RE: Is he too old for her?

 At that age a pony should be retiring, if it has back problems it will more than likley make them known by bucking, napping and rearing or bolting. This will not help your daughter in her riding or confidence, so before you think about letting her ride him i would get his back checked and set a date in which to stop riding him maybe 6 months down the line when your daughter has a little confidence, then think about taking her to classes or getting another younger pony. Don't do anything stranious on him either, hes very old.

RE: Is he too old for her?

when i was 11/12 a friend and i took on loan a 28yr old pony being retired from a riding school- it was the best experience for us- he was so kind gentle and loving pony and loved all the fuss two young girls gave him!

it also taught us to be respectfull and carefull with him- while our other friends were galloping around we appreicated that his legs wouldnt take that work!

we learnt to jump with him and had five amazing years before he was retired to pasture for six months then to the pasture in the sky, from this we both learnt about how sad as it was, animals cant live forever.

so no hes not too old! he will need some extra care, teeth checked more regular than a younger pony and possibly more rugging up in the winter but for me it was worth it!

im now 33 and still have two horses! - RIP danny boy xxx

RE: Is he too old for her?

No not at all.....if he is happy to let her ride him then I wouldnt worry about his age.  I can imagine that he would be very proud to be ridden and as long as you just keep his age in mind and warm him up appropriately before you start working him.  Im a strong believer that as long as co-morbidities don't prevent them from being ridden and if they are generally fit and well we should encourage them to be lightly worked under saddle.  Like humans horses need to be exercised to remain fit and healthy and at his age leaving him standing in a field or stable will just cause a flare up of arthritus and he ll become stiff over time. My mare is 22 and she is still going strong she loves to be ridden and along as she is happy I will continue to ride her, I just make sure that I warm her up before we start I.e 10 mins loose rein on both reins, 

Good luck, and enjoy 

RE: Is he too old for her?

No way i should think its the best thing because you dont want big skittis young horses that will spook at everything. You want something thats calmer a little slower than average and forward going. Just make sure you warm up properly you dont him getting stiff and getting artheritus be careful!

Goodluck :)