Horses usually live between 25 and 35 years. If they start training at age 2, they can be put to work by age 3, or even 2.5. Between ages 5 and 15, they are at their peak working capacity. If well-cared-for, they still hold significant working value after age 20.
Zheng Zhilan's horse was a Southwest Horse, possibly with lineage from other breeds. Among the horses Zhou Li had seen, it was considered tall.
She was 13 years old this year and, from a work perspective, an experienced old hand. A horse of this age typically had a gentle demeanor and a wealth of work experience, making it easy to handle even for someone who couldn't ride.
It had been rendered obsolete by three-wheeled motorcycles and the policy that brought roads right to their doorsteps.
