Before buying a horse, you will want to know how long it lives for. The good news is that a horse has one of the more impressive lifespans out of other common pets. With the right care and attention, they will live far longer than cats and dogs. In this article, we shine a light on the lifespan of horses and what can increase or decrease their longevity.
What is the average lifespan of a horse?
A domesticated horse will live between 25-30 years of age. However, it is also common to see some horses live to be beyond 30. As you can see, this is a mightily impressive lifespan compared to other domesticated animals.
Why do horses live so long?
One of the reasons for this long lifespan is that horses are large and robust animals. Very few things can harm a horse, particularly the domesticated one's today. Out in the wild, you might find some predators in Africa or North America that are capable of taking down a horse. But, in the fields of the UK, the closest thing you have to a predator is a fox, and it cannot take on a horse. So, no threats to their life mean that most horses can grow old without running into any predatory incidents.
Furthermore, humans provide extra protection for horses to keep them as safe as can be. They are continuously fed and watered, their coats are kept clean, and they're protected from common diseases. Plus, many horses benefit from a shelter in the colder months, further reducing the risks of illness and death.
To add even more to this, advancements in animal care and science mean we know more about horses than ever before. This allows humans to provide better care for horses than they would get out in the wild. Much like medical advancements have extended human life, the same is true for horses.
Which horses tend to live the longest?
While all horses can live beyond 30, some breeds live longer than others. It is widely known that ponies are the longest living horses out there. Some ponies have been found to live over 40 with optimal care and health.
This follows the general rule that smaller horses live longer than larger ones. A common thought behind this is that larger horses are ridden more than smaller ones. Something like a pony will usually be ridden my children, who will graduate to larger horses when they are bigger. There is no concrete evidence to support this, but it is a theory must experts are happy with.
In conclusion, horses will have an average lifespan of between 25-30 years. With the right care and attention, your horse can easily live beyond that average - provided it has no health conditions. Generally speaking, if you want a horse that lives longer than most, buy a pony. Or, stick to any smaller breeds as they have a longer lifespan. Still, there are exceptions to this rule, and many large horses will live long and prosperous lives!