Caring for Horses Over 25: Tips for a Happy and Healthy Senior Horse

As horses age, their needs change. A horse over the age of 25 is considered a senior, and like humans, they experience physical and sometimes emotional changes as they age. Understanding these changes and adjusting care accordingly can help ensure your senior horse continues to live a long, healthy, and comfortable life.

1. Adjust Their Diet

As horses age, their nutritional needs may change. Senior horses often require a diet that’s more easily digestible, as their teeth may wear down, and they might have difficulty chewing hay or harder feeds.

Tips:

• Senior Horse Feed: Look for specially formulated senior feeds that are softer, easier to digest, and nutrient-rich.
• Soaked Hay or Pellets: If your horse struggles with hay, consider soaking it to soften it, or switch to hay pellets or cubes.
• Add Fiber: Senior horses need more fiber in their diet to aid digestion and keep their gut healthy. High-fiber feed options can help with this.
• Supplements: Speak to your vet about adding joint supplements, probiotics, or other necessary vitamins and minerals for older horses.

2. Monitor Their Weight

Older horses may have a harder time maintaining a healthy weight, either becoming too thin or too overweight. Regular monitoring of your horse’s body condition is crucial.

Tips:

• Regular Weigh-ins: Use a weight tape or scale to regularly check your horse’s weight.
• Adjust Diet: If your horse is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, consider adjusting their feed. A vet or equine nutritionist can help fine-tune this.
• Dental Care: Ensure your horse’s teeth are checked regularly. Difficulty eating due to dental issues can lead to weight loss.

3. Manage Joint Health and Arthritis

Joint issues, including arthritis, are common in older horses. Limiting the wear and tear on joints and providing proper support can improve your horse’s comfort and mobility.

Tips:

• Exercise: Keep your horse moving, but tailor their exercise to their ability. Light, regular work (such as slow trail walks or gentle arena work) can help maintain joint mobility without putting too much strain on their body.
• Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are often used to help with joint health. Consult your vet to find what’s best for your horse.
• Regular Veterinary Checkups: Have your vet assess your horse’s joints and mobility to identify and treat any underlying issues.

4. Keep Their Hooves Healthy

Older horses can be more prone to hoof problems like laminitis or thrush. Hoof care becomes even more important as they age.

Tips:

• Regular Trimming: Ensure your horse’s hooves are trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks, or as needed.
• Hoof Supplements: Some senior horses may benefit from hoof supplements to improve strength and overall hoof health.
• Watch for Lameness: Older horses may develop lameness due to joint issues or other conditions, so keep an eye on any changes in their movement.

5. Provide Comfort and Warmth

Senior horses often feel the cold more than younger horses, and their body condition may make them more susceptible to the elements.

Tips:

• Blanketing: Use blankets to help keep your senior horse warm in colder months, especially if they have a thinner coat or are struggling to maintain weight.
• Shelter: Ensure your horse has access to adequate shelter during extreme weather conditions.
• Bedding: Use soft, thick bedding in stalls to provide comfort and help with joint pain.

6. Routine Veterinary and Dental Care

Regular check-ups become even more important as your horse ages. Annual or bi-annual vet visits should be a priority.

Tips:

• Dental Exams: Senior horses often need dental exams and care more frequently, usually every 6 months. Issues like tooth loss, overgrown teeth, or gum disease can cause difficulty eating and affect your horse’s overall health.
• Regular Checkups: Schedule at least two veterinary visits per year to keep an eye on any age-related issues such as heart disease, metabolic disorders, or arthritis.
• Parasite Control: Older horses can be suscptilbe to higher parasite loads due to aging. It’s important to keep up with an anti parasitic control program that includes a fecal egg count. Talk to your vet about how often and what drug classes will target the results of the fecal egg count.
• Dermatology: As horses age, their resistance to common sking conditions weakens. It’s important to spot skin conditions like rain rot or other fungal issues promptly so they can be treated and resolved quickly to keep your older horse comfortable.

7. Mental Stimulation and Socialization

Like any aging animal, senior horses benefit from mental and social stimulation. Ensuring your horse’s mental well-being is just as important as their physical care.

Tips:

• Social Interaction: If possible, allow your senior horse to socialize with other horses. Horses are social animals and companionship can reduce stress and boredom.
• Keep Them Engaged: Use puzzle feeders or simply spend time with them, grooming, walking, or providing treats. This keeps their mind sharp and prevents depression or anxiety.

8. Recognize Signs of Aging

As horses get older, they can become more prone to certain health conditions. Being able to recognize signs of discomfort or illness early can help you address potential issues quickly.

Signs to Watch For:

• Changes in Eating or Drinking Habits: A decrease in appetite or water consumption could signal underlying health problems.
• Changes in Movement: If your horse becomes stiff or reluctant to move, they may be experiencing joint pain, arthritis, or injury.
• Weight Loss or Poor Coat Condition: This could indicate dental issues, digestive problems, or a lack of proper nutrition.
• Behavioral Changes: Senior horses can become more nervous, irritable, or withdrawn. Monitor their behavior closely and consult with a vet if you notice any changes.

Caring for a horse over 25 requires some adjustments and a watchful eye, but with the right attention and care, your senior horse can continue to enjoy a happy, comfortable life. Regular veterinary visits, a proper diet, joint care, and mental stimulation are all key components of senior horse care. By understanding and responding to your horse’s changing needs, you can ensure they live out their golden years with dignity and comfort.