Learn How To Caring Your Older Horse
Learn How To Caring Your Older Horse
He's been your equine partner for years now. You've perhaps ridden in shows, through trails or maybe relocated across the country together with your horse. you have been friends an extended time, and it's going to be hard to admit, but you've noticed your horse is slowing down.
Don't lose heart. a bit like with people, advances in health care and nutrition are helping horses live longer, more productive lives, well into their senior years. But older horses do take a touch extra care. Here are a few ways to stay your aging buddy doing his best.
1. Give him light, consistent work.
Your horse might not be ready to keep up a workout routine for competitions, but he's probably not able to retire either. Keep him at an inexpensive fitness level and he'll feel and perform a sort of a younger horse. The worst thing to try to do is let him get out of shape then ride him hard some weekend when he hasn't been ridden for months. That's not fair to him and should spell trouble for you later.
2. confirm your horse has regular vet check-ups.
Don't neglect the vet check-up albeit your horse isn't around many other horses anymore. Keep him up-to-date on vaccinations, like all horses, and confirm your vet begins trying to find signs of arthritis or soundness issues. Sometimes cortisone shots given early can't only provide relief for aching joints but can prevent further inflammation and stiffness afterward.
Continued deworming is additionally important for the older horse. Horses more than 20 years old may have intestinal scarring from worm damage that occurred before modern larvicidal dewormers were available.
Have your veterinarian check your horse's teeth a minimum of once a year. The older a horse gets, the more likely his teeth are going to be worn into sharp points. they'll even be wearing out completely.
3. Consider a senior feed.
Older horses don't absorb as many nutrients from their food as younger horses. Couple that with worn-out, missing or damaged teeth, and lots of older horses have difficulty
keeping weight on, especially through the winter months. Several senior feeds on the market today offer alfalfa-based pellets that are easy for older horses to chew, swallow and digest.
Many times older horses prefer to eat little or no hay. The senior feed is designed to hide all roughage requirements for the horse also provide the perfect vitamin and mineral balance for the older horse. Also, don't feed your senior buddy with a younger, more aggressive horse. You want to form sure he doesn't need to fight for his justifiable share.
4. Consider feed supplements.
If you've never used a feed supplement, now could also be the time. ask your veterinarian about what quite a supplement could be best for your horse. Biotin is great for hooves and coat. Other supplements can help with energy. Of course, glucosamine is the standard supplement to stay joints healthy and lubricated.
5. Give him attention.
it is easy to ditch a horse you cannot use as much anymore, but if you cannot use him, maybe you ought to loan his services to someone who can. Many older, experienced show horses are great lesson horses. He could provide a neighbor's child a couple of lessons a week or stand still while you teach children the way to properly groom a horse. He could be an excellent mount for a beginner rider or an adult who doesn't want any surprises. you'll still take him on the occasional leisurely ride. Just don't leave him untouched during a stall for days. At the very least, give him a buddy and many of turnout time.
It may take a touch over time and money to worry for your older horse, but when you remember to all or any the years he's given, you'll likely agree he's worthwhile. With proper care, many horses live sound, productive lives well into their 20s.
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