Just like humans, older horses need special attention to their health as they get older. Most older horses can continue to work just as they did when they were younger, but there are some important factors to keep in mind when looking after your horse’s health and overall care.
Key Takeaways
- As older horses age, their bodies undergo changes.
- Feeding your horse a senior diet is important for his overall health.
- Older horses may need additional supplements, such as joint support.
- Age is not a reason to retire a horse if he is still comfortable working.
- Work with your veterinarian to determine the best lifestyle for your senior horse.
When is a horse considered a senior?
Typically, a horse is considered a senior horse between the ages of 15 and 18. However, the age at which a horse is classified as “senior” has changed dramatically over the past century.
In the past, a horse living to 25-30 years was considered very old. Today, it is common to see very healthy horses between the ages of 25-30.
Advances in equine health care and nutrition The lifespan of the horse and the number of years we get to enjoy together.
However, each horse is different and they may not start to show signs of ageing at the same time.
Changes in the health of older horses
Between the ages of 15 and 18, older horses may begin to experience certain health changes, including:
Gastrointestinal changes
Older horses often have dental problems due to worn down or loose teeth. This can lead to weight loss, loose stools, and even chronic diarrhea because the digestive tract’s ability to absorb nutrients decreases.
Older horses are also more likely to develop certain types of colic, including colic caused by blockages due to fatty tumors called lipomas.
Changes in bones, muscles, and joints
Older horses experience many common ailments of the bones, muscles and joints.
-
Arthritis is common in older horses and can cause stiffness and limit the range of motion and activity a horse can comfortably perform.
-
Laminitis, also known as laminitis, becomes more common as horses get older as they become more susceptible to developing Cushing’s disease.
-
As horses age, muscle weakness (loss of muscle or loss of muscle tone) in the back becomes more common.
Changes in the immune system
Older horses are at higher risk of infectious diseases, including parasitic infections such as strongyloides, pinworms, botulism and tapeworms.
This age group is at greater risk because Cushing’s disease increases blood levels of cortisol, a hormone that decreases the immune system’s response.
Respiratory system changes
Recurrent airway obstruction (asthma) is similar to asthma in humans and tends to get worse as the horse ages.
Over time, simple management methods such as soaking hay before feeding may no longer be able to control your horse’s symptoms, and you may eventually need to administer medication daily to keep your horse comfortable.
Older horses are also more likely to suffer from secondary viral and bacterial respiratory infections because they are naturally more susceptible to weakened immune systems.
Changes in reproductive organs
It is more difficult to achieve and maintain pregnancy in older horses.
In mares, progressive degeneration of the endometrium with age reduces the fertiliser capacity of the eggs produced by the ovaries, and in stallions sperm quality and quantity can decrease.
Cardiovascular changes
As we age, changes occur in the heart and blood vessels that carry blood through the circulatory system to other parts of the body, and rupture of major blood vessels can lead to heart failure and sudden death in older horses.
Nervous system changes
Overall age-related changes may result in a slight decrease in coordination and reduced agility and motor skills.
Arthritic changes, especially in the neck and spine, can cause progressive loss of coordination.
Endocrine changes
As horses get older, abnormal hormone production by the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, can cause pituitary pars intermedia insufficiency (PPID), or Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease is one of the most common illnesses seen in horses over the age of 15.
It is estimated that 20% of horses at age 15 have Cushing’s disease, and 20-33% of horses will develop Cushing’s disease by age 20. These horses often require daily medications such as Prascend® and a low-starch diet.
Older horses may also be less able to cope with environmental stressors such as wind, dampness and cold, which is especially important in winter weather.
Care tips for older horses
Caring for an older horse requires paying special attention to the horse’s comfort, as well as making lifestyle adjustments to keep the horse happy and in top condition.
exercise
Light exercise and grazing every day will help keep your horse healthy and happy as he ages, as will extended warm-up and cool-down periods, such as long walks around the property.
If an older horse is still being exercised regularly, it is important to remember to gradually increase the amount of exercise after a period of rest.
Saddle Fitting
If you notice that your horse is starting to lose back muscle or topline, it is important to check the fit of the saddle to see if he is experiencing any back pain or discomfort.
Body Condition Score (BCS)
Keeping older horses in optimal condition Body condition score is important because extra weight puts extra stress on the joints and body, increasing the likelihood of arthritis and limping.
An underweight horse will have a harder time maintaining normal body functions, such as regulating body temperature, especially in winter. Make sure you have a suitable horse blanket.
Hoof care
Regular hoof trimming and shoeing helps keep the hooves balanced and support weight evenly, reducing stress on an older horse’s joints.
Regular health check-up
It’s important to be proactive when caring for an older horse, and early detection of problems with annual or bi-annual physical examinations is crucial to maintaining your horse’s health.
The exam includes:
-
Physical exam including auscultation of the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract
-
Dental examination
-
Body condition scoring and weight estimation
-
Health Inspection
-
Vaccine Program
-
Stool testing
-
Routine blood tests including complete blood count, chemistry panels, ACTH, insulin, glucose, and an endocrine panel to check baseline organ function
Routine vaccinations and deworming
Older horses generally have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to disease and parasites, so it is important to continue annual vaccinations and deworming.
Speak to your veterinarian about the best vaccination and deworming schedule for your horse during your horse’s regular check-ups.
Senior Feed for Horses
Feeding a high quality diet to senior horses is extremely important as they get older.Seniority or Senior Sports) produces a “senior” diet, a pelleted feed that is easier to chew and digest and contains more energy.
Old Horse Supplements
There are a variety of supplement options for older horses. Most commonly, older horses benefit from joint supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Cosequin®.
Based on your horse’s specific needs, your veterinarian may recommend other supplements to help keep your horse healthy.
Dental treatment
A dental checkup should be done at least once a year.
Some older horses may need to have a dental check-up every six months as their teeth become worn down and less efficient. When this happens, the horse can no longer chew its food properly, often losing weight and choking.
If you notice any changes in your older horse’s weight, it’s best to contact your veterinarian immediately for an examination.
Pharmaceuticals
Older horses who are limping or in pain from arthritis or other causes may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Equioxx® or Bute. Use only with your veterinarian’s recommendation, as these can cause other health problems, such as stomach ulcers, colic, and diarrhea.
cancer
Grey horses often develop melanoma as they get older. Areas to check for lumps include the eyes, nose tip/lips, vulva, penis, tail tip and rectum. If you notice any lumps or swellings in an older horse, contact your veterinarian.
When is it time to retire a horse?
The exact age to retire a horse will vary from horse to horse. As long as an older horse can continue to work comfortably and happily, age is not a reason to retire them.
If you have any concerns about your horse’s comfort or ability to lead a normal life, have your horse examined by a veterinarian who can assess his health and create a care plan specifically for older horses.
References
Caring for older horsesUniversity of Minnesota Extension.
Heiney K, MacFarlane D. Caring for older horsesOklahoma State University. 2017.
Senior Horses: Special Care and Nutrition.AAEP.
Oney EE. Caring for older horsesKentucky Horse Studies. 2000.
