Care For Your Older Equine -
Part Two
Another fairly familiar problem with an aging horse is
degenerative joint disease aka arthritis.
You most definitely can still work them and in fact should work
them to keep them limber, active and alert. You would just
need to remember to warm them up gently and thoroughly before doing
any work. Many older horses, although they may be sore and
stiff, still love to go out and do things. Their minds aren't
dead and they are still interested in life.
With an older pal you've worked, you will need to cool them down
slowly by hand walking them and rubbing them dry with a
towel. You might even want to give them a warm bath if you
have the facilities. When you get to be that age, a little
pampering is a nice thing.
Treat the feet and your older horse will still give you many
more miles. Work with your farrier and get regular trimming
and shoeing to help reduce concussion. If you keep them on
pasture, then opting to go barefoot is good for their joints
Like humans, older equines do tend to put on weight if they are
overfed and under worked. Keep an eye on their feed intake
and keep them mobile. If your horse is getting a bit pudgy,
adjust his feed. If he's not keeping his weight or is losing
it, also adjust your feed to include more protein and oils - for
instance equine fish oil with Omega 3 and corn oil. Also have
alfalfa mixed into his diet, but don't over feed this.
And the other issue with older horses is colic. Symptoms
include: lack of appetite, pawing, kicking at the abdomen, getting
up and down, rolling, restlessness, flank watching and/or biting,
elevated skin temperature, sweating from pain and a sawhorse
stance. As you know, if you suspect colic, call your
Veterinarian immediately. Any delays can be fatal.
Why do older horses seem to have more difficulties with
colic? It's largely due to the fact they may be having
difficulty chewing and swallowing and not being able to drink
properly. Too much food not washed down can lodge in the
throat or cause a blockage elsewhere.
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