by Megan Worley

Created on: October 08, 2009   Last Updated: October 09, 2009

How to care for a Senior Horse

Caring for senior horses is very similar to caring for a younger horse except that there are several additional considerations that need to be made based on that individual horse. Some horses age very well and have few age related problems, while others need a lot of extra help and care.

The most important consideration when caring for senior horses is their diet. Often senior horses need additional calories and supplement to ensure that they can keep their weight up high enough. As horses age their teeth begin to wear down and need additional attention and care. Horses that are older need, even more than younger horses, to have a dental exam every year. If the horse's teeth are particularly bad, or they can't have their teeth worked on for some reason, then changing their diet is the next step. Horses that have difficultly chewing should have their grain made into a mash so that they can get as much nutrients as possible out of it. Hay can also be wetted to make it easier to chew.

Senior horses also need to have enough exercise and freedom to move around a lot. It is important for horses of any age to be able to move around and get as much exercise as possible but it becomes even more important for senior horses. Exercise helps to keep the horse's muscles in shape and keep the horse fit. Horse's that are in good shape can better withstand injuries and illness. If the horse doesn't have the option of going out continuously in a pasture then that horse will need to be exercised frequently. Adequate exercise is also essential for a horse's circulatory system.

Older horses often become more sensitive to diseases and insects or parasites, as well as being more sensitive to temperature changes. Horse's that are more susceptible to diseases need to have owners that are more vigilant. Older horses that seem sick need to be looked after immediately to ensure that the disease doesn't get worse. Older horses are also often more easily pestered by flies and mosquitoes. To counteract pests horse owners should ensure that older horses are covered with fly spray and possibly a fly sheet.

Dealing with temperature changes can be difficult for older horses. It is very important that older horses not be allowed to get too chilled. Horses that get cold often have to expend a lot of energy and therefore calories to keep themselves warm, often resulting in weight loss in a horse that doesn't have much weight to lose. Older horses should have a few blankets that are different weights so that the horse can be kept warm but not overmuch so.

Learn more about this author, Megan Worley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.