Shayne, 51, World's Oldest Horse? (PHOTO)

Shayne, a thoroughbred, is being hailed the world's oldest horse at the age of 51. The liver chestnut Irish Draught cross has spent a lifetime in a private stables and has only been ridden occasionally.

At the wise age of 51, Shayne is believed to be the world's oldest horse.

The liver chestnut-Irish Draught cross lives at the Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary in Essex, where he enjoys spa-like treatments, daily walks and high-calorie meals, the Sun reports.

A few grey hairs and a mild case of arthritis are all that hint at Shayne's old age. Otherwise, the horse is in great condition.

Sanctuary founder Sue Burton credits Shayne's health to his leisurely lifestyle.

"We like to think the secret of our success is in allowing the animals to relax and to ask nothing of them," Burton told NBC's "Today."

Shayne's owners haven't registered the title of "world's oldest living horse" with officials, but a spokesperson for Guinness World Records says they haven't received a claim for the title since Badger, another 51-year-old horse, died in 2004, according to the Sun.

The horse also happens to live in the same town as Pip, unofficially the world's oldest dog.

Back in the United States, a horse named Mr. Kid Bars was dubbed the oldest horse in Missouri in 2009.

The animal, which was 40 at the time, was blind in one eye and had difficulty hearing, but had a successful past as a champion barrel racer, the Columbia Missourian reports. Kid also worked as a therapy horse at a local center.

Much like Shayne's caretakers, Kid's owners stressed that TLC and a healthy diet are the secrets to longevity.

"He might be the smartest horse in Missouri, if they have such a contest. There is no doubt about that," Karen Grindler, director of the Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, told the Missourian in 2009.

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Comments

[bryonkernaghan]

12:56 PM on 03/06/2012

Used to think horses were quite dumb creatures, then my wife bought a fourteen yr. old 1/4 hourse.
Was standing outside by the fence with my wife and the horse, when I commented to my wife, "how long has it been since you have given that horse some oats, maybe you could go over and get that white bucket in the field and give him a treat ". As quickly as I said that the horse spun around, ran, picket up the bucket and brought it directly to my wife. I learned a lesson that day, horses have more than a little moxy. B Kernaghan-Wasa. B. C.

[Mary Newland]

11:53 AM on 03/06/2012

What noble creatures horses are. They have been at man's side since the beginning of history, have aided him in the field, carried him into battle, have been his champion in sport and transported his family from town to town. It warms my heart to think of the lovely little whiny I would hear every morning as I made my way to the barn to feed and water my beloved friend. I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones to have had this in my life.

[nmedeiros]

08:39 AM on 03/06/2012

I just love horses, one day I will learn to ride one properly.... my little dream.

[StephenJK]

03:39 AM on 03/05/2012

Wiiillld, Wild horses....couldn't drag me away...

[vetxcl]

04:01 PM on 03/03/2012

Is it time for a veterinarian section of AOLpo?

[maternatura]

04:40 PM on 03/03/2012

I eat vegetarians......... Sorry, couldn't help myself.

[vetxcl]

03:59 PM on 03/03/2012

You know, I was just thinking. (I do that occasionally. ) How old IS the oldest horse??? And whallah!! Here's AOLpo taking up space in the green section with an answer.

Gee!! Thanks AOL!!! (for lowering my expectations.)

Remember, horses aren't getting older; they're getting better.

[skgserenity]

05:07 PM on 03/06/2012

It is "eating green" that has increased the longevity and well-being of horses. We are getting back to the basics, away from the high-starch diets (grain-concentrated), which has resulted in metabolic issues in horses such as insulin-resistance. The answer for these horses is to go back to grass-hay based feeding (while not over doing green spring grass). Otherwise problesm such as laminitis, often seasonal, and usually chronic, destroys their hooves by inflammation and sinking of the entire bone structure through the sole of hte foot.

[vetxcl]

12:53 AM on 03/08/2012

Animals should have their own section.

[Nopinky]

12:36 PM on 03/03/2012

I ride a 25 year old former top level eventer and he's a doll. He's got this very wise-old-man-pondering-the-universe thing about him, but once the rails go up he turns into a very fancy dressage horse who loves to show off. Other than a tendency to collapse into his right shoulder, he's a beautiful mover and a very willing partner. I just wish I knew what deep, philosophical thoughts are rattling around behind those googly eyes and big kisses.

[Climate Lurker]

11:23 AM on 03/03/2012

My mom had a horse that lived to be 39.

[vetxcl]

04:00 PM on 03/03/2012

Hey! I saw a picture of a horse once. Made my day.

[rdhawke88]

10:32 AM on 03/03/2012

I have an Arabian gelding that just turned 26 on Feb. 28th. He's retired because of osteo-arthritis in his left front carpal joint. Otherwise he's healthy as a horse! ;D He's been a blessing in my life for a little more than 20 of those years.
He was magnificent in his day and in my eyes still is and always will be.
I love the dream that poster SamKnause had about his mare...it's a beautiful legacy for him to hold in his heart. I'm sure she will be waiting for him at the Rainbow bridge when the time comes.

[Claudia L]

11:26 AM on 03/03/2012

We do love our babies no matter how big or small.

F&F

[sexyspeedcat1]

10:05 AM on 03/03/2012

I hope this horse lives many more years! hats off to the caregivers!

[CreativebyNature]

09:57 AM on 03/03/2012

I totally agree, TLC, proper care and diet make all the difference in longevity to all the living creatures which exist on planet Earth.

[olitenup]

09:46 AM on 03/03/2012

Yea! Thank goodness, there are some people left in this world that see value in allowing horses to live out their lives. Here in the US, horse breeders can't get their unwanted to the killer slaughter houses fast enough.

[SamKnause]

09:45 AM on 03/03/2012

25 to 30 years is the average lifespan of a horse.

Very few live to be 30.

This horse has lived almost twice its expected lifespan.

Best wishes for continued health and many more years of life.

Horses are amazing beautiful animals.

They are a pleasure to be around.

I lost my horse Lucy two years ago.

I still miss her.

She was beautiful, sweet, and a comfort to me.

I dreamed the night she died that a Native American Indian brave was riding her bareback in a beautiful field.

It comforted me and I have not dreamed about her again.

[no exit]

09:55 AM on 03/03/2012

What peaceful words you have written. I am so sorry for your loss of Lucy, but she is being ridden bareback in a beautiful field and is free.

[SamKnause]

10:11 AM on 03/03/2012

Thank you for the kind words.

Have a great weekend.

[Sundog420]

10:27 AM on 03/03/2012

Beautiful words. Beautiful animals. Something about a horse.
(Hats off to Madeliene Pickens for trying to save the wild mustangs, too.)

[SamKnause]

10:55 AM on 03/03/2012

Thank you for the kind words.

Madeleine Pickens is too amazing for words.

Have a great weekend.

P.S. Looking forward to 420, but anytime is 420 time. : )

[CatandJim]

09:08 AM on 03/03/2012

I'm glad Shayne has such wonderful caregivers. What a great story!
I learned to ride on the same horse my father had learned on. Brownie was in our family for 41 years. He was an amazing, gentle creature! This story brought back memories of "Good Old Brownie" as we all called him.

[AbeMartin]

09:05 AM on 03/03/2012

Irish draught horses are a wonderful breed of working horse.  How nice of Shayne's caregivers that they are able to let him live out his life in the sanctuary rather than pulling some dreary carriage around some town for the delight of tourists.