Horses can continue working and being ridden into their twenties if given the proper diet, along with the right care and training. When it’s time to retire a horse from riding or competition, it is our duty to continue to ensure they are cared for into old age...
There are different opinions on what is 'old' when it comes to horses. Examples of this is the thoroughbred industry where horses race and retire at a young age versus the dressage space, where horses continue competing (sometimes very successfully) into their late teens.
Whatever age the 'senior horse' is, simply leaving him in a paddock to live out his days isn’t kind, humane or healthy. We must ensure they are comfortable, healthy and with mental stimulation and the ability to socialise with other horses.
Older horses can be more sensitive to both hot and cold weather. Ensure there is adequate shade (and plenty of water!) and a place to shelter from rain and wind. People often rug older horses in very cold weather to reduce weightless.
The most common age related issues in horses include;
- Arthritis
- Liver and kidneys
- Cataracts
- Sarcoids and melanomas
- Degenerative joint issues
- Weight loss and loss of body condition
Feeding an older horse
All horses should have dental checks but aged horses can have issues with their teeth so it is essential to have these checks.
The quality of the horse’s front teeth can affect its ability to graze. Issues with their molars can affect their ability to grinding feed.
An older horse’s gastrointestinal tract ages, decreasing nutrient absorption1. Including herbs and tonics is a great way to add more natural forms of nutrition into their diet. If there are no liver issues (some older horses could have chronic kidney or liver failure), you can increase the amount of fat your horse is eating1. This is a concentrated source of energy. Hemp is an excellent source of healthy fat.
Exercise and movement
It’s important that the older horse isn’t pushed beyond their comfort or pain level but it is essential that your horse can move around and get exercise. Some older horses can still be ridden and may be an excellent ‘school master’ for children or young beginners (where they won’t be pushed hard) if their disposition and health allows it. Over-working, injuries and general wear and tear can result in arthritis for some horses. Be mindful but it often improves as the horse warms up.
McDowells Recommendations
Weight Gain Program
This program was formulated to address the underlying gastrointestinal issues that are present in rescue or underweight horses. Healing the gut is the first step to helping a horse gain weight.
We want to focus on building lean muscle mass and laying down healthy fat stores. Our herbal formulations and tonics play an essential part in rehabilitating a horse and building weight. By returning the horse's gut to an optimal condition, they've got a much better chance of gaining weight more effectively - which means less fuss and less money being spent by you!
Some horses are more inclined to be 'hard doers' while others have physical, environmental or emotional reasons for having difficulty in keeping weight on. You should never be in a rush for a horse to gain weight. Approach weight gain as you would weight loss - slowly and steadily, with their overall health in mind.
Equihemp Pro
Equihemp-Pro Certified Organic Hemp Meal - 50% Protein. Highly digestible and safe protein source with all the essential amino and fatty acids required for a healthy diet. Hemp protein is gluten free and a good source of cool energy and with its unique combination of essential amino and fatty acids is a super food that can ease joint pain and inflammation, support cardiovascular health, improve the condition of the skin, coat, hooves, and tail, and act as a digestive aid. Hemp is high in fibre and vitamin C, vitamin E, and chlorophyll, and is highly palatable. Unlike soy and other legumes, hemp does not contain trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides, which can cause stomach and gastric upsets.
Equiflex
A combination of modern connective tissue supplements such as MSM and glucosamine, with the added benefits of traditional herbal medicine. EquiFlex is designed to provide effective nourishment and nutrition to joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
Some of the key ingredients and actions are;
- MSM has science backed health benefits including; decreasing joint pain, improving symptoms associated with inflammation, reducing muscle damage, reducing pain and stiffness, boosting immunity.
- Glucosamine is used by the body to make other chemicals that build tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid that surrounds joints.
- Equihemp contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with a 1:3 ratio, which is more favourable than the ratio found in soybeans.
- Turmeric is able to reduce inflammation and the associated pain substantially when added to your horse’s diet alongside pepper.
- Rosehips are one of the very best sources of natural Iron and Vitamin C. They also contain biotin for optimum hoof health.
- Yarrow counters tissue swelling and inflammation and encourages bone marrow health. Meadowsweet has an ability to reduce acids in the body including around the joints.
References
1. Taking Care of the Senior Horse
2. Care for the Older Horse: Diet and Health. Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook College, Rutgers University
3. Ralston, S.L. 1989. Digestive alterations in aged horses. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 9:203-205, 1989.
