Caring for the Senior Horse

The most beneficial way to enjoy your horse well into thier golden years is to stay on top of senior care strategies. The four main areas of focus to ensure optimal health and condition of an older horse are:

Dental Health

Horses have hypsodont teeth - meaning they continually erupt throughout thier lifetime. After years of often uneven wear as the horse ages, the tooth roots can run out at different rates and the teeth eventually fall out, leaving gaps or sharp points in the mouth. This can lead to further dental problems that cause issues chewing, dropping feed, infections, discomfort and weight loss. It is often thought that senior horses no longer need dental care because they are maybe not being ridden anymore, however we always say that both young and senior horses are the most in need of routine care, as thier mouths are undergoing the most change. Routine dental work can mean the difference of your senior horse being able to consume an adequate amount of calories and maintaining their weight and condition.

Immunity

Age related disorders and diseases as well as general decreased immunity can make life challenging for an older horse as they become more susceptible to common infectious threats. Although it is often believed that older horses have pre-existing immunity from previous vaccines or infection, research shows that the ability to mount an immune response lessens with age, a development called immunosenescence. Keeping your horse up to date on regular preventative vaccinations can help ensure they are able to fight off whatever comes their way. Chronic infection or organ failure/dysfunction can also be a cause for weight loss, poor coat, general depression and more. Due to this, regular screening bloodwork is a valuable tool in diagnosing and determining treatment for possible life threatening conditions. A blood test can also be used to detect common equine diseases like Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) also known as Equine Cushings Disease, which is a hormonal disorder that affects up to 30% of horses over the age of 15.

Mobility

The saying “you’re only as old as you feel” certainly applies to horses, too. An unused muscle will deteriorate over time and arthritic joints will often feel worse with no movement to aid in any swelling or inflammation. You can’t expect to keep your horse moving, however, if it is constantly painful to do so. Keeping your horse in appropriate sound condition will positively impact their quality of life as long as it is not putting stress on injuries or particular areas of weakness. A regular soundness exam for your senior riding horse, or even your retiree who just needs to get around their pasture comfortably, is a great baseline procedure so your veterinarian can provide treatment options that will keep your senior feeling their best.

Nutrition

As horses age, their teeth naturally deteriorate and become less able to appropriately break down food, while the intestinal tract also loses effectiveness over time. As a result, food is able to pass undigested and leads to decreased absorption of essential vitamins, minerals and proteins. When the body doesnt have enough protein it begins to break down its own muscle tissue, resulting in the senior horse appearing underweight and undermuscled. On top of adequate amount of good quality forage, a high protein, high fibre and easily digestible concentrate source is often required to help support a regular diet, as well as regular deworming to remove any nutrient competition. We often say to “base feed on need” as just because you have a senior horse, it doesn’t mean that the “Senior Feed” you just picked up is going to fit your horses specific needs perfectly. Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian if you have any questions about feed supplementation and requirements for your senior.

When appropriately cared for, your senior horse can continue to thrive for many years to come as either your trusty riding horse or even just a backyard companion.