Even older horses need to be kept quite active, especially if they have always led an energetic life. Old horses that have been active are a bit like humans that are compelled to retire at 65 - they frequently become depressed.
Just as with us, the body might start to show signs of wear and tear, but the mind still works well and the old horse will miss its old colleagues - human and animal - and will miss being active.
For these reasons, you ought to never just leave an old horse in a field thinking that you are doing it a favour by not making it work. Slacken off the work, if you like. Ride it a little less often, if you think it is a good idea, but never merely leave it alone 'to enjoy its retirement'. It will not comprehend what you are doing.
It is fairly likely that the older horse will suffer from arthritis. Standing in a field all day is not a cure for arthritis, but mild exercise can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. There is no need to push your horse hard, but you can walk him and even ride him a bit, if he can take your weight. Otherwise get a child to ride him for you.
Regular mild exercise will build up his muscles and strengthen his cartilages which will assuage the effects of arthritis. This will be good for the horse, but it will also be good for you as it will mean that you will require less help from the vet. It will also make him a more contented horse which will improve his digestion and general well-being.
If your horse has been left to get on with his life alone for a time, take the recommendation that humans are given in the same circumstances. That is, have him checked over by the vet and get approval for your exercise plans from him. Then, have his shoes and hoofs checked so that he gets less shock from walking on tarmac. Massage some oil into his joints as well, if the vet says it will help.
The new exercise regimen should start mildly, but may be increased gradually as your horse becomes fitter. If you notice that your horse is still suffering, try massage. When massaging your horse's joints, pick up a leg and gently bend and straighten it around ten times per joint.
Try to do this three or four times a day until you see results and then walking will almost certainly obviate the requirement for further massage, unless you enjoy doing it too. This will ease his joints which have almost certainly become stiff through lack of use.
You can attempt neck stretches as well. This is best done by offering treats, say, over a fence. Make your horse reach for the treat - first up high and then down low. Give carrots rather than sweets because of your horse's aged teeth.
Keep in mind that older 'people' have different dietary requirements to younger individuals and the same is true of horses.
Just as with us, the body might start to show signs of wear and tear, but the mind still works well and the old horse will miss its old colleagues - human and animal - and will miss being active.
For these reasons, you ought to never just leave an old horse in a field thinking that you are doing it a favour by not making it work. Slacken off the work, if you like. Ride it a little less often, if you think it is a good idea, but never merely leave it alone 'to enjoy its retirement'. It will not comprehend what you are doing.
It is fairly likely that the older horse will suffer from arthritis. Standing in a field all day is not a cure for arthritis, but mild exercise can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. There is no need to push your horse hard, but you can walk him and even ride him a bit, if he can take your weight. Otherwise get a child to ride him for you.
Regular mild exercise will build up his muscles and strengthen his cartilages which will assuage the effects of arthritis. This will be good for the horse, but it will also be good for you as it will mean that you will require less help from the vet. It will also make him a more contented horse which will improve his digestion and general well-being.
If your horse has been left to get on with his life alone for a time, take the recommendation that humans are given in the same circumstances. That is, have him checked over by the vet and get approval for your exercise plans from him. Then, have his shoes and hoofs checked so that he gets less shock from walking on tarmac. Massage some oil into his joints as well, if the vet says it will help.
The new exercise regimen should start mildly, but may be increased gradually as your horse becomes fitter. If you notice that your horse is still suffering, try massage. When massaging your horse's joints, pick up a leg and gently bend and straighten it around ten times per joint.
Try to do this three or four times a day until you see results and then walking will almost certainly obviate the requirement for further massage, unless you enjoy doing it too. This will ease his joints which have almost certainly become stiff through lack of use.
You can attempt neck stretches as well. This is best done by offering treats, say, over a fence. Make your horse reach for the treat - first up high and then down low. Give carrots rather than sweets because of your horse's aged teeth.
Keep in mind that older 'people' have different dietary requirements to younger individuals and the same is true of horses.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on a variety of topics, but is currently concerned with the distemper in horses. If you want to kcurrently more, please visit our website at Distemper Vaccines
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