Owners of veteran horses, Hayley Jackson, Nelly Stephens and Shelley Ayling share their experiences on having a veteran horse or pony and all this entails.
Beau is a 23 year old Thoroughbred and is owned by Hayley Jackson. Hayley got Beau when he was 13 and they have had a successful dressage career together for the last 8 years, winning countless competitions, championships and qualifiers.
"Beau is an absolute gentleman with ground and ridden manners to die for. He loves
people and cuddles, but still acts like a child/rebel in the field!", Hayley tells us.
Q: What do you love about Beau?
A: Our bond- he knows exactly what I'm thinking and feeling, his kind eyes and his obsession with having a morning roll!
Q: What challenges do you face owning a veteran horse?
A: A 23 year old ex-racehorse still doing what Beau does is incredible in itself, but one challenge is keeping him sound and happy - Beau suffers with arthritis, bog sparvin and historical suspensory injuries. He has an intense physio regime and a dedicated farrier that keep us on the right track. It's also a challenge to know when the workload needs to change - sometimes they need a different approach and it's learning to listen to them when they're having an 'off day'.
Q: What is Beau's diet?
A: Beau has been on Allen & Page Calm & Condition for years, and I'm so glad I found this company. The reps are wonderful and helpful, Beau absolutely loves the feed and it's also a great way to keep him hydrated as it's soaked.
Q: What changes and improvements have you seen from his feed?
A: Beau has a regular feed routine, and thanks to the quality of the feed he's getting, he certainly does not look his age and has a wonderful shine. Even during the winter he has great condition and looks in great health.
Q: What advice would you give to someone with a veteran or considering buying one?
A: First bit of advice is... do it! Veterans are the most wonderful, giving horses. Think of them as fine wine, they get better over time. Secondly, I'd say find the right diet, our veterans need a bit of help and getting the right nutrition will benefit in the long run. Thirdly, don't let age put you off. Beau is 23 now, but I could still take him to a competition and he'd hold his own against the 'young-uns'. With the right care and management, anything is possible!
Neyo is almost 22 years old and has been owned by Nelly Stephens since May 2020. Nelly and Neyo enjoyed eventing up until retiring him from eventing in Autumn 2021. Now, Nelly and Neyo compete in arena eventing, showjumping and dressage with some quiet time scheduled in too.
"Neyo is extremely grumpy in the stable, his stable is his kingdom and we respect that. He likes everything to be kept to time
and his way. He knows everything and has worn all the t-shirts!", Nelly tells us.
Q: What is your favourite memory with Neyo?
A: I have so many amazing memories with Neyo, but winning our second ever one day event at Oxstalls was unbelievable! We nearly slipped over on a turn to a skinny but he just picked himself up and took me between the flags, finishing on our dressage score of 23.
Q: Does he have any special dietary requirements?
A: We have always fed him with laminitis in mind so we don't give him any sugar and watch his weight. He would be very silly if fed a high energy feed- he jogs home on every hack without extra help from feed!
Q: What is Neyo's diet?
A: We feed Neyo on 3/4 scoop of Veteran Light and some unmolassed chaff. We were told he never keeps his weight during the winter, but this winter he's kept weight well and with correct condition on Veteran Light.
Q: How has Veteran Light helped?
A: Veteran Light has helped him have all the vitamins and nutrients he needs to keep well in his old age without having to give him lots of different supplements. He never fails to eat all his dinner and looks amazing, and more importantly he feels like he can still do what he enjoys.
Q: What advice would you give to someone with a veteran or considering buying one?
A: I feel very luck to have a veteran who has taught me so much. Just because they are older does not mean they can't still enjoy life and give you hours of fun. Neyo is the king and will always be my pony of a lifetime. Without him I would not have enjoyed learning the early stages of eventing and he also keeps me on my toes as he refuses to grow old gracefully.
Henry is a 25 year old Irish Cob and has been owned by Shelley Ayling since he was 10. Shelley and Henry competed in dressage and very much enjoyed it before Henry then retired in June 2021.
"Henry is cheeky, laid back, chilled and lovable. I'm lucky, he's not really challenging just high maintenance! Haha!", Shelley tells us.
Q: What is your favourite memory with Henry, and what do you love about him?
A: I have lots of favourite memories, but my biggest has to be doing our first dressage to music - it was such a huge goal of mine! I love his character, his can-do attitude and how chilled he is.
Q: Does Henry have any specific nutritional needs?
A: Henry has Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL), so we have to avoid Alfalfa and too much sugar.
Q: How does Henry's feed help him?
A: Henry has been on Allen & Page feeds since I've owned him. Veteran Light and Veteran Vitality are both Barley and Molasses free which is great for Henry. Even with Henry being in lighter work, he is still looking fab for his age and gets compliments saying he does not look 25.
Q: What are your plans for 2022?
A: We plan to do more hacking and take part in some fun rides and the odd riding clinic too.
Q: What advice would you give to someone with a veteran or considering buying one?
A: To make sure you know their dietary requirements and feed a well-balanced diet, as every veteran horse is different. If they are still being ridden, it's important to give them plenty of warm up and cool down time.
