Senior Horse Facts
Aging and senior horses are a growing percentage of the equine population. Thanks to improved veterinary technology, better nutritional options, and owners dedicated to providing lifelong care our horses are living
longer. With increasing age come additional health considerations. Here are seven important points to remember:
Each horse ages differently. Some horses begin appearing or acting older in the teen years, while others don’t show many signs of aging until they reach their 20's. Treating each horse as an individual and addressing health concerns that arise can help
him maintain a good quality of life as he ages.
Senior horses’ skeletal systems benefit from exercise. Regular exercise is an excellent way to maintain sound older horses. Before getting in the saddle, check to ensure an older horse’s tack still fits. As horses age, their body shapes can change quite dramatically. A saddle that fit well in previous years may no longer fit, causing discomfort
and soreness. Take plenty of time to warm up and cool down. Skeletal structures might take longer to get going than when a horse was younger. Seniors not only need to be warmed up more slowly but also conditioned slower than younger horses. Since their skeletal systems are not as hardy as in younger years, it will take longer to bring condition to an even lower level than previously desired. It is harder to bring an older horse back
from an extended period of non use, so it is better to keep the horse in some kind of working condition during off season times. Perhaps two times a week of riding at a walk combined with daily turnout. Be mindful that senior horses likely won’t retain all the same physical capabilities they had in their younger days. If a horse appears to be struggling with some aspects of his work, consider reducing his workload or changing to a less demanding
exercise.
Regular hoof care can be challenging for seniors. Good hoof care minimizes stress on the joints and hooves, and should be a regular part of routine care. Leg lifting and weight shifting during farrier visits and other hoof care might take an extra toll on old bones and joints, causing them to become sore. Some senior horses will benefit from a dose of a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug before being trimmed or shod, provided the animal has no medical problems, but owners should consult a veterinarian before administering any drugs.
Movement is the best medicine for aging joints. Provide regular turnout to keep joints and muscles limber and active. Confining a horse of any age in a stall is counterproductive to good skeletal health.
Most horses prefer to be where they can move around and rarely need a shelter. A run-in shed is an excellent alternative that allows paddock and/or pasture turnout 24/7.
Senior horses are sensitive to temperature extremes. Older horses might not regulate body temperatures efficiently and may require assistance in staying comfortable in extreme cold or warm temperatures. Provide a run-in shelter to
help horses stay dry in cold, damp conditions and provide shade in hot weather. Some older horses benefit from blanketing in cold or damp conditions to help maintain their body heat.
Horses of all ages can develop respiratory problems for a variety of reasons. Conditions such as inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) or heaves are especially common in aged horses. Help
keep older horses’ airways healthy by housing animals outside with access to a run-in, reducing exposure to ammonia and dust when they’re stalled, and offering feed and hay on the ground encouraging mucous to drain from the airway while the head is down. Check with your veterinarian to see if medical treatment could improve their respiratory health.
Senior horse diets require careful planning. Older
horses are particularly prone to certain metabolic conditions, such as equine Cushing’s disease. These conditions may be exacerbated by overfeeding or the feeding of inappropriate feedstuffs, like high carbohydrate and fructose-rich materials. Owners may work with their veterinarians to customize a diet for each horse to prevent obesity. Other seniors may have trouble consuming enough nutrients to maintain body condition. It is important to implement regular dental
care, parasite control, and to customize a diet that maximizes use of nutrients.
