Just as changes occur in us as we age, so do they occur in horses.  A horse ages chronologically and biologically.  Time affects chronological age.  Life events effect biological age.  Harsh living conditions, traumatic histories or illnesses, and excessive physical strain can make a horse’s biological age greater than its age in years.    Over time three fundamental systems become compromised – digestive, circulatory and musculoskeletal. 

Anyone who owns a horse knows about its sensitive digestive system.  With age digestion becomes even more sensitive.  Fewer nutrients are absorbed and food allergies are heightened.  Lack of nutrition affects coat, weight, vital organs, tissues, muscles, and all other body parts including feet.  Without essential nutrients, the aging process accelerates making the horse more vulnerable to disease.

The fluidity of a horse can reflect its level of health.  As your horse matures, its circulatory system can become sluggish.  This decreases the movement of nutrition and fluids to the tissues and, very importantly, the feet.   The muscles become less tone and less supple, the topline drops, and the feet become more susceptible to injury or degenerative disease.  The level of lubrication in the joints decreases and joint disease can set in.

The good news is that there are many aids to help promote a vital, healthy horse well into his later years, even one with a troubling history.  A diet with less protein and more moisturizing feed will assist.  High quality grasses such as timothy, orchard and meadow are good.  With grasses your horse is more likely to graze supporting its natural digestive function.  Less alfalfa is recommended due to its high protein content making it more difficult to digest.  Alfalfa is has a sweeter taste and is not so filling so horses tend to eat it in one feeding rather than grazing in a natural fashion. Undigested food can lead to stones or a horse casting itself. 

Senior supplements are available.  They are processed differently, with less protein for better digestion, and contain vitamins specifically designed to support an older horse.  A glucosamine supplement for joint care is especially good for back-related problems and arthritis.  Glucosamine sulfate is a bioactively available form of glucosamine where as glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) is not.  To drive glucosamine sulfate into the cells of the body, herbs are included in formulas that are effective.    In a horse it typically takes two weeks to see improvement with a formula.  For horses with lots of leg or tendon problems MSM can help.  MSM helps the fluid in the joints become more bioreceptive.  This means that more essential nutrients get into the joints.  In order for a horse to get enough MSM to be effective, a stand-alone MSM supplement is advised.  When it is combined with Glucosamine, the MSM dosage is normally too small to have an impact.

Regular physical maintenance is a must for your senior.  Pay close attention to his teeth.  If he is not chewing his food well, then he is getting less nutrition and runs a higher risk of colic and other digestive problems.  Get his teeth floated regularly, approximately every six months.   Routine vaccines and de-worming keep him safe.  Regular foot care is of the utmost importance.  As a horse ages, feet can grow problematically.  Feet are the foundation of a horse, and noticing and addressing any foot issues before they become serious is critical.   While grooming and handling, look for changes in body and behavior.   Check for stool changes or cloudy urine.  Subtle changes detected early can save both you and your horse pain and expense.

Regular exercise increases circulation and tonus.  If your horse’s topline begins to drop, exercising the abdominal and buttock muscles help it resist the effects of gravity and age.  Using a quarter, run it from the top to bottom of the abdominal midline.  Your horse should respond by flinching his back muscles upward.  You can also stand behind your kick-proof horse and run two quarters simultaneously across both sides of his hind end. Your horse should contract its low back muscles creating a more balanced topline.

To maintain and maximize the quality and length of your horse’s life, doing what you can to increase nutrition absorption, circulation, structural integrity and body tone has a tremendous effect.  When these areas are compromised, your horse has difficulty using his muscle and skeletal system to support and build himself in his frame.   A little attention goes a long way.  Most horses can live happy, healthy productive lives in to their 30’s.

Jake
Older horse that use to be off in front right

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