Useful Lives Beyond Useful Years
My love for older horses has grown as I’ve aged-out several horses in my life. As I too grow older, I find myself longing for the days when I could swing up on my horse from the ground or ride for hours without feeling it in my bones.
I suppose old horses are happy as pasture pets, but why not let them have a job, such as giving rides to and/or teaching young riders who would benefit from time spent with an older, safer horse?
My first horse, Brandy, was a spoiled, ill-tempered gelding who challenged me every time I rode him. While he taught me a lot, my experience probably would’ve been better on a safer, older horse. Sometimes I’m amazed I stuck with riding. At horsemanship college in Oregon there was an old Thoroughbred gelding, Cimarron, who gave many of us students some valuable lessons. He seemed to enjoy taking young riders safely over fences as we learned the basics of cross-country jumping. He passed away shortly after they retired him. He loved being a school horse—it gave him a purpose.
My horse, April, was a wonderful horse for the veteran’s program we belonged to in Washington State. In her late teens she had issues with soundness. I did my best to keep her comfortable, but her days of chasing cows were over. We still did a little sorting in Lynden a couple times a month and she always came alive when she saw the cows. Her energy soared in the pen even though her feet were tender.
When it came to giving veterans and their children rides, April became docile, gentle, and cooperative, even with the ones who could barely reach their legs around her. One little girl who had brittle bone disease guided April through the small obstacle course. April walked carefully, making sure her little passenger stayed safe.
I miss April every day. I lost her shortly after moving to Colorado, but the joy she gave me over a span of 20 years is a gift I will always cherish.
This issue is focused on senior horses. Enjoy the stories from the winners of our 2023 Senior Horse Essay Contest. These participants clearly love their senior horses. Some of our horses have value well beyond their years. If you’re fortunate enough to have an older horse, cherish the lessons they teach you and the joy it is to own an older, wiser horse.
“Each day provides its own gifts.” – Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD), Roman Emperor
See this article in the November/December 2023 online edition:
Colorado Horse Source Magazine’s November/December Issue 2023 IS HERE!
Owner / Publisher | Canfield Certified Trainer
Karen Pickering is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of The Northwest Horse Source, which began in 1995 as a small equine newsletter and grew into a respected industry publication. With more than 30 years of experience serving the horse community, Karen now focuses on helping equine businesses and organizations build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships through online marketing, digital promotion, and educational platforms.
As a Canfield Certified Trainer, she blends proven success principles with real-world industry experience, supporting both businesses and individuals navigating change in today’s digital landscape. Karen remains deeply connected to the horse industry and is passionate about serving the community she has helped build for over three decades.
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion. Now excited to start a version of her original magazine in Colorado!