Meet Fancy, the oldest horse in the world who grew up alongside her bestie Paige
Meet Fancy, a beautiful brown horse from Aldie, Virginia, USA who has just been confirmed as the world’s oldest living horse!
She was born on 1 April 1988, and claimed the record at the exact age of 37 years and 329 days.
For the last 3 decades of her life she has lived with her loving owner Paige Sigmon Blumer, and the pair share an unbreakable bond, ever since Paige’s mum and dad bought her the horse when she was just 8 years old.
They even have the same birthday!
They are true besties for life.
Paige told us: “I would never have believed you if you told me at the age of 33 and 37, Fancy and I would still be together and sharing lifelong memories.
“[We] have been confronted with many health battles as she has gotten older. [But she] never gives up and is such a strong-willed horse, and in return, I never give up on her.”
Never give up on each other, girls!
“I met Fancy and was immediately drawn to her strength,” continued Paige. “She also had such a loving presence. I just always trusted her to take care of me no matter the situation. Her loyalty never wavers.”
Almost as soon as Paige met Fancy, who was named Josey Wales at the time, she began begging her mum and dad to let her take her home – but it wasn’t until she finished competing in a Team Penning event (a fast-paced, super fun equestrian sport) that they knew she was ready for the responsibility.
Do you have a pet? How do you take care of them?
So when Paige was 8 and Fancy was 12, she finally became her owner and they’ve been inseparable ever since!
“My trainer brought me to Fancy’s stall and asked what I would say if he told me my Dad had just bought her for me…” she said. “That was one of the best moments of my life.
“I quickly renamed Josey Wales to Fancy. I told my parents she was ‘way too fancy to have such an ugly name.’ And the name Fancy stuck! [And she] became a staple member of the family from that day forward.”
So how long do horses like Fancy usually live?
Well, they typically have a lifespan of roughly 25-35 years – but thanks to the care, attention, and love she has received by Paige, she has been able to live so much longer!
The name Fancy suits her because of her independent nature and heart of gold.
“She has taught me so many life lessons about what is important in life – a balanced diet, good friends and good family,” said Paige.
Do you agree?
Today, Paige has a daughter and one of her favourite memories is of when she got to meet Fancy.
“For anyone who puts their love, time, energy and pocketbook into a horse – it is such an honour to see them grow old, continue to take care of them the way they did for you, and then meet the next generation,” she said. “I know Fancy will influence my daughter to be the next generation of horse-lovers.”
Check out these pictures of Paige kissing Fancy and then, years and years later, her daughter doing the same thing!
Isn’t that adorable?!
Fancy absolutely adores the little girl, and the pair love to take gentle rides around the farm twice a day for what Paige calls ‘granny walks.’
She also loves spending her time with her best friend – a little donkey named Rosie – who was added to the family to help Fancy walk around now that her vision has gotten worse with age.
“Fancy and Rosie took to each other like two old peas in a pod,” Paige told us. “I giggle that they must spend their afternoons discussing which body part hurts, or referring to the ‘good old days’ when discussing their memories.
“They are both wonderful old souls who enjoy every day together soaking in the sun and sharing one another’s company. I am grateful for every day I get to spend with them.”
In her free time, Fancy likes to wander between her combined stall with Rosie and the dry lot where she can take in the sun.
And in the summer, Fancy and Rosie also have a spa day once a week, where they’re covered in bubbles and spend time racing around the yard and rolling in the mud to get all the soap off…
What a dreamy life!
Paige said: “Fancy loves her life, her little girl (my daughter), her little donkey companion, her routine and never gives up. She is the definition of grit. No matter what challenge she faces or ailment she has, Fancy fights through for one more day in the sun with her friends and family she loves so much.”
Lastly, Paige wanted to take this opportunity to share an important message:
“Horses are way more than just a working tool. They are magnificent animals capable of such deep love and connection,” she said. “I only hope more people choose to care and love their horses well into their old age.
“For me, Fancy has taught me way more later in life than she ever did when we were riding and competing all over the world.”
Congratulations, Fancy, you are Officially Amazing!