My Dear Old Boy Turby


My dear old boy Turby. He will be 32 this April. He has been with me since he was 19. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long- the old adage of “time flies” is so true. He is such a different horse than when he first came to live with us, and I am a different person too. He is retired from riding, but he is as active as he has ever been. I’ll be honest and say I used to be in the camp that believes, if you can’t ride/ use a horse, what’s the point of keeping him? I assumed horses were for my personal use and didn’t really consider the horse’s role in my life other than riding it. That was before Turby, before I lived with my horses on my property, and before all the wonderful educators who are turning the tide towards regarding the sentient beings horses actually are. I am sure that even if I could never ride a horse again, I would have one for a companion. They are simply amazing and have so much to offer. They are worth every penny and ounce of hard-work that goes into their daily care. If you ever had doubts about adopting a companion, non-riding horse, don’t! It will be well worth it. There are many reasons for owning a senior horse. Here are 5 good ones:


  1. Life Experience: Older horses have a wealth of life experience, having been exposed to various environments, disciplines, and situations over the years. Their knowledge and wisdom can be invaluable for riders looking to learn and grow in their horsemanship journey.
  2. Emotional Connection: Welcoming a senior horse into your life provides an opportunity to forge a deep and meaningful emotional connection. Older horses often appreciate the care and attention they receive, forming strong bonds with their owners based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
  3. Therapeutic Value: Interacting with horses has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for humans, even without riding. Being around horses can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.Owning a senior horse that is no longer able to carry a rider does not mean they cannot provide amazing rewards.
  4. Learning and Education: Owning a senior horse provides an excellent opportunity for learning about equine behavior, care, and management. Owners can expand their knowledge of horse anatomy, nutrition, and training techniques, enriching their understanding of these magnificent animal. Senior horses could be a great way for a person who does not wish to ride to still be able to enjoy being with horses. Senior horses have much to teach us!



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