Whether on the track or off old horses are an adventure into horses. They can be grumpy and have very definite likes and dislikes or go along with whatever is laid out before them. They’re a combination of fragility and hard as nails – and remind us that even nails bend under pressure.
On the track an ‘old horse’ can be 5 or 6 or can be a respected campaigner of 10 or 11 that runs their heart out every time they’re asked and sometimes get the job done. Most if they don’t earn their keep don’t stay on the track, so seeing that 8 or 9 or 10 year old you can figure they’ve earned some war stories.
Their legs may show some signs of battle. They may be a little sore the next day or take a little longer to warm up than the spry two and three year olds. The older horses have learned to entertain themselves and those around them.
Older horses off the track don’t lose the resilient “been there done that” nature. It’s as if they have learned a different kind of attitude. They have earned a respect and quiet solace that comes to old horses.
They may, like John Henry, carry this respect due and remind all who pass before them to at least mentally salute, like the military officer who never really retires. They may charge up to the fence snorting with ears pinned until you step back when they tip their ears forward and bow their neck to gently take the treat from your hand.
Be it the famous or the unknown it is a common badge of honor that comes to old horses. It comes through in photos of horses like Black Tie Affair or Precisionist or Gulch who fought for victory on the track with determination and speed and grew to old horses who never lost that “I’m special” look.
It comes through in the quiet demeanor of others that saunter up knowing you’ll wait for them because they’re old horses. Wonderful old horses like Sadie, blind in one eye but more concerned with her handicap harming a handler than bothering her.
The ‘old horse attitude’ is a treasure. They honor you with their attention whether or not you deserve it. Give some time and attention to old horses. You might be surprised what they teach you about horses.
And what they teach you about yourself.
Keywords: old horses, retired thoroughbreds
