What Was the Key to Rutgers’ Lord Nelson’s Longevity?

What accounted for Lord Nelson’s extraordinary longevity? The world-renowned equine personality, professor and former mounted patrol horse, Lord Nelson died on April 12 at age 42… It’s more than making it to the age of 42- until recently, he was in phenomenal shape for an ancient equine… Dr. Karyn Malinowski, director of Rutgers Equine Science Center who has been responsible for Lord Nelson for the past 37.5 years, gave a lot of credit to his good genes. He was an unregistered quarter horse originally from Oklahoma, and she has no idea of his actual breeding. Besides genetics, Malinowski credits Lord Nelson’s long life to his temperament, management and the fact that he did not completely retire until a few years ago. Lord Nelson was "loyal, fearless and full of attitude," said Malinowski. "He was bold. He did it his way."… Although Malinowksi has dealt with many geriatric horses- both personally and professionally- she’s never known a horse to reach the Lord Nelson’s age.