Older Horse

We have all met horses over the age of 23 that act like they are still 7 years old. Because a horse is 23 or 24 years old shouldn't mean automatic retirement. Age is only a number and other criteria should be evaluated before making a decision to put him/her "out to pasture". Listed below are a few problems our older horses encounter and how to manage them

Weight Loss - A good deworming schedule is a must with the older horse. A physical exam should eliminate any liver or kidney failure, tumours and malabsorption. Does your older horse have adequate shelter to help him keep warm during inclement weather? Older horses require a higher amount and a higher quality of protein. Also, a readily digestible source of energy that does not overload their hindgut with too much starch, and slightly higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals are also needed.

Bran and pysillium seeds are two feed products which help retain water in the large intestine and these facilitate the proper flow of feed through the gut. If the fluid balance in the hindgut is not maintained, the gut contents dry out and can cause impaction, resulting in life-threatening colic. Feeding bran mashes, adding a pound of bran to daily feed or feeding pysillium seed (one teaspoon daily), will help prevent impactions, especially in the winter when horses often drink less water.

Arthritis - Wear and tear on our bodies and joints results in painful arthritis that can cripple all of us including our older horses. Early morning stiffness is normal and once physical activity is started the joints begin to warm up. Confining an older horse to a stall is even worse as he can't get the activity he needs to stay flexible. In advanced age a horse may become reluctant to lie down as it is so difficult to get back up again. I have seen them shake physically upon getting back up when the hocks were so sore. Anti-inflammatory drugs should be recommended if the horse is in the chronic stage. There are many alternatives on the market that help our older horses and I recommend looking into them. A very good alternative is called Horse Sense Herbs. Their product may be purchased at Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC.

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can be beneficial in combating cell damage from free radicals and they can help boost your horse's immune system. Herbs such as meadowsweet, white willow bark, devil's claw, and yucca can be used to help relieve the inflammation and discomfort associated with arthritis.

Giving your older horse a nice massage will make you both feel better and animals are grateful to you if you show kindness. You can also do carrot stretches with your horse. I find that a Herbal liniment rub can also be incorporated to help with circulation. Cloud 9 Horse Care and Equine Massage uses a combination of witch hazel, Absorbine Junior and water in equal parts.

Pushing the envelope of equine athletic prowess, 37-year-old half-Arabian Elmer Bandit is gearing up to start yet another competitive trail ride season.

In 2007 Elmer's certified lifetime competitive miles stood at 20,240, nearing the national record of Saddlebred Wing Tempo's 20,710 miles.

Elmer's lifelong owner and rider, Mary Anna Wood of Independence, Mo., said she plans to enter Elmer in eight rides this year, depending on her schedule and Elmer's health, but she said she isn't chasing any records.

The ears house hundreds of acupuncture points and by massaging them we can use these energy channels to release tension, alleviate stress and help the body heal itself. Massage the base and work up the flute ending by rubbing the tip of the ear - an anti-stress point - with your thumb and forefinger. I just did that tonight to my Arab/Saddlebred 25 years young mare. She has been neglected and starved. She is in a precarious situation even yet. We have had her here for a month and she is getting much stronger and brighter. Noticing her surroundings and made a horse friend. My friendship and my fussy over her and taking her for walks has helped a great deal. I massaged her ears and described above and her eyes closed and she yawned.

Next work your horse's mouth. This really does help biters and although it seems daunting for the owner, it is not too bad. Start by rubbing your index finger on the bars of the mouth (where there are no teeth!), then put your middle three middle fingers on top of the tongue and "play piano" on the tongue.

The following is another form of massage that will impact the Limbic system in the brain.

Insert your moistened index finger in between the gums and the top lip and rub from side to side. This has an incredible effect on the limbic system and is the emotional link to the brain. (The limbic system is a group of interconnected structures that mediate emotions, learning and memory).

Your horse may object to this but if you persevere he will accept it and find relief. He may close his eyes, yawn and let out big sighs - signs the stress is shifting and your techniques are working.

Tooth Loss - Regular dental care (twice a year) is a must. The check up should be done by a professional who knows what they are looking for. Access to good pasture is preferred but not always possible. Also, coarse hay wears the teeth down a lot better then the fine flakey hay. The caretaker of the horse should provide soaked feeds being cognizant that they can ferment during summer and freeze during winter. The cost of good dental care is easily recouped with improved health.

Kidney and Liver Function - Reduced kidney function can cause renal and bladder problems along with weight loss. Horses with kidney failure should be put on a low calcium diet. Good quality grass hay and corn or complete pelleted rations formulated for aging horses are the feeds of choice. An excellent formula for a toxic liver is Equi-Boost. This product is very good to help the horse with a weak immune system that has been damaged due to vaccinations, pharmaceutical products (like Bute), bacteria and infection.

Pituitary and thyroid - dysfunctions are common in aged horses. Management of the clinical signs include clipping the long hair during summer and feeding low starch complete feeds

Have fun with your older horse. Don't just turn him or her out to pasture and forget about him or her. You could teach him or her a trick or something else to keep him or her interested in his or her life. Older horses, have so much to offer us like wisdom, companionship and a bit of nuzzling in the ear. The nuzzling in the ear is the highlight of my day.