Does anyone know the "prime age" for a true western pleasure show horse? I really don't want a guess, or a maybe, but I do know that there is a standard that is prime as far as the show career goes.

Nope, no standard that is prime. I've seen everything from 5yr olds to 25yr olds show everyone else whose boss. A good sound horse with the right movement is a good sound horse with the right movement, reguardless of age.

There is a "prime" this does not mean at this age they can not compete.....For instance, we can show 2 yr olds, futurity horses, and at a certain point a years down the road there is an age of prime.....I really want to hear from someone that KNOWS, like I said, don't want a guess, or a maybe. Just want to know the answer

This is a subjective question, and a subjective answer, depending on each individual horse. There isn't ONE answer.

Well, that is what I get for asking a subjective question on a forum. It is not a subjective question and I made it clear that I wanted an answer from an experienced W/P show person. If this is how it is to ask a question, then I wont be asking anymore. I know everyone has an opinion, but I didn't ask for one, I asked for an experienced answer......from an experienced showman. When it comes to a serious show career, there is a prime age, like I said befor, does not mean NO competition.

If you KNOW so much and you KNOW there is a prime age, how in the world do you not "KNOW" what that age is?

I also don't like the implication that I'm not experienced or have no idea what I am talking about. No, I'm not as experienced as some of the other posters on this forum when it comes to showing western. I'm also no fool and have been around the AQHA circuit.

There is no one known right answer to your question and any answer you get will be someone's opinion. So horribly sorry mine wasn't what you wanted to hear....

Well, like I said I asked for an EXPERIENCED answer from someone that knows the industry, not at the local level either. I did not imply you do not know what you are talking about. No need to defend yourself. I simply have not given it another thought and niether should you. I know that everyone has an opinion, but I did not ask for one.... Also, you should not be so quick to answer a question, especially if you are not informed. No need to reply either have had quiet enough.

slobratt, go ask this question over at the PleasureHorse forum.

Thank you.

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If this is how it is to ask a question, then I wont be asking anymore.

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If you are this rude every time you DO ask a question, then perhaps that isn't such a bad thing.....

I have to agree with the others--it completely depends on the horse. Some hit their prime as 2's or 3's in the futurities, others make better aged horses. Look at horses like Majestic Scotch--he's going strong in his early teens. Zippo LTD was competing at the World level into his late teens. You really have to look at it on a case-by-case basis.

Ok, at least there is some sort of range. There useually is a prime, especially when you start showing them as 2 or 3 yr olds, and that is what I was looking for. I know for our halter show horses (yearlings) as they approach 4 or even 5 that seems to be the prime for most of them. As I stated early on, I was not implying that they can not compete anymore, but its much like an athelete, they do reach a prime at some point. Thanks for your input!

My oh my, please do not take this as a personal attack on your answer previous. I was not rude in the beginning, but was clear on what I was searching for. I have a solid reason for asking this question and the answer has been some what ansewred at least well enough for the group I am associated with. Please do not give it another thought....

In MY experience,(a whopping 8 months) on the 4-H show path to blue ribbons) the PRIME age of a WP show horse is 32 years. They have by that time worked with/under enough idiots and immature people to have seen it all, done it all, and be phased by nothing. Grow up CA girl.

Ok, well I already rec'd an answer, somewhat anyway, to my question. Also, like I said I wanted input from an experienced person, not at the local level, like 4-H. Although, 4-H is a great start and I do recommened it. Just so you know if you do continue your blue ribbon path, money is in the futurities. Useually as 2 yr olds, etc... or in our case halter yearlings, so alot of time when they have been started at a very early age, they will reach a prime 5, 6 maybe. I did not say they do not continue a show career.... It's kind of like an athelete, (gymnastics for instance) by the time they have reached their 20's they havereached their prime.... Ok, the question has been answered and that is all that is needed. Take care and continue your path to winning, my daughter has met alot of great kids in the 4-H group and learned alot, so keep it up and keep winning