Galloping into her twilight years, 45-year-old Roana is the UK’s oldest horse. Ageing is neigh problem for the mixed breed mare, who has already far exceeded the average 25 to 30 year equine life expectancy.

And this old nag shows no sign of slowing to a trot, according to her owner Cerys Brown, 37, who puts her long life and happiness down to her daily Mars bar! "Roana will do anything for a Stud Muffin horse treat or Mars bar!" she laughs.

Just five when she first took riding lessons at the local stables in Newtownards, Co Down, when the riding school closed shortly after the millennium, Cerys’ grandma bought Roana from them for her. But they didn’t always hit it off, with Cerys, now a veterinary nurse, recalling: "When I first met Roana I didn’t like her as she was lazy and didn’t enjoy flatwork."

Cerys also owns 18-year-old Tinkerbell

As soon as she discovered Roana’s love for jumping, everything changed. "We became best friends," she says, praising her independent streak. "She is so special. Her personality is amazing."

"Roana has been in my life for 30 years, as long as most members of my family members. In fact, she is practically family! I know her inside and out. I know how she is feeling just by looking at her."

Diagnosed with Crohn's, an inflammatory bowel disease, when she was 18, Cerys was in and out of hospital throughout her 20s and often turned to Roana for comfort. She says: "I always have a friend, there’s always someone to talk to and she’s been there through every major life change."

Roana is still going strong despite her age

Roana, who has been joined in her field by 18-year-old mare Tinkerbell, retired from being ridden four years ago, after sustaining a leg injury. But, despite a touch of age-related arthritis and surviving a bout of the dangerous bacterial infection strangles in the 90s, she is in excellent health.

Identified from the Harry Hall One Club, an equine membership service of almost 50,000 horse owners across the UK, the specialist brand located Roana as the UK's oldest horse.

Cerys says: "Owning horses has given me something to get up in the morning for, I’ve had a few health problems myself and even on my lowest days Roana and Tinkerbell gave me purpose. They’re like siblings to me and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them."

Dr Mandala Hunter-Ishikawa, a senior veterinary trainer at Animals Asia, warned against giving horses too many sweet treats, saying: "A few bites here and there are generally harmless, and watching them savour these treats can be as rewarding for their human companions as it is for the horse. However, it’s essential to emphasise moderation. Even foods that are generally safe can become harmful in large quantities."

Speaking about Roana and the trend of horses living longer, Liz Hopper, Managing Director at Harry Hall, said: “We have noticed an increase in the number of horses living longer primarily related to advancements in nutrition, veterinary care and horse management practices, a trend which is unlikely to slow down. These healthcare improvements have meant that conditions that would have previously been considered quite serious for horses are now more treatable, allowing them to live longer and healthier lives.“A recent survey to our One Club members and wider equestrian community revealed that more than 70 percent own a horse over the age of 15, which would be classified as a veteran horse. It’s amazing that Cerys has been able to spend the majority of her life with Roana by her side; it truly is a lovely partnership."