Tips on Caring for Senior Horses During Winter

From managing joint health to nutrition and dental issues, learn how to help your old horse conquer the cold.
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There’s something special about the relationship you have with your senior horse, a partnership that’s endured years, tears, ups, and downs. You probably know your horse better than you know your best friend.

While he might seem like the same old horse, his needs might change as he ages. Even if your senior has weathered previous winters without trouble, these tips can help you ensure he’s getting the care he needs and deserves.

How Old is a Senior?

We’ve all heard the saying “you’re only as old as you feel.” Turns out it’s as true for our horses as it is for us. While some horses might be starting to slow down at 15, others are still fresh and frisky well into their 20s. No matter what your horse’s chronological age, if he’s starting to show signs of aging such as stiffness, difficulty maintaining weight, or decreased immune response, it’s time to start thinking of him as a senior.

Fortunately, senior horse care has advanced significantly in recent years. Just because your horse is getting older doesn’t mean you need to “put him out to pasture.” You can keep your golden oldie going strong with smart care and management.

Dental Care

It’s important to monitor your senior’s teeth year-round, but in winter it is especially critical. If he can’t chew properly, he’s not going to receive the full benefit of the feed you’re providing. That means wasted calories and nutrients, and a horse whose diet isn’t meeting his needs.

Nutritional Needs

Speaking of diets, now is a great time to re-evaluate your horse’s program, ideally with the help of your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist. His nutritional needs might change as he ages, so a feeding program that worked five years ago might not meet his needs now. As with any horse, the basis of your senior’s diet should be high-quality forage. Hindgut fermentation of long-stem forage is your horse’s primary heat source in the colder months, so a steady supply of quality hay is critical.

Hoof Health

Ground conditions change daily throughout the winter, from warm and wet to frozen solid. These fluctuations can wreak havoc on your horse’s hooves, so monitor his feet and work closely with your farrier to keep his toes in tip-top shape.

Skin and Coat Health

Senior horses’ tend to be more susceptible to skin infections and other problems caused by harsh winter conditions. Older horses also have a lowered ability to regulate their body temperature and, therefore, might need additional blanketing and protection from the elements to keep them warm and cozy. Ensure your golden oldie is clean and dry before applying a blanket to reduce the likelihood of skin problems.

Joint Health

Years of travelling, training, and competing can really take a toll on your horse’s joints, but there are steps you can take to help. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best ways to keep your senior horse’s joints moving smoothly. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, or joint supplements tailored to the specific needs of your senior horse could help keep him comfortable and moving freely.

Weight Loss

Many senior horses drop weight and lose muscle tone over the winter, so it’s important to monitor your horse’s body condition score. To make sure you have an accurate picture of his weight, remove his blanket regularly and work your fingers through his coat to feel the fat cover across his ribs, withers, behind his shoulder, over his back, on his tail head, and on his neck. If your senior is losing weight, talk to your veterinarian about possible causes. If everything checks out, consider adding a supplement with healthy fats and amino acids to support a healthy weight, as well as prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes to aid in proper digestion.

Immune Function

As they age, seniors’ immune function starts to lose efficiency and efficacy, which means your horse might be more prone to illness or slower to heal from injury. For these reasons, it’s especially important to have your veterinarian examine your senior once or twice annually and administer the appropriate vaccines to help protect and keep him healthy. Additionally, having your veterinarian out regularly allows him or her to keep a close eye on your horse and monitor for common senior conditions, such as Cushing’s disease.

Hydration

Many horses decrease their water intake during colder months, due to cold, icy water. But adequate water consumption is key to temperature regulation, many metabolic functions, and proper digestion. Make sure your senior has 24/7 access to fresh, unfrozen water. Consider hanging a heated bucket in your senior’s stall and consider adding salt to his feed to encourage him to drink.

Conquer the Cold

Wintertime can be challenging for senior horses, but by giving your senior the right care and support, you can help ensure he has everything he needs to brave the cold weather.

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