact your vet to get his or her opinion.
Remedial reading comprehension needed here. “…Charles Nearburg proved his manlihood by running his ‘Spirit of Rett’ (with a modified Pro Stock engine) down the flying mile…”
lol
I know of plenty horses who are older and show. There is just a bit more of attention needed. Make sure she gets enough food, especially hay and grain. If she looses weight, you can put her on some mineral oil. That is what helped with my old show mare.
Just take it really easy. No need to rush her into showing. Make sure that you warm her up and cool her off really well, because the older horses can get hurt easier if they don't get proper time to work. Also, I would say that depending on your horse, you might easily be able to achieve your goal of jumping that with her. I was jumping 3" with a 30 year old horse. She was perfectly fine. But the second she started to be a little different than normal, I stopped. It turned out that she had just begun to develope navicular. I still ride her because my vet says it is good for her.
As for showing her and jumping, I don't think you will do much damage. As long as you LISTEN TO YOUR HORSE! That is the most important thing. If your horse is lame one day, don't stress. It could just be a little thing. My mare did that and she just liked to fool around in the pasture and act young. Sometimes she tripped and was sore for a day. Then just don't ride. Even though your horse might be a bit lame or so, I always exercised mine. I didn't ride her when she was lame, but I played with her in the riding ring and let her do some lunging at liberty. It helped because it is moving the joints, and they need to get exercise, but without the rider's weight.
Since you are havinng trouble with her teeth, get a vet to look at them to see if they can do anything. Try to soak her hay, so it will be softer to chew. Also if you want to, you can soak the grain in water for about 10 mins before you feed it to her so it is softer. you can either leave the water in there or dunp it out. My mare lived outside 24/7 because she loves fresh air and exercise. She also doesn't do well on hay, so I prefer to let her graze when possible. BUT she DOES have a run in shelter available 24/7! She liked to get fed with the other horses and take the water in her grain and give the other horses a nice itchy bath! Man, is she ever funny. I love my old mare soo much. Just because they are old doesn't mean they can't do well! Go show em how its done!
Just go ahead and see what happens. If she shows signs of pain or is off her feed, talk to someone. Maybe even contact your vet to get his or her opinion.
Good Luck! Have lots of fun with your new horse!