-
Step 1
Have your senior horse checked out by a veterinarian. Check for dental problems - teeth should be checked twice a year in horses over 20 - and get a blood test to screen for kidney and liver problems.
-
Step 2
Watch your senior horse for changes in body condition, behavior and attitude, the first signs of aging. Provide food that is easy to chew and swallow.
-
Step 3
Do your best to keep your horse in a clean, dust-free environment to prevent or lessen the impact of allergies or lung disease.
-
Step 4
Provide plenty of protection from the elements. An older horse may require warmer blankets and even a heat lamp for cold weather, and a fan and shade in the summer.
-
Step 5
Have your older horse shod regularly whether you ride it or not.
-
Step 6
Groom your older horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health.
-
Step 7
Look for any new or unusual lumps; these may be tumors.
-
Step 8
Give your horse essential vitamins and minerals. Calcium and phosphorus in the proper ratio and vitamins C and B complex are all important. Talk to your vet.
-
Step 9
Realize that hormonal and metabolic changes affect your horse's ability to digest, absorb and utilize essential nutrients, especially protein, phosphorus and fiber.
-
Step 10
Feed your older horse a diet especially designed for it. Special complete rations formulated to address the nutritional needs of older horses are available. Older horses should get 12 to 16 percent protein in their diet and additional fat to help keep weight up.
-
Step 11
See that your older horse gets plenty of exercise.
Comments
Adrianne said
on 8/22/2009 I disaree with tips 4 and 5. I have an older gelding, and he is does just dandy without shoes. What is your reasoning for shoeing no matter what? Don't you think that unnecessary care can do more harm than good?
Furthermore, as soon as you start pamerping a horse, the more pampering it needs. I only blanket horses who have previously been blanketed. Again, my older gelding has a run in in all weather and does just fine with no fans and blankets.
nanaplus said
on 7/16/2009 I have a 30 year old mare, she is in good health, but a bit ribby, she eats well and is maintained well. How can I keep people who really known nothing about horse from calling on me saying My horse is underfed, I have been checked and the officals always side with me. They check the horse and know about her age, they don't even come out any more. should I put up a sign.
nanaplus said
on 7/16/2009 I have a horse,30 plus she is a bit ribby, but in good spirits she gets the best care how do I keep people from turning me in because they think she is not fed well. When officals come out they say she is fine for her age. Should I put up a sign saying she is elderly
t3s4 said
on 10/25/2008 I have 30 year old quarter horse gelding that has alwasy been stout and strong. He was about 1100 lbs and he stands about 14.5 hands. About two months ago started losing weight. Now you can almost see his ribs and his flanks are a little sunken. His teeth were floated in may and he can chew hay fine. My husband is of the opinion his time has come and we should put him down. As a rancher, he doesn't buy into vet bills for a horse that is no longer being used. Any suggestions as to home remedies I can try to figure out why he isn't keeping weight? I give him Triple Crown Senior feed daily, but I am ignorant as to how to calculate how much is x amount of lbs. Any help would be appreciated.
jumpjackflash said
on 3/6/2008 yes You can try to put him on beet puple and senior feed and put warm water in his let it soak for 5 min and the crash in up like soup. that sould help your horse to eat