A working horse serves 15-20 years. Then — old age. What next?
Option 1: Pasture
Most common. Horse lives in pasture, eats grass, walks. Children ride bareback. Doesn't work. Just lives. Until natural death (25-30 years).
Option 2: Light Work
Pulls children in a small cart. Hauls manure (slowly). Stands in the stall getting carrots from grandchildren.
Never
Slaughterhouse — almost never. Horse isn't livestock. Horse is a partner. 'Would you send a friend to the butcher?' — Amish farmer, when asked.