Few things are more exciting in the sports world than the Olympics. The 2012 Games, being held this year in London, get under way very shortly and I’m very excited to cheer all the horses and riders on in eventing, dressage, and jumping.

But as you’re watching the Olympic equestrian events, keep an eye out for spectacular senior athletes; horse (and rider!) ages might surprise you. Here are just a few of the aged competitors hoping to bring home the gold:

Lenamore (NZL)–At 20 years old, Lenamore is probably one of the oldest horses in the competition this year. This gray Irish Sport Horse gelding, by Sea Crest, will compete in eventing, partnered with his long-time rider Caroline Powell from New Zealand. At 15, Lenamore finished 15th at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and at 17 years old he won the prestigious 4* Burghley Horse Trials.

Flexible (USA)–Ridden in jumping by American Rich Fellers, Flexible is a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse by the stallion Cruising. The chestnut stallion will make his Olympic debut this year, but he’s no stranger to tough competition…or winning tough competitions for that matter. Earlier this year Rich and Flexible won the FŽdŽration Equestre International World Cup in the Netherlands, making them the first Americans in 25 years to win the prestigious event. By the way, Flexible was the oldest horse in the competition. TheHorse.com blogger Jennifer Bryant recently featured Rich and Flexible in her Olympic-themed blog