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Today’s horses are living longer, this is due to a number of reasons including:
Generally, a horse begins its golden years from 18 to 20 years of age. Because of the bodily changes associated with aging, older horses require adjustments in health care, environment, and diet.
While genetics play a strong role, contemporary horse owners can have a major impact in determining life span. The definition of a horse’s life span has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Formerly nine was considered to be ‘aged’ and retirement was on the cards by about 14 years.
These days, we probably consider horses to be elderly when they enter their late teens. In developed countries, the average life span of a domestic horse today is roughly between 20 and 30 years, depending on breed, management, and environment.
Just like humans, good nutrition and preventative care have lengthened the lives of horses.
Equines are individuals, so some are debilitated at 16 years and others are competing at the Olympics. Nowadays many performance horses are just getting settled into their work by the time they are in their teens.
Senior horses aneed special care. Joints can get a bit arthritic and other parts of the body can begin to decline in functionality.
Older horses are more prone to colic so they must have access to plenty of water and very good quality feed. They can also start choking because their teeth are deteriorating so the correct ration is important so it can be chewed easily.
You may assume the ideal and most compassionate decision is to simply retire a senior horse out to pasture. But all horses are different. Some thrive with light work or even full work; others are better idle at this time in their lives.
But even if completely retired, horses must be maintained. As horse owners, we should continue to learn so we can provide the highest level of care to our aging companions.
Observe your horse on a regular basis. Watch for changes in body condition, behavior and attitude. Address problems, even seemingly minor ones, right away.
Provide nutritionally appropriate rations created for senior horses otherwise weight loss or a lack of vitality may become apparent. Many older horses have few or very worn teeth so they may be unable to eat hay. Try chopped or pelleted hay. Adjust and balance rations to maintain proper body condition.
Mental health
Maintain mental as well as physical health. Physical and mental discomfort is lessened if a horse is cared for and allowed to age with minimum stress. Be aware of ‘herd stress’: Feed your older horse away from horses competing for his food and hogging the water trough. Make sure he is not being abused in the paddock by younger, stronger paddock mates. Having familiar paddock mates is psychologically important.
Provide plenty of fresh, clean, water.
Exercise
Provide adequate and appropriate exercise to help maintain their flexibility and mobility. Groom your horse to promote circulation and skin
health.
Physical health
Senior horses need their feet taken care of even if you no longer shoe them. Proper trimming is a must.
Have sufficient shelter so body weight is maintained. Older horses may be more sensitive to heat and cold. Make sure your senior horse has a draft-free shelter to protect it from the elements, and rug when the weather calls for it.
Older horses are prone to tumors. Look for any unusual lumps or growths from head to tail as well as beneath the tail (especially on grey horses).
Learn about common age-related ailments such as Equine Cushings Disease and arthritis. Your older horse has decreased reserves and increased vulnerability to serious infections, and increased risk of dehydration and impaction colic. So, don't treat colds lightly.
Treat colds early and save your horse from serious health problems. Arthritis: Joint supplements may help your senior horse stay active and move around more comfortably.
Maintain regular worming and vaccination schedules. If you can afford it, schedule routine checkups with your vet.
Use a qualified equine dentist at least once a year so your horse can successfully chew and digest food.
Be aware of some of the special considerations required for an older horse so you can offer your old friend the most appropriate care. Whether still in work or retired, remember a horse has earned the right to have a good quality of life in its ‘golden years.’
