About Seniors

ABOUT SENIOR HORSES

I posted some photos and a video of my 29 year old Owen’s birthday and what struck me was that literally hundreds of people commented on fb, insta, messenger and email how incredibly good Owen looked ‘for his age’.

 I FOUND THAT A TAD SHOCKINGActually, it shocked me a bit, as for me, 29 is not that old. Check out Don Jamie, the grey on the photo below at the age of 37!Horses can become 40 to 45 years of age, actually and there – to me- is no reason for them to look old and done for in their (late twenties), nor be stiff or disabled in some way.On the other hand, that my horses look so good, agile, shaped, and supple still IS NO COINCEDENCE! It is because of the care and healthy (in hand) training I give them.

 AND TO BE FRANK: I WANT ALL HORSES TO HAVE THAT! Nothing makes me sadder, than seeing a horse not even 20 years of age and already disabled and looking aged. There is no reason for horses being kaput at only the half of their lifespan.

 SENIORS ON THE BATTLEFIELD AND IN THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL OF VIENNA

The stallion Bucephalos, from Alexander the Great died in his late thirties… on the battlefield! Alexander still found his trusted steed then agile enough to risk his life, riding Bucephalos in to battle! This tells us that in the old days, horses lasted much longer. Why is it then that today, with all the equine healthcare, the average horse in Equestrian sports breaks down at 7?(I refer to the relevant research publications in my book).

 When you look at the stallions in the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, the majority of the horses in the show are 20+. The Stallions usually retire fresh as a daisy and still looking amazing around 26-27 years of age.I road Owen, even though he had COPD since I bought him when I he was 9 years old, 6 times in a Spanish Riding school clinic when he was 21 to 24. The Bereiter complimented me with Owen’s zest for work. He nicknamed him ‘the machine’ and said he never saw a horses of that age with that zest, outside the school of Vienna!My care with herbs and specific training made that he was able to function and feel very good much longer than the vets predicted (they said he would probably not make 16, when he was 9).What does that tell everybody? It tells me, that many horses age far to young because of knowledge that seems to be lacking on the part of their owners and I am sure they wish they had 

 THAT IS WHY I WROTE MY BOOK!

In my book you will find all the ‘elements and how to’s’ of how to make it possible to have all seniors stay healthy, happy and agile well into their twenties and thirties.

 HOW TO HAVE YOUR SENIOR GOING INTO BATTLE LIKE BUCEPHALOSThe way to do that, if you want to do it right full circle includes:- Breeding for health- Correct weaning and social upbringing- Starting youngsters in hand with gymnasium exercises no sooner then 3,5 years- Starting under saddle very carefully no sooner then 4,5 -5,5 years- Understanding proper anatomic hoof trims- Understanding and creating equine friendly (specie appropriate) and healthy husbandry- How to feed for absolute health- Learning about vet treatments but also complimentary herb and supplement treatment- How to keep your senior fit and happy with senior appropriate training for mind & body

 BUT MY HORSE ALREADY WENT THROUGH A LOT OF SHIT BEFORE I GOT HIM

No worries! I never acquired a healthy horse in my life! That is how I learned so much on how to fix it.Even if you have bought your horse later in life and still already a lot has gone wrong, there is still tons you can do to remedy that with supplements, herbs and dressage in hand training, I promiss you. I have seen douzens of seniors who were put off as completely disable, spring back to life with the knowledge I have used for over 20 years and looking and feeling 10 years younger 

 NOW IT’S UP TO YOU!

If you have a senior, or would like to make sure, your horse is still running around like a 5-year-old well into his twenties and thirties, I suggest with all my heart that you read my book

You will not be disappointed! 

 SENIOR POWER!! 37 year old Jamie in the photo above!

For the love of seniors, the wise, the gentle…  who should be honoured and be taken care of the best as possible,

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Josepha

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