Opinions on 30 year old gelding, please.

NorthernHorseGirl · 07-16-2009, 09:35 PM

This is Clint, my Peppy San bred gelding at 30 years old. He's gone now, I had to have him put down last fall at 31 due to congestive heart failure but he was still being ridden a week before.

The reason I'd like him to be critiqued is because he was still almost completely sound, just a little arthritis that was managed with glucosamine/MSM. I'm wondering if you guys see anything that would account for a horse that age to still be in such good physical shape when so many horses are lame much younger. I showed him the whole summer after this picture was taken and he did very well.

I don't have any other conformation type pictures, sorry. His legs were straight from the front and back, though.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1247797900

reason only one picture is allowed is cause the horse passed away..

pvf · 08-03-2009, 10:45 AM

How to Critique Horses - read this if you want to comment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are the rules about how to critique horses in the conformation clinic. Please check back here as this forum progresses since we will be making updates as we go along.

1. Be honest but friendly.
All horses have flaws -- you can certainly point them out. BUT, do not say things in a way that could be construed as rude or overly negative.
Keep all comments focused on the horse. Do not say anything critical about the owner.

2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
Just like how all horses have flaws, they all have good points. If you have something negative to say, be sure to also include a positive comment.
Keep things friendly -- give your comments the way you would if a good friend asked you for your opinion.

3. If you don't have anything conformation-related to say, please PM the horse's owner instead of replying in here.
People posting in this area are looking for conformation-related responses. Even if you're not well versed in conformation, please don't be shy about trying to critique the horse or ask questions about his/her conformation. But, since this is the conformation clinic, please make sure your response does pertain to conformation! Comments such as "he sure is pretty!" should be made via PM if you aren't also commenting on the horse's conformation.
4. People WILL say things you disagree with.
Keep your comments focused on your own ideas, and not reactions to other people's posts.
If you think you'll be bothered by seeing comments that you think are "wrong" - then don't visit this forum!!!
It is not your job to convince everyone that your opinion is correct. Say what you believe and let others come to their own conclusions.

If people have trouble following these rules, we will make critiquing by invitation only.

For help understanding conformation better check out these to threads:
Horse Conformations for Dummies- P.1
Conformation for Dummies P.2

Appy_527 · 08-03-2009, 06:26 PM

I am sorry for your loss. He is a gorgeous horse. When I first pulled up the pic I had to catch my breath. He looks 10 not 30!!! He is absolutely beautiful. Is he red dun? I don't know why something like that would happen if he was in that GREAT physical condition. Hopefully some more knowledgable horsetopians can help you there. But he was so beautiful. He looks very sweet and I'm sure he was a very nice horse.

redboy · 08-03-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appy_527

I am sorry for your loss.
He is a gorgeous horse.
When I first pulled up the pic I had to catch my breath.
He looks 10 not 30!!!
He is absolutely beautiful.
I don't know why something like that would happen if he was in that GREAT physical condition.
Hopefully some more knowledgable horsetopians can help you there. But he was so beautiful. He looks very sweet and I'm sure he was a very nice horse.

Ditto on all points.

Stormy's Human · 08-03-2009, 07:41 PM

What a beautiful boy - so sorry for your loss - you did good by him!

Mav2007 · 08-04-2009, 08:25 AM

I don't think it's so much a matter of his conformation that made him sound into his golden years, as much as it is a sign that he was fed properly, trained at the right age and not beat into the ground like a lot of young horses are these days. I'm sure his conformation was just the icing on the cake to his proper care and good breeding.

Appy_527 · 08-04-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mav2007

I don't think it's so much a matter of his conformation that made him sound into his golden years, as much as it is a sign that he was fed properly, trained at the right age and not beat into the ground like a lot of young horses are these days. I'm sure his conformation was just the icing on the cake to his proper care and good breeding.

I absolutely agree. It is obvious you cared for him VERY well.

Druydess · 08-10-2009, 09:31 PM

I agree with everyone else. He is just lovely.

WickedNag · 08-10-2009, 09:35 PM

A beautiful horse indeed!

Bebe2323 · 08-11-2009, 01:09 AM

He is beautiful. Congrats on keeping him so healthy for all of his 31 years. He looks much younger to me. Maybe in the teens but not 30. Great care you gave me, lucky horse. I have two older ones myself. One is a 33 yo appaloosa gelding and the other is a 27 yo appaloosa mare.

Hot Shot 33

Classy 27

redboy · 08-11-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bebe2323

He is beautiful. Congrats on keeping him so healthy for all of his 31 years. He looks much younger to me. Maybe in the teens but not 30. Great care you gave me, lucky horse. I have two older ones myself. One is a 33 yo appaloosa gelding and the other is a 27 yo appaloosa mare.

Hot Shot 33

Classy 27

These two look Awesome too!!
Yeah for older horses!!

Now I feel like posting a picture of my old guy (he's 27, and looks like a 10 year old

).

HorseLVR · 08-11-2009, 05:08 AM

So sorry for your loss. That fella was gorgeous and didn't look anything like a 30 yr old.

WestCoastRambler · 08-11-2009, 05:00 PM

As everyone else said, he looked great! Clearly very well taken care of.

May I ask what you did with him? His legs look good and solid, a key factor in determining the soundness and longevity of a horse. While it's hard to tell if there are any conformational flaws in the legs, they are lacking in bumps or swelling that would indicate wear and tear on an old horse - so either these faults (if any) were very minor, or you knew well enough not to push him beyond his capabilities (or both!).

Overall I like him, he's got good legs, a short, solid back (that shows little swaying considering his age!), nice sloping shoulders and hips, and a decently shaped neck. The secret to his old age and soundness was likely just good horsemanship on your part. An appropriate feeding and exercise plan is key, and while every aspect of conformation has a practical point (from head shape to leg structure), these have more to do with the horse's ability to perform under saddle than to how long it can live lameness free without interference.

Basically what I'm saying is if you take a horse with cow hocks and pigeon toes, and jump him, lameness will likely come up at some point, and may put an end to his useful life. You take the same horse and only do trails and the odd fun show with him, and he could stay sound into his 30s like this guy. You didn't push this guy beyond his physical limits, and took very good care of him overall. Good job! He was lucky to have you

azhorselover · 08-11-2009, 05:16 PM

Wow he looked great! My question is was he mostly barefoot his whole life?

I took a 40yr old yes 40yr old rescue that other than no teeth was very sound at his age and finding his history I think how he was raised had alot to do with his being in good health. He was never stalled, was let to graze on pasture, exercised , and left barefoot, kinda like nature intended and I always figured that was why his is so old and last I checked he is still kicking at 45 now

Oh yeah he was an 16hh appendix

FatSpottedAppy · 08-16-2009, 07:57 AM

I'm just curious.. Because he's passed away there is only one picture allowed.. Why is that?

You did a wonderful job with him.

MorningGlory · 08-16-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatSpottedAppy

I'm just curious.. Because he's passed away there is only one picture allowed.. Why is that?

You did a wonderful job with him.

I was thinking the same thing!!

FatSpottedAppy · 08-20-2009, 06:48 PM

No one's gonna answer?

Stormy's Human · 08-22-2009, 07:19 PM

What a healthy looking horse. What a good job you did promoting that! Sorry for your loss = I'm sure it is a great one - looking at him.

Lady_MCSE · 08-22-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatSpottedAppy

I'm just curious.. Because he's passed away there is only one picture allowed.. Why is that?

Taking a wild guess here ... I'm not a mod, so I'm not officially answering ... but I think you're reading it wrong. Normally the conformation clinic includes LOTS of pictures from all kinds of angles. This person wanted to have her horse critiqued. So they allowed the posting to be put up with only one picture, where normally they would require more.

I'm guessing you read it more like because the horse is gone only one picture is allowed even if more pictures existed.

*shrug* Hope that helps?

Rafflesgirl · 08-22-2009, 11:05 PM

I too think he looks great for his age. I had an old mare who had to be put down about 10 years back and she always looked great for her age and was very sound and healthy her whole life. (34 years) She was only lame twice both times with injuries that never again caused a problem and only sick once with a fever after being at our county fair, (most of the horses got the fever) I agree with others, It probably has more to do with good genetics, not being pushed too hard too early in life, being maintained well by you the owner, proper exercise, diet and care in general.

I think his conformation looks pretty good for his age. Handsome guy he was!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
5 Year Old QH Gelding	PaintMeCrazy	Conformation Clinic	6	05-31-2009 10:48 PM
my 2 year old gelding	stellas mom	General Horse Advice	41	02-22-2009 07:40 PM
wanting opinions on gelding a 5 year old	paintsbyapril	General Horse Advice	41	02-05-2009 07:51 AM
17 Year old TB gelding	A J	Conformation Clinic	0	10-15-2007 08:36 PM
10 year old QH gelding	paige5785	Conformation Clinic	11	08-17-2007 09:37 PM

07-16-2009, 09:35 PM
NorthernHorseGirl Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 509	Opinions on 30 year old gelding, please. This is Clint, my Peppy San bred gelding at 30 years old. He's gone now, I had to have him put down last fall at 31 due to congestive heart failure but he was still being ridden a week before. The reason I'd like him to be critiqued is because he was still almost completely sound, just a little arthritis that was managed with glucosamine/MSM. I'm wondering if you guys see anything that would account for a horse that age to still be in such good physical shape when so many horses are lame much younger. I showed him the whole summer after this picture was taken and he did very well. I don't have any other conformation type pictures, sorry. His legs were straight from the front and back, though. http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1247797900 reason only one picture is allowed is cause the horse passed away.. __________________ Some horses come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile and make hoofprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same. Anonymous Rest in peace Clint, I'll always love you and I'll miss you for the rest of my life. You were and will always be my perfect horse. Last edited by pvf : 08-03-2009 at 10:45 AM.

08-03-2009, 10:45 AM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8,276	How to Critique Horses - read this if you want to comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are the rules about how to critique horses in the conformation clinic. Please check back here as this forum progresses since we will be making updates as we go along. 1. Be honest but friendly. All horses have flaws -- you can certainly point them out. BUT, do not say things in a way that could be construed as rude or overly negative. Keep all comments focused on the horse. Do not say anything critical about the owner. 2. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Just like how all horses have flaws, they all have good points. If you have something negative to say, be sure to also include a positive comment. Keep things friendly -- give your comments the way you would if a good friend asked you for your opinion. 3. If you don't have anything conformation-related to say, please PM the horse's owner instead of replying in here. People posting in this area are looking for conformation-related responses. Even if you're not well versed in conformation, please don't be shy about trying to critique the horse or ask questions about his/her conformation. But, since this is the conformation clinic, please make sure your response does pertain to conformation! Comments such as "he sure is pretty!" should be made via PM if you aren't also commenting on the horse's conformation. 4. People WILL say things you disagree with. Keep your comments focused on your own ideas, and not reactions to other people's posts. If you think you'll be bothered by seeing comments that you think are "wrong" - then don't visit this forum!!! It is not your job to convince everyone that your opinion is correct. Say what you believe and let others come to their own conclusions. If people have trouble following these rules, we will make critiquing by invitation only. For help understanding conformation better check out these to threads: Horse Conformations for Dummies- P.1 Conformation for Dummies P.2 __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses

08-03-2009, 06:26 PM
Appy_527 Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 212	I am sorry for your loss. He is a gorgeous horse. When I first pulled up the pic I had to catch my breath. He looks 10 not 30!!! He is absolutely beautiful. Is he red dun? I don't know why something like that would happen if he was in that GREAT physical condition. Hopefully some more knowledgable horsetopians can help you there. But he was so beautiful. He looks very sweet and I'm sure he was a very nice horse. __________________ "And God said, "Let there be horses!"

08-03-2009, 07:41 PM
Stormy's Human Coming two Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seville, Florida Posts: 1,751	What a beautiful boy - so sorry for your loss - you did good by him!

08-04-2009, 08:25 AM
Mav2007 Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,670	I don't think it's so much a matter of his conformation that made him sound into his golden years, as much as it is a sign that he was fed properly, trained at the right age and not beat into the ground like a lot of young horses are these days. I'm sure his conformation was just the icing on the cake to his proper care and good breeding. __________________

08-10-2009, 09:31 PM
Druydess Coming two Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Deltona, Florida Posts: 1,556	I agree with everyone else. He is just lovely. __________________ "Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match."

08-10-2009, 09:35 PM
WickedNag Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Dakota Posts: 1,008	A beautiful horse indeed! __________________ ~D~ Please feel free to visit my sites and light a candle http://amanda-garner.memory-of.com/ http://samantha-evink.memory-of.com/

08-11-2009, 01:09 AM
Bebe2323 Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Archer, FL Posts: 35	He is beautiful. Congrats on keeping him so healthy for all of his 31 years. He looks much younger to me. Maybe in the teens but not 30. Great care you gave me, lucky horse. I have two older ones myself. One is a 33 yo appaloosa gelding and the other is a 27 yo appaloosa mare. Hot Shot 33 Classy 27

08-11-2009, 05:08 AM
HorseLVR Long Yearling Join Date: May 2006 Location: Robertsdale,Alabama Posts: 1,349	So sorry for your loss. That fella was gorgeous and didn't look anything like a 30 yr old. __________________

08-11-2009, 05:00 PM
WestCoastRambler Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Burnaby, BC Posts: 215	As everyone else said, he looked great! Clearly very well taken care of. May I ask what you did with him? His legs look good and solid, a key factor in determining the soundness and longevity of a horse. While it's hard to tell if there are any conformational flaws in the legs, they are lacking in bumps or swelling that would indicate wear and tear on an old horse - so either these faults (if any) were very minor, or you knew well enough not to push him beyond his capabilities (or both!). Overall I like him, he's got good legs, a short, solid back (that shows little swaying considering his age!), nice sloping shoulders and hips, and a decently shaped neck. The secret to his old age and soundness was likely just good horsemanship on your part. An appropriate feeding and exercise plan is key, and while every aspect of conformation has a practical point (from head shape to leg structure), these have more to do with the horse's ability to perform under saddle than to how long it can live lameness free without interference. Basically what I'm saying is if you take a horse with cow hocks and pigeon toes, and jump him, lameness will likely come up at some point, and may put an end to his useful life. You take the same horse and only do trails and the odd fun show with him, and he could stay sound into his 30s like this guy. You didn't push this guy beyond his physical limits, and took very good care of him overall. Good job! He was lucky to have you __________________ Man does not rightly know the way of the heavenly world, but the horse does rightly know it. ~Satapatha Brahmana XIII

08-11-2009, 05:16 PM
azhorselover Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: prescott valley arizona Posts: 493	Wow he looked great! My question is was he mostly barefoot his whole life? I took a 40yr old yes 40yr old rescue that other than no teeth was very sound at his age and finding his history I think how he was raised had alot to do with his being in good health. He was never stalled, was let to graze on pasture, exercised , and left barefoot, kinda like nature intended and I always figured that was why his is so old and last I checked he is still kicking at 45 now Oh yeah he was an 16hh appendix

08-16-2009, 07:57 AM
FatSpottedAppy Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Potter County, PA Posts: 74	I'm just curious.. Because he's passed away there is only one picture allowed.. Why is that? You did a wonderful job with him.

08-20-2009, 06:48 PM
FatSpottedAppy Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Potter County, PA Posts: 74	No one's gonna answer?

08-22-2009, 07:19 PM
Stormy's Human Coming two Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seville, Florida Posts: 1,751	What a healthy looking horse. What a good job you did promoting that! Sorry for your loss = I'm sure it is a great one - looking at him.

08-22-2009, 11:05 PM
Rafflesgirl Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 491	I too think he looks great for his age. I had an old mare who had to be put down about 10 years back and she always looked great for her age and was very sound and healthy her whole life. (34 years) She was only lame twice both times with injuries that never again caused a problem and only sick once with a fever after being at our county fair, (most of the horses got the fever) I agree with others, It probably has more to do with good genetics, not being pushed too hard too early in life, being maintained well by you the owner, proper exercise, diet and care in general. I think his conformation looks pretty good for his age. Handsome guy he was! __________________ Kelli ~He is the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers~