Horses typically live between 25 and 30 years on average. Several factors influence their lifespan, including quality of diet, medical and dental care, genetics, and living conditions. Domesticated horses tend to live longer than wild horses, which usually live about 15 years due to harsher conditions and lack of veterinary care
. Ponies and smaller horse breeds often live longer than larger breeds, sometimes reaching 40 years or more. The oldest recorded horse lived to 62 years, and the oldest pony to 56 years, but these are exceptional cases
. Key factors affecting horse longevity include:
- Quality and type of diet, especially good forage
- Access to veterinary care, including dental and farrier services
- Avoidance and management of chronic illnesses or injuries
- Breed and size, with smaller breeds generally living longer
- Level of physical activity and workload
Wild horses have shorter lifespans due to predation, lack of consistent food and shelter, untreated injuries, and frequent breeding cycles
. In summary, with proper care, horses can live well into their late 20s or early 30s, and some can even reach their 40s or beyond, especially ponies and smaller breeds
