Ards horse (45) is oldest in the UK
A FOUR-legged resident of Newtownards has claimed something of a record – at 45 years-old, Roana is believed to be the oldest horse in the UK.
Roana is owned by veterinary nurse, Cerys Brown, who began taking riding lessons at the age of five.
When the riding school closed down in the early 2000s, Cerys’s grandmother purchased Roana for her.
The average life expectancy of a horse is between 25 and 30 years, however, Roana is defying all the odds and is still thriving under Cerys’ care.
Described as being as characterful as she was when Cerys met her over 30 years ago, Roana was found to be the oldest equine after a nationwide search on a database of owners held by Harry Hall, an equestrian specialist firm.
Speaking about her special relationship with her equine companion, Cerys said: “When I first met Roana I didn’t like her as she was lazy and didn’t enjoy flatwork.
“Later when I discovered her love for jumping we found common ground and became best friends. I soon came to realise she was extremely independent and lived her life on her own terms, which is what makes her so special, her personality is amazing.
“You definitely can’t be sensitive around her or take things too personally,” she added.
Between working at a veterinary surgery in Bangor, and being the owner of two horses, – Roana and Tinkerbell – Cerys has very little spare time but wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Roana has been in my life for 30 years, as long as most of my family members have, she is practically family,” she said.
“We have a different level of bond, I know her inside out. I know how she is feeling just by looking at her. Everyone should know her story as she has been such an amazing companion and has had an incredible impact on my life.”
Cerys was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 18 years-old and spent her early 20s in and out of hospital, but once she began to recover and manage her illness, Roana was the constant in her life which helped her get back into a routine.
She continued: “I always have a friend, there’s always someone to talk to and she’s been there through every major life change. 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.’’
Roana has surpassed all expectations and is still in very good health. Despite her age-related arthritis and surviving strangles in the 90s, Roana has remained healthy her entire life.
The 45 year-old continues to prove that age is just a number, having only retired four years ago after sustaining a leg injury which stopped her from being ridden.
