Key #4: Appropriate Exercise
Why it's a concern: Your aging horse might experience musculoskeletal issues as he ages, most commonly due to degenerative joint disease or arthritis. He'll also have a more difficult time maintaining his condition. While he might've been just fine for weekend trail rides with minimal conditioning in his youth, he won't be able to tolerate that kind of schedule as he grows older. He'll fare much better with regular work.
Red alerts: Your horse might become more stiff and sore if he spends too much time confined. In addition, if he's not worked enough to maintain his physical condition, he'll get tired on the trails.
Management tips: Find a large paddock or pasture with a sheltered area. This will allow your horse freedom to move around, which will not only help him maintain condition but also will help prevent him from getting stiff and sore. Ride or longe him at least four to five days per week if you plan to continue regular trail riding. A regular exercise schedule will be beneficial, even if you only work him for 20 to 30 minutes at each session.
Key #5: Regular Grooming
Why it's a concern: Your older horse might develop a long, sweat-inducing haircoat (especially if he develops Cushing's disease) that can lead to skin conditions. If he lives outside in the rain or mud, groom him regularly to check his skin for wet-weather related problems such as rain rot (a bacteria that thrives in wet conditions) or mud fever (an infection that can cause his legs to develop scabs and swell). In summer months, he may be more at risk for allergies to insects that can affect his skin.
Red alerts: Watch for crusting, scabs, or hair loss that could indicate your horse has a skin problem. If he's outside in rainy conditions, pay close attention to his back and lower legs where problems are most common. In warm weather months, watch his belly for scabs that could indicate an insect hypersensitivity.
Management tips: Groom your horse at least two to three times per week with a soft-rubber currycomb that will stimulate his skin, and help remove dead skin and hair. During warm months, practice regular pest control.
Key #6: Proper Joint Maintenance
Why it's a concern: Your horse might experience problems with his bones and joints as he ages, especially if he's been a hardworking trail partner.
Red alerts: Carefully watch for signs of stiffness or outright lameness. You might notice that he has more trouble standing and holding up his legs for the farrier.
Management tips: If you think your horse is having joint problems, call your veterinarian for an examination. Consider giving your horse a dietary supplement. Look for arthritis aids, such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Talk to your vet about prescription joint therapies, such as intravenous hyaluronic acid (brand name, Legend) or polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (brand name, Adequan). Your vet might also recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as phenylbutazone ("bute") or flunixin meglumine (brand name, Banamine) before or after trail rides to enhance your horse' comfort. Your vet can help you design a plan based on your individual horse's condition.
Key #7: Regular Veterinary Visits
Why it's a concern: Your senior horse is at risk for developing a wide range of medical problems, such as those described here.
Red alerts: Watch your horse closely for any sign that he's not feeling well. These signs might include weight loss, difficulty chewing, stiffness, lameness, and behavioral changes, such as increased aggressiveness or depression.
Management tips: Schedule yearly veterinary examinations to identify any problems. Keep up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming. Consider an annual blood panel to help identify anemia, liver or kidney problems, or other metabolic abnormalities. Your vet will help you monitor your horse's condition, and design a plan to keep your aging horse healthy and strong for years to come.
