Readers Respond

We asked our Facebook fans to share their biggest challenges to senior- horse care. Here are their responses, and you’ll find solutions to these concerns throughout the issue.

Lori Franetovich Weyhrich My old guy is a 32-year- old Quarter Horse (with a lot of Thoroughbred in his pedigree). Keeping him at a good weight is definitely my biggest challenge. Although he still has most of his teeth, he just can’t grind hay like he used to, so he gets alfalfa pellets, senior feed, and a senior supplement. He’s still plenty active, grows a nice winter coat and sheds very nicely, and has plenty of sparkle left in his eyes! Love my old man!

Andrea Wayne My old guy has Cushing’s disease, and the pills to manage it are pretty expensive. He also has had some behavioral changes since starting the meds. Otherwise he’s in perfect health at age 32.

Deborah Edwards I think not growing enough coat and so not being able to tolerate cold is our biggest issue. My mare has to have a blanket in cold rain or temperatures below 32 degrees. Vets have no clue why she has stopped growing a good winter coat.

Jane McEntire My senior Paint gelding is on a steady cycle of good and not-so-good days. The latter make my heart sick with worry, but then he snaps out of it and is himself again. I keep a close watch on him so I can recognize any signs of trouble. But in the meantime, I enjoy every day I have with him and watching my grandkids ride him.