All North American Thoroughbreds celebrate a birthday on Jan. 1, but one in particular is celebrating a major milestone: Dead Solid Perfect turned 39 this year, making him one of the oldest Thoroughbreds alive, reports Blood-Horse.
Born on May 4, 1983, “Rush” is already well past the typical lifespan of a Thoroughbred, which is between 25 to 29 years old. Owned by Bridget Eukers, Rush lives at Windsor Hunt Stables in Connecticut. He is very healthy, Eukers reports, only dealing with seasonal allergies and sensitivity to mold.
Euker's parents bought the gelding for her when he was 9. In his younger years, Rush competed in hunter and equitation competition before retiring from a tendon injury. He and Eukers then trail rode and practiced dressage until he was 35.
Now, Eukers walks Rush and down hills to maintain his strength and flexibility. He can still get up and down easily, she says. Most of Eukers' life has been dedicated to Rush, who now needs a special diet with feedings four times a day. Though his dark bay coat is now graying, Rush is still full of life: he enjoys the occasional walk about when gates are left open, as well as playing with his pasture mate, a spry 25-year-old.
Read more at Blood-Horse.
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