Seven Steps to a Happy Retirement Step 6:

Are you ready to make the move toward your horse’s retirement? This seven-step plan can help you make the transition from performance horse to pasture pet. Step 1: Evaluate your retirement options, and decide what works best for you. If you intend to keep your horse forever and retire him yourself, begin thinking where he’ll go and how you’ll make it work. Step 2: Start setting up your horse’s personal 401(k). If finances are limited, set aside some funds along the way to his retirement to help support him as he grows older. Step 3: Consult your veterinarian to decide when retirement day should come. Whether due to lameness, disease, or old age, your vet can help you determine when your horse is ready to retire. Step 4: If your horse has spent his lifetime in a stall, you may have to introduce him gradually to a life of freedom. Begin with a couple of hours a day, perhaps with one or two docile herd mates he can get to know. Build up to all day turnout with evenings in the stall until, eventually, he seems comfortable staying out full time. Step 5: Pull his shoes, but take it slow. Barefoot is a usually a perfectly fine (and money-saving) option for a retired horse, but consult with your vet and farrier before you pull his shoes. Depending on the condition of your horse’s feet and any underlying soundness issues, it might be best to transition him to barefoot gradually. Your farrier might suggest pulling hind shoes first, or transitioning your horse out of corrective shoes. It’s best to take it slow.

Lose the blankets! It may be hard to accept, but your horse will be just fine living in the pasture “naked,” even in the rain and snow! Your horse’s natural coat is really all he needs, no matter what time of year. If it’s December when you decide to turn him out, however (and he’s been body clipped and wearing three layers of blankets in the barn), you’ll need to wait until temperatures rise before making him go bare. Step 7: Enjoy his golden years. Retirement can be the best years of his life, and there’s nothing more peaceful or fulfilling than spending an hour grooming your retired equine friend. Set aside some time to visit and reminisce about old times. You’ll enjoy it, and your horse will too!