OLDER HORSES

Horses are living longer just as people are.  It is not unusual to have a horse that is in his 20's or even 30's.  There are many advantages to buying or adopting an older horse.  Frequently this horse is well trained and has experience.  He is less likely to spook at the bag blowing across the yard, and will most likely stand well for the farrier.  For beginners and especially children, an older horse is great to learn on and will help build confidence.  Here are some recommendations to help your horse live a long and healthy life. 

Nutrition is very important for older horses.  As the body ages, the digestive system becomes less efficient at absorbing nutrients.  Pasture alone will no longer meet all of the nutritional needs of this horse.  Hormonal and metabolic changes may interfere with the digestion, absorption and utilization of protein, vitamins and minerals, and fiber.  Special feeds are now available for these senior citizens and feeding at least 2 to 3 times a day is better for their digestion and absorption.  Good quality hay is essential to go along with the feed.  Beet pulp or rice bran is also recommended if your horse needs to gain weight.  Older horses have a harder time regaining weight so it is important to notice weight loss quickly. 

As your horse ages, joints and bones are not as flexible as they once were.  Regular exercise, in conjunction with turnout, helps to keep joints and muscles in good working order.  Horses do not need to be retired when they enter their twenties, although this is probably not the right time to start jumping four foot high fences or to enter a competitive cutting event.  If your horse has arthritis, joint supplements along with a low dose of an anti-inflammatory drug (prescribed by your veterinarian) can be very useful in keeping your horse moving well.  This will help keep the joints lubricated, the muscles toned, and the weight under control. 

Dental care is an area in which great strides have been made.  A horse's teeth continue to erupt (grow) until the roots are all used up.  New dental equipment such as the powerfloat helps us correct the abnormalities that occur when teeth are lost or grow unevenly which can prevent the horse from chewing his feed thoroughly and absorbing the nutrients and calories.  We are able to reduce the size of overgrown teeth so they are more level.  Dental exams are recommended every six months for older horses, especially when teeth are worn even with the gums.   

The immune system of older horses is not as efficient at fighting off infections as it once was. When older horses become ill, it may take longer for them to recover from the infection and regain any weight that they have lost.  To help prevent these infections, it is recommended that older horses be vaccinated twice yearly so they maintain a high level of antibodies.  Baseline bloodwork tells us how the organs are working and if the immune system is as effective as it should.  Anemia (fewer red blood cells than are needed)  can also be a problem as iron absorption may be reduced. 

Parasites also are more troublesome for older horses as they seem to have lost some of their resistance to intestinal worms.  Regular deworming is essential and can help with weight loss issues as well.  Strongid C, the daily dewormer, is helpful in reducing the parasite load.  It is always better to feed the horse than the parasites. 

Older horses can do well outside, but are more susceptible to the chilling effects of rain, wind and snow.  Run-in sheds are appropriate, but often younger horses won't let their older pasture mates inside, so make sure that there are several options for them to get out of the weather.  Blankets help with the loss of body heat, but these need to be replaced when they are wet, otherwise they contribute to the chilling effects.   Rubbing can also be a problem with blankets, so they need to be removed frequently to check for bare spots and make sure that weight loss hasn't occurred. 

Horses enjoy being out with the herd, but consider the pecking order of those that are out together.  It is healthy for all horses to be able to lie down, but they need to feel safe and be comfortable with their environment and the other horses around them to do so.  It is hard on an older horse to be out with a younger horse who is a bully.  Not only does it cut down on sleeping and relaxation time, but the bully may keep the older horse from getting to the hay and water.  At feeding time, it is usually necessary to separate the horses so everyone gets the amount of feed that they need and the time to eat it slowly so choking doesn't occur.