Older horses may need blankets, even if as a younger animal they did not like them. Even with lots of fur, some horses get cold quite easily especially in the last years of a long life. If they are a bit confused they may not come in out of the cold wet rain, or they may stand under their favorite tree, which does not have any leaves on it in the winter. So you may have to pay more attention to their basic needs. The same goes of the hot summer, which can be even more stressful than a cold winter. Be sure they have shade and shelter. In nature the horses would not live to this age. Something would have eaten them long before dementia set in.
There are number of things one can do to help the older horse. Pain relief is very important. Much more research is being done on pain control in all species of animals. Sometimes fairly high doses of drugs are needed, which could prove to be toxic. However, when you weigh good, pain-free (or pain relief) quality of life with the possibility of shortening life a few days or weeks due to some side effects of a drug, the drug may well win out.
Several natural treatments can be used to help both the older horse and her companion. From any health food store you can obtain some remedies called Bach Flowers. Books have been written that describe which remedy to select for different emotional states. These books are sold for animals as well. Read through the book and pick anywhere from one to three or four remedies that seem to fit your horses. Then mix 10 drops of each remedy into a dropper bottle (from a pharmacy), fill the bottle with water and put a squirt or two into the water bucket or directly in the horse's mouth. These remedies can help with stress, depression, anxiety and worry.
For help with pain or discomfort, a treat of some acupuncture can have amazing uplifting effects for many of the old ones. I have seen them kicking their heels up after a treatment, where before they walked around slowly. Gentle chiropractic or osteopathic treatments can also be very beneficial. A veterinarian trained in homeopathy or Chinese herbal medicine can help with formulas and remedies to keep life a bit more spunky. Many western herbs provide nice, gentle support, and some companies make specific formulas for older horses. One herbal book written just for the older horse is A Veteran Horse Herbal by Hilary Self. You can get some of this information from my website.
The most important thing in dealing with the old ones is to be sure to spend quality time with them. Take them for a walk around the farm or down the trail, even if they are not rideable. Groom them, let the kids play with them or give them whatever joys they had when they were younger.
When the time comes, you will know that they are ready for help ending their life on this planet. It is not something anyone can put into words. You just walk out to the barn in the morning and know it. And also know that your horse lived his or her life to its fullest and down to the last minute. It is a hard but peaceful time. Enjoy every moment until then.
Dr. Joyce Harman is a veterinarian and respected saddle-fitting expert certified in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic; she is also trained in homeopathy and herbal medicine. Her Harmany Equine Clinic is in northern Virginia. Visit her online shop.
Have you had a similar experience? Chat about it in the EquiSearch.com Forum.
Do you have a veterinary question for Dr. Harman? Send it to asktheexperts@equinetwork.com. Check back for her answers on EquiSearch.com.
