Caring for Your Older Horse
Did you know that 1 in 3 horses in the UK are now over 15 years old? As our equine companions live longer and healthier lives, understanding specific challenges that the older horse faces becomes increasingly important. Many age-related health issues develop gradually and can be easy to miss. This is why preventive care matters so much.
Five areas that deserve extra attention:
Vaccination
This remains essential even for horses that never leave the yard. Equine flu can travel more than 2km through the air, and its effects can be more severe in horses with Cushing’s disease or other underlying conditions. Older, unvaccinated horses can lose their immunity even if they were vaccinated in the past, so keeping boosters current is one of the simplest ways to protect them.
Hoof care
Regular farrier visits, even for unshod horses, can help to catch poor horn quality, changes in hoof shape, or divergent hoof rings (a sign of chronic laminitis) before they become serious.
Dental health
95% of geriatric horses have at least one dental abnormality. Throughout a horse’s lifetime, their teeth are constantly erupting as the crown wears down. As this happens and the exposed crowns become narrower, gaps (diastema) can form between the teeth close to the gums – foodstuff can pack in these and cause discomfort, difficulty chewing and gingivitis. Very old teeth can also fall out which leads to large gaps – the opposite tooth then needs regular attention to prevent overgrowth as there is no opposing tooth to grind against. A dental check every 6 to 12 months, whether with a vet or a qualified equine dental technician, is the best way to stay ahead of problems. Watch out for reduced appetite, weight loss, bad breath, quidding (dropping food), asymmetric chewing, colic, choke, or excessive salivation, and don’t hesitate to ring if you have any concerns with the above.
Worm Control
This needs a more tailored approach in older horses, who are more susceptible to high worm burdens, especially if they have Cushing’s disease. Rather than blanket treating, regular faecal egg counts throughout the grazing season, tapeworm testing every 6-12 months (depending on management risk factors), and good pasture management (poo-picking at least twice a week), allow treatment to be given only when it is actually needed.
Nutrition
Less efficient digestion, reduced ability to absorb nutrients, and dental issues can all make it harder for older horses to maintain condition. Speak to a vet or a nutritionist if you are concerned and considering changes to your horse’s diet. Examples of changes that may be advised are: mash fibre to help those with dental disease, oils to offer energy without excess sugars, and some horses benefit from supplements to support muscle condition. Be sure to always introduce any changes gradually.
Two conditions to know about:
Equine Cushing’s disease (PPID)
PPID affects an estimated 1 in 5 horses over 15, making it the most common hormonal disorder in older equines. It is a progressive, lifelong condition. Early signs (an abnormally long or curly coat, delayed shedding, muscle wastage, a pot belly, excessive drinking or urination, recurrent infections, or lethargy) can be easily mistaken for normal ageing. A simple blood test can check ACTH levels which tells us whether or not your horse is likely to have Cushing’s disease. Whilst there is no cure, the condition can be well managed with the right treatment and monitoring.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Around four in five horses over the age of 15 have reduced range of motion in at least one joint. Monitor for stiffness, reluctance to move off, difficulty getting up or lying down, or any changes in behaviour. Maintaining a healthy body condition score, adapting exercise appropriately, and joint supplements can all help to manage comfort in horses with OA. In addition, a range of treatment options are available if joint pain does develop.
To summarise:
Vigilance and early action are key to keeping your older horse comfortable and active.
– Keep vaccinations up to date
– Book regular farrier and dental visits
– Follow a worm monitoring programme rather than treating blindly
– Review the diet if concerns regarding dentition or body condition score arise
– Stay alert for the early signs of Cushing’s disease and joint pain.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your own horse, or it’s simply been a while since their last check-up, please get in touch with the practice to book an appointment.
Thank you!
The Farr and Pursey Team
