By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A PAIR of 40-plus-year-old Pakenham horses may well have spent a life drinking from a trough of youth even though the average lifespan of horses is about 25 years.
And if PJ, 41, and Pippa, 40, could talk, it’s likely they would have plenty of questions thrown their way about their secrets to good health and longevity.
The horses live a pretty cushy life, with their loving owner of six years Amanda Adshead admitting the pair enjoy a regular dose of home-brewed probiotics.
The milk kefir concoction is just one health-driven supplement PJ and Pippa enjoy.
They also take turmeric for inflammation.
Though not known for maintaining good health in horses, roses have become a treat they manage to sneakily snack on from time to time.
For their recent milestone celebration, both PJ and Pippa proudly wore a birthday rosette on their bridles and posed for photos alongside Amanda who was also celebrating her birthday.
Flicking through the many photos taken at the celebrations, it appears Pippa knows when she is in the spotlight – with several images showing her with her tongue poking out.
Her good humour is also mirrored in PJ who is known to give people a light nip on the backside on occasion.
In human years, the geriatric pair, who shared a carrot cake between them for their birthday, are estimated to be about 120 years of age.
Amanda’s 11-year-old son Caden Adhead said PJ was still fit enough to ride.
“Sometimes, we ride PJ. I also brush them and cuddle them,” Caden said.
Amanda and her family took ownership of PJ and Pippa six years ago.
They are not related, however, Amanda believes they have lived together for more than 15 years.
“I feel blessed and grateful being the last link in the chain of owners who have all spoilt and cared for them,” Amanda said.
“They are part of the family and we all love them.”
