The world's oldest horse died at the age of 51 last month in Essex, England, Daily Mail reports March 6. That equates to 120 years of age in human years. Shayne was a liver chestnut gelding that was an Irish Draught-Thoroughbred cross. Shayne was a healthy horse and suffered mild arthritis until it finally prevented him from being able to use his legs. He was put to sleep on Feb. 22.
Shayne spent his years at Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary. He was turned out in a large field up to five hours a day to graze and exercise. Even in his final years, he was a horse full of spirit -- trotting around the pasture with his ears perked up.
The Guinness Book of World Records invited Remus to submit an application for Shayne being the world's oldest horse, but since he wasn't a purebred, there weren't any registration papers on him. So, Remus declined since there wasn't proof his actual birth date. It was determined Shayne's real age based on what information the previous owner had given.
It's believed that Shayne lived to be the world's oldest horse due to his great personality, diet, and the fact he wasn't overworked in his younger years.
Row Green Equine and Pet Crematorium waived the fee for having Shayne cremated.
Although Shayne lived to be 51, a horse that died in 1822 by the name of "Old Billy" lived to be 62.
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