We Hear You: More senior tips.

I’ve learned a lot in my first year owning my senior horse, Athena. I’ve raised and shown horses all my life, but never owned a horse past the age of 15, let alone a 24-year-old rescue in poor condition. I’ve had her for a year, and she’s as healthy as any young horse, and still has so much to give. She helps young people learn to ride and gives those with physical and mental limitations an opportunity to enjoy horses. She loves it.

My senior-care tip: Listen to your older horse. And I mean really listen. If you’re in tune with your older horse, and in tune with his or her subtle body language, you’ll know what’s needed, and what he or she can and can’t handle. I loved the February issue! KARA ROSE, Kentucky

I own two senior Arabian mares: Cami, 23, and Kyrie, 24. It can be tough keeping them in good flesh during our Upstate New York winters, but my recommendation is don’t make senior horses compete for food. They’ll often give up when pushed aside or bullied by younger horses—especially piggy geldings. If you don’t have stalls, try to separate them to eat in peace. CARMEL ANN SPERTI, New York

We purchased an underweight POA last year that was said to be about 15 years old. She had issues accepting the bit and tossed her head. I took her to a certified equine dentist, and he told us she wasn’t 15 but 30 years old and had severe teeth issues. Many were loose and needed to be extracted. She had suffered poor or nonexistent dental care from her previous owners. In the 9 months we’ve owned her, she’s gained weight and seems much healthier.

My advice to senior horse owners: Don’t forget that dental care is vital to the health and comfort of these older horses. Annual checkups by a qualified equine dentist are important. JOYCE FARRIMOND, Oklahoma