Essential Tips for Caring for an Older Horse

As your horse gets older, their needs may change. Here, Katie Allen-Clarke from Horse & Country shares her tips for adapting your horse’s diet, environment, and exercise routine to support their wellbeing and quality of life into old age.

As your horse gracefully enters their golden years, they deserve nothing short of the best care and attention to ensure their health and happiness. When they reach their mid-teens or early twenties, they may show some signs of slowing down. Your horse may take longer to recover from injuries, develop joint problems, have a reduced appetite, or struggle with vision or hearing problems, among other signs. So, they may need a little extra TLC to accommodate their changing needs.

From developing a specialised nutrition plan and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups to creating a comfortable living space and providing gentle exercise, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your equine companion thrives in their golden years.

Common health conditions in older horses

As horses age, they can become more susceptible to various health conditions. Your horse’s care routine may then need to include certain steps to prevent or assist with these symptoms.

Some common health conditions in ageing horses include:

• Arthritis: Joint inflammation is common in older horses, leading to stiffness, lameness, and reduced mobility.
• Dental problems: Older horses may experience tooth loss, gum disease, or uneven wear, which can affect their ability to chew food properly.
• Cushing’s disease: This endocrine disorder is characterised by abnormal growth of the pituitary gland, leading to symptoms such as excessive hair growth, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Laminitis: A painful condition affecting the hoof laminae, which can result from various factors such as obesity, metabolic disorders, or excessive grazing on lush pasture.
• Eye problems: Ageing horses may develop cataracts, uveitis (moon blindness), or other eye conditions that can affect their vision and require specialised treatment.
• Respiratory issues: Chronic respiratory conditions such as heaves (recurrent airway obstruction) can worsen with age, leading to coughing, laboured breathing, and reduced exercise tolerance.
• Digestive disorders: Older horses may be more prone to digestive issues such as colic or gastric ulcers due to a slower digestive system and dental problems.
• Muscle loss: Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) can occur in older horses, leading to decreased strength, stamina, and muscle mass.

Health checks

Keeping up with your horse’s regular health checks is even more essential in old age. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and dental check-ups at least twice a year, or more frequently as recommended by your vet, to monitor for any age-related changes or conditions and discuss any preventative care measures.

Although your horse’s hooves will grow more slowly as they age, it’s important to keep up with their regular farrier visits. A farrier will keep your horse’s hooves trimmed and balanced, which can help prevent joint issues and lameness. Your farrier will be able to determine how often your horse will need to be seen.

Feeding

As your horse gets older and becomes more susceptible to dental issues, they may find it more difficult to chew and digest their regular feed. To help keep them nourished, it might be necessary to swap their food out for a softer blend or soak their hay to make it easier for them to chew and digest.

Ageing horses may also have different nutritional needs than they did when they were younger. Older equines can be prone to weight loss and digestive issues, so will need a high-fibre, high-protein diet to maintain muscle mass and support overall health. Adjustments in feeding amounts and types of feed may be necessary to achieve and maintain an ideal weight. Your horse may also benefit from glucosamine, which helps support joint health. Senior horse feeds such as Honeychop Super Senior feed are specifically formulated to meet the needs of older horses.

Some horses might also benefit from additional supplements to support joint health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Before making any changes to your horse’s diet, it’s best to speak to a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate feed and supplements for your horse’s specific needs.

Exercising

While your senior horse may not be as agile as they once were, they will still benefit from regular exercise to maintain their health and fitness. Issues with joint stiffness and pain can make it more difficult for them to keep up their old exercise routine, but regular light exercise can help keep their cardiovascular system in check, prevent stiffness and injury, and keep their mind active.

Most older horses will benefit from some ridden work or groundwork alongside daily turnout time, though the right fitness routine can depend entirely on your horse’s overall health. For instance, ex-competition horses may be fitter and able to work harder than horses with mobility problems such as arthritis or laminitis. Finding the right exercise routine for your horse can take some trial and error, but consider slowing to a trot or walk, lowering the height of fences, or shortening their sessions until you find the right balance for your horse’s needs. It might be beneficial to work with your horse’s vet to determine the right level of exercise to keep your horse fit and healthy without exasperating any problems.

Environment

Older horses can find it more difficult to regulate their body temperature so you may need to check their environment to ensure it remains comfortable for them. Regularly monitor their stable for draughts and be sure to close windows during bad weather. Adding extra bedding around the edges of your horse’s stable can help keep out draughts and you can consider rugging in particularly cold or wet weather.

You may also want to switch to a different bedding material such as wood shavings or pellets. These are more absorbent and generally softer than some other bedding types, making them more hygienic and easier on your horse’s joints. They’re also dust-free, making them better for horses with respiratory problems.

As your horse gets older, they’ll likely require a little more support to keep them happy and healthy. With the correct nutrition, regular health checks and exercise, and a comfortable environment, you can ensure your horse’s wellbeing as they enter their golden years. Remember, each horse is unique, so be sure to tailor your approach to meet their individual needs, and always consult with equine professionals for guidance and support along the way. For even more horse care tips and advice, take a look at Honeychop’s news and features.