Roana, a mixed-breed mare living in Northern Ireland, has officially been declared the oldest horse in the UK.
At 46 years old, she has far surpassed the average horse’s life expectancy, which typically ranges between 25 to 30 years.
Her extraordinary lifespan has been a topic of much fascination, with her owner, Cerys Brown, now revealing the secrets behind her beloved horse’s impressive longevity.
A Special Bond That’s Lasted for Decades
Cerys met Roana when she was just a young girl of five, starting her lessons at a local riding school in Newtownards, County Down.
When the school closed in the early 2000s, Cerys’ grandmother purchased Roana, and since then, Cerys has been her dedicated caretaker.
The two share an incredibly close bond that has lasted for over 30 years, with Cerys describing Roana as “practically family.”
“Roana has been in my life for 30 years, as long as most of my family members have,” Cerys said.
“She is practically family to me. We have a different level of bond, I know her inside out.
I can tell how she’s feeling just by looking at her.”
An Unconventional Diet and Light Exercise
Cerys credits Roana’s long life to a rather unique diet that includes a daily Mars bar and a Stud muffin horse treat.
For her 46th birthday, the mare was treated to a special cake made from linseed mash, grass pellets, and grated carrot.
While her diet may raise some eyebrows, Cerys also believes that light exercise has contributed to Roana’s health in her older years.
Despite Roana’s age, she’s still in remarkably good health, though she does suffer from age-related arthritis.
Cerys also recalls how the mare survived a tough battle with strangles, a bacterial infection in the respiratory system, in the 1990s. Roana retired from riding four years ago after sustaining a leg injury but had once competed in show-jumping events in her younger years.
A Lifelong Friend Through Tough Times
Beyond her physical care, Roana has been an emotional pillar for Cerys.
Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 18, Cerys spent her early 20s battling health issues and spending considerable time in the hospital.
However, once she began to recover, Roana became her companion, helping her return to a more normal routine.
“I’ve had a few health problems myself and even on my lowest days, Roana and Tinkerbell gave me purpose,” Cerys shared.
“They’re like siblings to me, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.”
Roana’s Unique Personality
Cerys also describes Roana as having a strong and independent personality, calling her “thran,” a term meaning stubborn.
“When I first met Roana, I didn’t like her much because she was lazy and didn’t enjoy flatwork,” Cerys laughed.
“But then we discovered her love for jumping, and that’s when we found common ground.
She was very independent and lived life on her own terms, which makes her so special.”
Cerys noted that Roana’s personality isn’t for the faint of heart, joking that she wasn’t fond of small children, either!
A Heartwarming Legacy
Roana’s status as the UK’s oldest horse was officially recognized by the Harry Hall One Club, an equine membership organization with nearly 50,000 members across the UK.
Liz Hopper, the managing director at Harry Hall, noted how advancements in nutrition and veterinary care have helped horses live longer lives.
With more equine companions living well past their expected lifespan, it’s become increasingly common for owners to have these horses by their side for many years.
“Roana’s story is truly heartwarming,” said Liz Hopper.
“It’s remarkable that Cerys has spent the majority of her life with Roana, and their partnership is beautiful.”
As the UK’s oldest horse, Roana’s story continues to inspire many, proving that with the right care, love, and companionship, horses can enjoy long and fulfilling lives.
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