Support an older horse with regular dental and vet checks, an easy-to-chew diet, joint support, gentle daily exercise, careful weight management, and extra attention to warmth and comfort in bad weather.
Keep the teeth working
Older horses lose grinding surface and chew less efficiently, leading to weight loss and choke risk. Regular dental checks are essential, and where chewing fails, soaked feeds and hay replacers keep condition on.
Adapt the diet
Seniors may need a feed designed for older horses, more easily digested forage, and a good supplement to fill gaps. Some lose weight and need more calories, while others gain easily and need careful limits, so feed the individual.
Support the joints
Years of work leave their mark. Gentle, regular exercise keeps joints mobile, and a quality joint supplement can support comfort. Keep a healthy weight to reduce the load on ageing limbs.
Mind the weather
Older horses feel cold and heat more. Rug thin or clipped seniors in winter, provide shade and water in summer, and give shelter from wind and wet. Small comforts make a big difference to an old horse.
Watch closely and act early
Test older horses for conditions such as Cushing’s if they shed poorly or gain fat abnormally, keep up farrier care, and involve your vet early with any change. Attentive care keeps the senior years comfortable and rewarding.
