Introducing Fancy: the oldest living horse in the world who grew up alongside her owner

A beautiful brown mare aptly-named “Fancy” in Aldie, Virginia, USA has broken the incredible Guinness World Records title for the oldest living horse, just in time for the zodiac Year of the Horse!

Fancy was born on 1 April 1988, and for the last three decades of her life she has lived with her loving owner Paige Sigmon Blumer (USA). The pair share an unbreakable bond, ever since Paige’s parents bought her the horse when she was just eight years old – and they even have the same birthday!

So after Fancy celebrated her 37th trip around the sun, Paige decided to submit her for recognition as the oldest living horse in the world, at the age of 37 years and 329 days. 

Sure enough, she was able to break the title held by the late great Baskaladd (USA, b. 26 January 1987), who died last year at the age of 38. 

“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,” said Paige in an interview with GWR.

“[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.”

The dynamic duo first met at a training facility in Lucketts, Virginia, in the late 1990s, when Fancy was known as ‘Josey Wales’. 

Her trainer told Paige’s family that they bought the horse in Colorado, after Fancy saved his wife’s life when she was riding her along a trail. As a huge storm blew in, a giant piece of metal roof flew off a nearby barn towards the pair – but Fancy didn’t flinch, instead she was able to overcome their fear and safely rush them back to cover.

“I met Fancy and was immediately drawn to her strength,” said 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, she began begging her parents to let her take the sweet mare home – but it wasn’t until she finished competing in a Team Penning event at the facility that they knew she was ready for the responsibility.

And in June 2000, they finally purchased Fancy from her trainer Gary Cox, when Paige was eight and Fancy was 12.

“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.”

Read more stories about record-breaking pets in our dedicated Animals section!

The moment Paige found out she was Fancy's new owner!

As a Foundational American Quarter Horse, Fancy’s breed typically has a lifespan of roughly 25-35 years – yet thanks to the care, attention, and love bestowed upon her by Paige, she has been able to far surpass that metric. 

And despite her papered name as ‘Tracies Lil Kleberg’ she has always gone by Fancy, due to 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.

In fact, Paige’s favourite memory with her horse was when Fancy finally got to meet her daughter, which she describes as a “full-circle moment” that she never would have expected when she was a child.

“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.”

Paige's daughter kissing Fancy

And Paige as a child kissing Fancy!

Fancy absolutely adores her little girl, and the pair love to take gentle rides around the farm twice a day for what Paige calls ‘granny walks.’

The sweet horse also loves spending her time with her best friend – a little donkey named Rosie – who was purchased by the family to be Fancy’s seeing-eye donkey as her vision got worse with age. 

“Fancy and Rosie took to each other like two old peas in a pod,” Paige said. “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.”

She also added that the pair are located in the centre of the farm, which means Fancy is in the centre of all the retirement gossip! 

“You can often hear her stirring the pot from her field with Rosie about the new gelding in the adjacent field,” joked Paige. “Even though Fancy is almost 38, she still loves to call for the boy's attention!”

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. Since she’s now an old lady, with a diagnosis for a disease called Cushing’s, she is no longer able to eat grass 24/7 – but her belly is always filled with tested low NSC hay, and she is “showered with supplements” to maintain her good health. 

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.

And even though her digestion is now impacted because of her age, requiring her to only eat food soaked with water, she still follows Paige around begging for her favourite food – soaked timothy pellets and coconut Cool Stance powder – or her favourite treats, Horse Nibbles, which she and Rosie can smell from Paige’s pockets. 

And besides consistency and care, Paige says that there’s “no secret sauce” to Fancy’s longevity, other than trusting the medical professionals that care for her well-being. 

Even though Paige has a veterinary medical background herself, she particularly gave credit to all of Fancy’s talented doctors, including: her Farrier, Collin Moates of Oakwood Forge, her Primary Vet, Stephanie Wilkinson of Piedmont Equine, her Vet for internal medicine, Amy Polkes of Equine iMed, and her Ophthalmologist, Catherine Nunnery of Equine Veterinary Vision.

“Any horse needs a steady and loving home, a talented farrier, a knowledgeable team of veterinarians, a consistent diet, and good company,” said Paige.

But above all else, she says that it’s important to treat your horse the way you would want to be treated – especially in old age. 

“We have seen again and again that horses are disposed of after their ‘useful’ life. I think so many owners only value a horse who can be ridden, but they are so much more than that,” she said. 

“I am so lucky to have such a spirited horse and sassy donkey to share memories with daily. They have taught me and my young daughter so much empathy, patience, perseverance and grace.”

Fancy when she was young

Fancy now!

And in the future, Paige hopes to spend many more birthdays with her incredible horse – complete with coordinating candles and some more quality time in nature. 

This year, it’ll be particularly special – with a new Guinness World Records title to celebrate, an extra basket of supplements for Fancy to devour, and an outstanding bottle of champagne for Paige and her family to drink with their beloved pets.

Fancy with her special 37th birthday meal!

“Horses are way more than just a working tool. They are magnificent animals capable of such deep love and connection,” said Paige. “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.”

So congratulations to Fancy, and everyone who gave her so much love across these 37 years – you are Officially Amazing!