How to Take Care of an Older Horse

Horses over the age of 16 tend to suffer from weight loss, dental problems, pituitary/thyroid dysfunction, kidney or liver failure and arthritis. But with special care, elderly equines can live long, healthy, productive lives.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

5. Have your older horse shod regularly whether you ride it or not.

6. Groom your older horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health.

7. Look for any new or unusual lumps; these may be tumors.

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.

9. Realize that hormonal and metabolic changes affect your horse's ability to digest, absorb and utilize essential nutrients, especially protein, phosphorus and fiber.

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.

11. See that your older horse gets plenty of exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Your horse has given you years of good service and care, make sure you do the same for it.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a veterinarian before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

[t3s4]

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]

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

[Arat]

on 6/26/2007 I have a 28 yr old Arab mix mare. She does very well on pasture and hay. But, in the winter without pasture, her manure becomes soft. Often, with passing gas, she also passes very soft manure. What can I do.?

[clf9261966]

on 4/1/2007 what is the weight of dry purina equine senior per 2 quart scoop

[iwanthelp]

on 2/13/2007 can some 1 right back to me plz i now of a horse that is not doing verry well because it has roten teeth and can not chew at all can some 1 give me some advice on what to do ive tryed calling the rspca but they dont have enuff people to do anything about it