Many horse people–from veterinarians to caretakers–will tell you that horses are living longer today than ever before, largely thanks to a combination of improved nutritional options for elder equines and advancements in veterinary technology.

Take Shayne, for example. Shayne is a healthy and stout liver chestnut Irish Draught-cross stallion living the good life in Brentwood, England. Standing 15 hands, Shayne reportedly loves trotting and cantering around his pasture at the Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, despite a mild case of arthritis. By the way, Shayne is 51 years old and believed to be the world’s oldest horse.

I’ve known and cared for a few (read: many) equine seniors over the years. My current three-day eventer turned 16 this year (despite retaining the brain of a 5 year-old). I have two Appaloosas–aged 26 and 25–and a 23-year-old Miniature Horse enjoying retirement at my family’s Michigan farm. For several years, I cared for a herd of 25+ horses (the vast majority over the age of 20) at a Girl Scout riding facility in Michigan. All these elder equines have taught me that horses really do get better with age.

But with age and experience, I’ve learned, come health problems, new concerns, and an odd behavior here and there. It’s my goal with this blog to discuss a different aspect of old horse-keeping each week, and talking about the equine veterans that never cease putting a smile on my face