Turning your older horse out to pasture is not the kindest thing to do during cold weather unless steps are taken to preserve the horse's health. Making sure that the horse is well-cared for and has adequate shelter available at all times is paramount in keeping it functioning and alert.
Effects of cold weather on older horses
Although time takes its toll on the older horse's bodily systems, much can be done to keep the horse healthy, spry, and capable of great companionship in spite of cold weather.
As a horse ages, the digestive tract becomes less efficient. Bones and joints are less resilient and an older horse may feel the aches and pains of arthritis.
The immune system becomes less reliable, making older horses more susceptible to illness and less able to recuperate from disease or injury. This makes careful feeding and care of the horse especially important at this time to year to prevent conditions that can lead to deterioration of horse health in general.
Parasites take a heavier toll and older horses are less able to cope with environmental stresses such as cold, wind, and damp conditions.
Hormonal changes may affect the overall body condition, hair growth, energy level and appetite.
Aging horses are also more susceptible to respiratory, eye, and dental problems making it necessary to check on them more often than healthy, younger horses.
Some of these signs of decline may be directly related to the aging process, but they may also be an indication of an underlying medical problem. Having the horse checked regularly by a veterinarian and at the earliest signs of any problem is important for the maintenance of good health.
Be on the offensive — get your hands on your horse
For many horse owners, winter is considered to be down time — the weather is uncomfortable, the horse is shaggy, and it’s cold outside for humans as well as horses. Days and sometimes weeks can pass without owners actually getting their hands directly on their horses.
Shaggy winter coats can give the false appearance of a pudgy equine, although the older horse may be losing too much weight or have other serious health issues. This is reason alone to bring your horses in on a regular basis for a good once-over.
A quick grooming session will tell you if ribs are easily felt under the winter coat, indicating weight loss. This grooming also allows for a quick assessment of any superficial wounds and whether or not a farrier's services are needed.
The bodies of older horses do not fight infections as well as those of younger horses. Identifying and treating wounds of any kind, especially on the horse's legs is especially important during cold weather to prevent infections that not only cause discomfort for the horse, but can take a tremendous toll on the horse's health.