Daily candy deal with is the key to UK’s oldest horse’s lengthy life, says devoted proprietor
The UK’s oldest horse Roana is showing no signs of slowing down as she hits 45 years old, 20 years above the average life expectancy.
Her owner Cerys Brown, 37, has been riding Roana for 30 years and says the mixed breed mare is “practically family.”
In her twilight, Roana retired from being ridden four years ago after a leg injury and suffers with a touch of age-related arthritis, but she’s still a happy and healthy girl.
Brown credits her long life and happiness to her daily Mars bar. She said: “Roana will do anything for a Stud Muffin horse treat or Mars bar!”
READ MORE: Animals are just like humans as they get grumpier as they get older
Click for more of the latest news from the Daily Star.
Cerys received Roana as a gift when her grandma bought her from a local stable that was closing down in Newtownards, Co Down.
Cerys said: “Owning horses has given me something to get up in the morning for, I’ve had a few health problems myself and even on my lowest days Roana and Tinkerbell gave me purpose.
“They’re like siblings to me and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.”
When she was just 18, Cerys was diagnosed with Crohn’s, an inflammatory bowel disease, and was in and out of hospital throughout her 20s. She said Roana was there to comfort her and be her friend throughout this period.
But it wasn’t love at first sight for the pair.
Cerys, now a veterinary nurse, said that when they first met she thought Roana was lazy, but she soon discovered their mutual love for jumping and became ‘best friends.’
Roana was crowned the UK’s oldest horse by the Harry Hall One Club, an equine membership service of almost 50,000 horse owners across the UK.
Harry Hall managing director Liz Hopper said: “We have noticed an increase in the number of horses living longer primarily related to advancements in nutrition, veterinary care and horse management practices, a trend which is unlikely to slow down.
“It’s amazing that Cerys has been able to spend the majority of her life with Roana by her side; it truly is a lovely partnership.”
Senior veterinary trainer Dr Mandala Hunter-Ishikawa warned against giving horses too many sweet treats, saying: “A few bites here and there are generally harmless, and watching them savour these treats can be as rewarding for their human companions as it is for the horse.
“However, it’s essential to emphasise moderation. Even foods that are generally safe can become harmful in large quantities.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
