Here’s something to think about: Middle age for humans begins about 45 while middle age for your horse begins at around 15 with a life expectancy of about 30 years.
Older horse turned out in muddy pasture
Middle age for humans begins about 45 while middle age for your horse begins at around 15 with a life expectancy of about 30 years.
© 2012 by Peter Gudella
Along the way, the inevitable signposts of aging begins appearing evidenced by weight loss, perhaps a swayed back, reduced muscle around the withers and haunches, and a slightly unkempt or dull coat.
These clues coupled with lower energy, graying on the muzzle, and sunken areas above the eye-sockets signal senior status. Cold weather can be especially hard on older horses so a little extra care goes a long ways.
Keeping your older horse's teeth functioning well is one of the biggest challenges for the owner of a senior equine. As horses age, their molars often wear unevenly and teeth are lost, creating gaps where the lost tooth once was and overgrowth of the now unopposed tooth on the opposite side.
Without regular dental care including floating, these changes can wreak havoc on an older horse’s ability to properly chew roughage such as grass and hay, leading to less efficient digestion and nutrient utilization.
Rough edges created by uneven molar wear can create ulcers on the cheeks and tongue, making eating flat-out painful. Although younger horses also experience these dental issues, older equines seem much more plagued with dental issues and secondary health consequences, such as weight loss.
Don't let cold weather interrupt exercising your older horse.
If you still ride your older horse, try your best to continue your exercise or work program during the winter. Cold weather is hard on arthritic joints, but even occasional work under saddle, or on a lunge line, can help keep muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules limber
Remember, colder weather will mean spending longer to warm your horse up, and proper cooling down is essential, especially with a thick winter coat, to avoid chills. If winter riding is simply not an option, consider incorporating some stretching exercises into your horse’s routine.
Neck stretches reaching for an apple or carrot treat and knee bends can also add some bonding time between you and your older horse in spite of blustery weather.