Senior horse care: everything you need to know

When is a horse officially a senior?

The threshold is not a fixed number, but reckon on roughly 15 years of age. Warmbloods and large breeds age on average faster than ponies, which sometimes stay vital well into their 30s. Ageing is not only visible in years: declining muscle mass, a dropped back, a greying head or changing teeth are telling signs. Have your horse checked by a vet twice a year to make sure everything is on track. Record all these observations in the EquiSight horse profile so you can easily spot patterns over time.

Adapting nutrition to the older digestive system

Digestion becomes less efficient as a horse ages. Many seniors struggle to chew roughage sufficiently due to worn teeth. A equine vet or dentist should ideally check the teeth every 6 to 12 months. Practical adjustments that help:

• Offer soaked forage replacers, such as sugar beet pulp or grass-alfalfa pellets, when chewing is difficult
• Choose a senior feed with higher protein and fat levels (at least 12% protein and 5% fat)
• Divide the daily ration into 3 to 4 small meals
• Ensure constant access to fresh water, especially in winter
• Add a senior-specific supplement containing vitamin E, selenium and omega-3

Monitoring weight and muscle mass

Weight loss in seniors is often the first visible sign that something is wrong. Use a weight tape monthly and record the score in EquiSight. A body condition score of 5 to 6 on a scale of 1 to 9 is ideal for most seniors. If your horse loses more than 5 kg in a month, contact a vet immediately. On the other hand, obesity increases the risk of EMS and laminitis, so a score that is too high also requires action.

Exercise: less is not always better

Many owners restrict their senior horse too much, but regular, light exercise keeps joints supple and maintains muscle mass. Adapt the workload to what the horse can handle: 20 to 30 minutes of walking per day is already valuable for many seniors. Ask EquiCoach for a tailored exercise schedule based on your horse's age, conditions and training history. Watch for signs such as stiffness after getting up, hesitation when negotiating steps or reduced mobility in the hindquarters.

Common health problems in senior horses

• PPID (Cushing's): signs include a thick, curly coat and muscle weakness — treatable with medication
• Osteoarthritis: regular exercise and joint support where needed are beneficial
• EMS and laminitis: limit grass carbohydrates, weigh regularly and consult your vet
• Dental problems: worn or missing teeth lead to insufficient chewing and weight loss
• Kidney issues: increased water intake and changes in urine can be a warning sign

Daily care and comfort

Small adjustments to the daily routine make a big difference for a senior horse. Check the legs daily for heat and swelling, and watch for changes in the droppings. Seniors benefit from extra shelter in winter: a well-fitting rug at temperatures below 5°C is not a luxury. Hoof care every 6 to 8 weeks remains just as important as for younger horses — sometimes even more so, as hoof growth slows down with age. Use the planner in EquiSight to keep track of recurring tasks such as farrier visits, dental checks and vaccinations.