Caring for Senior Horses
Horses are living longer than ever before, thanks to advances in veterinary care, nutrition, and management. Today, it’s common to see horses well into their twenties and even thirties enjoying life in the pasture or continuing to participate in light work. But just like people, aging horses have unique needs. Understanding these needs helps ensure your senior horse stays comfortable, healthy, and active for as long as possible.
Here’s what you should know about caring for your senior equine partner:
Nutrition: Feeding the Older Horse
As horses age, their ability to chew and digest feed can decline. Dental wear, tooth loss, and changes in the digestive tract all affect how well nutrients are absorbed.
Tips:
Regular dental exams (at least once a year) help catch sharp points, loose teeth, or infections early.
Body condition monitoring is essential, seniors can lose weight quickly if they can’t chew effectively.
Soaked feeds or complete senior feeds can replace long-stem forage if chewing hay becomes difficult.
High-quality fiber sources (like soaked beet pulp or hay pellets) support digestion.
Avoid sudden diet changes, older horses are prone to digestive upset.
Joint Health and Mobility
Osteoarthritis is common in senior horses and can limit mobility and comfort.
Management strategies:
Consistent, gentle exercise helps maintain range of motion.
Turnout: daily movement is better than prolonged stall rest.
Supportive footing reduces concussion on joints.
Joint supplements or medications (like glucosamine, chondroitin, or prescribed NSAIDs) can ease stiffness, fask your veterinarian what’s appropriate.
Monitoring for Metabolic Disease
Older horses are at higher risk for endocrine disorders such as:
PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, formerly called Cushing’s disease): Symptoms include a long, curly coat, muscle wasting, excessive drinking and urination, and increased risk of laminitis.
Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Often seen in overweight horses with regional fat deposits and insulin dysregulation.
What to do:
Watch for early signs and test annually if your horse is at risk.
Manage diet carefully limit sugar and starch.
Keep up with hoof care, as metabolic disorders increase laminitis risk.
Hoof Care
Good hoof care remains critical throughout life. With decreased activity, circulation to the hoof can decline, and some older horses develop laminitis or sole bruising.
Best practices:
Routine farrier visits every 6–8 weeks.
Prompt attention to any lameness.
Maintain clean, dry footing to prevent thrush and hoof deterioration.
Vaccination and Deworming
Senior horses may have weaker immune responses but still need protection. Some older horses are more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Recommendations:
Annual vaccinations, work with your vet to tailor a protocol.
Parasite control, monitor fecal egg counts and deworm as needed.
Comfort and Quality of Life
Many older horses thrive with some adjustments:
Shelter from harsh weather, senior horses can struggle to maintain body temperature.
Blanketing may be necessary in cold climates.
Safe fencing and good footing reduce the risk of falls.
Social interaction, companionship helps maintain mental well-being.
Final Thoughts
Caring for an older horse is a labor of love. By staying proactive with veterinary care, nutrition, and management, you can help your senior companion enjoy their golden years in comfort and dignity.
If you have questions about your horse’s health or would like to schedule a senior wellness exam, contact your veterinarian, they’re your best partner in supporting your horse’s long, healthy life.