Tactics for Caring for Aging Horses, Part 1

At AA Callister, the care of the animal is a top priority for us when it comes to our various Western supplies. Between our horse turnout blankets, farrier tools and many other care areas, we have the health and happiness of your horses in mind.

We can also offer significant expertise to those who may be dealing with certain areas of horse health or care for the first time, or simply need some refreshers. One important period for horse care is when a horse begins to age, a point that’s reached at different times for various horses depending on various factors. Let’s go over some of the signs that your horse may be aging, plus spend this multi-part blog talking about several important areas you’ll want to consider here.

Signs of Aging

Some horses may begin to show signs of aging, while others might remain energetic and healthy until their late 20s or even into 30s. When your horse does begin to slow down, though, they may exhibit several signs, all of which will come on gradually:

Gray hairs and other appearance chances
Decreased muscular strength, plus loss of elasticity in joints and tendons
Limited tolerance for extreme temperatures
Decreased skin elasticity
Issues with weight and consistent exercise tolerance
Less interest in overall movement or activity
Lower resistance to parasites, infections and other health concerns
Development of reactions or allergies to certain vaccines
Gum or dental disease, or osteoporosis

From here, let’s spend some time going over important areas to consider once you’ve determined your horse is aging.

Feed Concerns

Older horses may begin to struggle with chewing feed in the same ways they used to, often because their teeth are wearing down or they have other dental problems. This means eating will take longer and be more difficult.

If your aging horse is in a pasture with other horses, you might consider separating it for feeding times. Make it easy for this horse to access hay and chew it, as this will play a big role in intestinal functionality.

Proper Sheltering

If possible, try to protect an older horse from the various elements it might be exposed to. A structure that blocks sun, rain, snow and wind is valuable, and you also have to ensure your horse takes advantage of these areas. In the winter, you might consider blanketing the horse for warmth.

Hoof Care

As the horse ages, trim hoofs regularly to keep their movement comfortable and simple. If you’re unsure what kind of schedule to stick to here, contact a licensed farrier, who can help give you the right information and may even be able to help you with trimming.

For more on how to care for an aging horse, or to learn about any of our farrier supplies or other tools here, speak to the pros at AA Callister today.

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