How old is too old?

[dusty-Stetson16]

Hey y'all,
Just wondering if you could answer a question.

My horse, Tonto (QH x Morgan), is about 18 years old, and I've been wanting to get into roping for a long time, I just don't know if he's to old for it.
So, my question is, how old can you start a horse for that?

Thanks alot.

JD

[RobinFarmandRanch]

i think that will be a little to old to start him in roping. the training process in roping is very strenuous on horses. ive started all my roping horses at around 2.5-3 years old. my retired team roping horse is 18 years old right now. if you are just learning how to rope, trying to train a horse in roping at the same time is not a good idea. i suggest finding you a seasoned horse that will teach you the ends and outs of roping.

[Northern Rancher]

Alot of money won on older horses-if he's sound I'd use him-I've got ranch horses over 20 can still put in a good days work. If he's never been roped on before you mighht be better off getting an old campaigner.

[per]

Better question might be how old are you? Yes it was rhetorical.

[Justin]

it depends on the horse, i think. if he's been around and seen just about everything, he may pick it up quickly and in a year or so he'll be ready enough to go have some fun on.

but if you, yourself hasn't done much roping, then i don't think it's probably a good idea for you to start him. could be a case of the blind leading the blind and a sure bet to get the both of you hurt.

just my opinion

[dusty-Stetson16]

[Big Muddy rancher]

Have you swung a rope off you horse before? Does it mind it?

Some older horses have a hard time getting used to it but a young horses started right off never bothers.

[Northern Rancher]

BMR that buckskin is about the easiest starting horse Ty has ever had-caught him up yesterday to move cows he hasn't been rode for four months just went right to work. I doubt that pony will leave the place for awhile.

[dusty-Stetson16]

[Faster horses]

If it were me, I wouldn't put him through it. I'd get a younger horse...
a younger, seasoned horse...

I just think about his legs and at 18, he's bound to have some
joint problems without adding the torque on his ole' legs; especially
if you use him for heading.

Anyway, have fun learning to rope!!!

[gcreekrch]

.......heard Haymaker was too old to cut the mustard ....................

[Justin]