Average life of a horse

Answer 1

Obviously, the lifespan of a horse depends heavily on the work the horse has to do, the breed of horse, and the lifestyle or conditions the horse lives in. But, generally speaking, the average lifespan of an average horse is between 18 to 24 years. Some have lived a good deal longer, but most fall in this span.

Race horses are athletes, and are usually in superb physical condition; are pampered in their stalls, and are purebloods. BUT, being a race horse and a pureblood can actually put a horse at great risk, especially if the breeder is not careful. The physiology of a race horse is different from the average horse simply because of the heavy handedness man has used in creating a longer, leaner form, more flexible spine, longer legs, etc., etc. Man's intervention however, can sometime breed in infirmities that don't show. Irish Setter dogs are victims to this in that while beautiful in their legginess, they are very prone to leg ailments and weak bones.

All that said, the lifespan of a race horse can be sub-divided. The life-span of a race horse AS a race horse versus life span as a stud or brood mare, and finally, expected life span once put to pasture. Given all these factors, the "useful" lifespan of a race horse comes down to about 10 to 12 years, assuming all goes well and the horse continues to place. Beyond that, its life will depend entirely on the kindness and money of its owner. If both are in short supply, it will meet the fate so many often do: the knackery or slaughterhouse. Sadly, owners sometimes don't form any sort of commitment to owning a horse and will get rid of it quickly so that money is not wasted on it if it is not winning races. Greyhound dogs have run into the same problem.

Answer 2

Depending on breed, age and life conditions I've known horses that live till 28, so they can change depending on circumstances.

Answer 3

I assume you mean average lifespan of a horse. Typically a horse will live for 15 to 30 years of age, though some may get to be older than this.