I was recently looking through an old booklet written by a veterinarian, Robert M. Miller. It was printed in 1967 and even though much of it was outdated, there were many interesting facts and, honestly, a few conditions that I’d never even heard of. It was good to see that vet care for the horse has improved over the years.
One of the most interesting sections of this booklet had to do with the care of the “old” horse. According to Dr. Miller, in 1967, a horse was considered “old” before he even turned twenty. How sad this seems to me. The life of a retired horse was probably not a good one, as he was turned out to pasture without a second thought, left to fend for himself. Most folks only want a horse they can use – to ride or show, to plow or work. A horse at twenty has many good years left and thanks to modern vet care, deworming practices, better feed and just a better understanding of how horses should be cared for, horses are living longer than ever. As I always say, “The good news is that horses are living longer than ever before and the bad news is horses are living longer than ever before.”
Imagine how many owners a horse can have in his lifetime. People get a horse and then life situations change – kids grow up, people move, they downsize, they decide they want something different. And the horse, through no fault of his own, is moved down the road.
The oldest horse we have at Rainhill was born in May of 1992. Her name is Mint Chip and she is an Appaloosa that was brought here in February of 2009. Mint Chip is totally blind and is starting to show a little age but is still happy and content living with her little band of four other horses.
Many may say that Mint Chip and others like her have outlived their usefulness. Well, maybe. I just don’t happen to see it that way. I am lucky I can let these horses live out their lives in peace. I don’t ask anything of them… I just give them the opportunity to pass on without the stress and fear they must suffer when they are moved “down the road.”
It seems to me that’s want we all want at the end of our time.
Rainhill has several other very old horses, but rarely do I get their papers when they arrive here so I don’t know their exact ages. It really doesn’t matter to me how old they are, but if a horse is nearing the end of his life, I do advise the owners it would be best to call a vet and put him down before they just give him away or take him to an auction. Let’s all be kind to our aged pets, we are all they have.
If you would like to help Rainhill care for our wonderful horses, we would feel so blessed. You can sponsor a horse for $25 a month or a one-time donation of $300. You will receive photos and updates so you can see how your horse is doing.
Thank you for reading our little stories and bless you for any help you may provide.
-by Karen Thurman
Rainhill Equine Facility
11125 Ky. Hwy. 185
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-777-3164
