Horses are underrated, and that’s a hill I will die on. I love everything about them, from the fact that they’re a little scary to the way they’re like the original cars. I also love that you get to braid their hair! They can be so stylish!
Plus, they can live for a long time if you take good care of them! Recently, one 42-year-old, toothless horse got to have a special treat; he hasn’t been feeling his best lately, and mom decided she definitely needed to cheer him up. It seems like it worked great:
@maryhomiczgierChief has been acting out of character the past couple of days. Normally his hankering for his mash allows him to devour it completely. But, he has started to leave behind more and more feed. Of which can be a sign that the inevitable is approaching. We’re keeping a close eye on him, adjusting things as needed, it could be nothing, or he could be choosing his time. Either way, we’re here for him. Everything else remains the same, attitude, weight, etc. Still an orney old man. And also his ravenous nature towards his favorite treat, watermelon. (To clarify, this is an update, not a post seeking advice. We have everything we need at our disposal for equine health needs/concerns. 💜) – – – – – #horse #seniorhorse #oldhorse #equestrian #cowgirl
Mary Gier is so sweet to this boy! He might be 42, but he’s still her baby, and she’s never going to let him forget it!
Chief is in decent health: he’s definitely active for his age! Recently, though, his mom has noticed that he’s been acting a little off. He hasn’t had the same appetite he usually does. Since he doesn’t have any teeth, he eats a mash that’s easy enough for him to lick up without chewing.
He might just be getting bored with his mash or something: that’s why his mom decided to treat him to some watermelon. It’s soft enough that he doesn’t need teeth to enjoy it. He loved it, luckily, and he seems to be feeling better!
She posted a video of him afterward. He definitely puts the horse in “horsing around!”
@maryhomiczgierYou were once a stern stallion to be wary of. Full of fury, spite, power, and a passion to continue chasing life, even when abandoned. I was once a little girl told to be wary of a stallion. Full of freedom, joy, whimsy, and a persistent desire to continue chasing a new friend, even when separated. Together we have experienced everything, connection to despair. Cancer almost took me, but you did instead. Age almost left you behind, but I kept you with me. Life decays us, your worn teeth, and my weak limbs. But, it has grown our friendship. It will never wither, not with age, not with death. Together we shall remain, forever and always. – – – – – – – – – – #horse #oldhorse #seniorhorse #cowgirl #equestrian
Chief is easily one of the cutest horses I’ve ever seen. He might be slightly past his prime, but he’s still got a lot of fight left!
Horses have long lifespans
Exactly how long a horse will live depends on things like their care, their breed, their gender, and more. However, horses typically live between 20-30 years, so a 42-year-old horse is pretty old! The oldest horse to ever live made it to 62: I hope chief makes it there.
Horses are typically considered “too old to ride” when they reach about 20-22, depending on their breed and individual health. While you might still be able to ride them on occasion, they should be seen by a vet and cleared first. Jumping and competing will get much harder with age, too.
Luckily, Chief is a senior boy living his best life. Eating watermelon on a summer day is just what the doctor ordered, probably!
