GOLDEN OLDIES

An older horse r equires extra TLC when the seasons change. While he will appr eciate being stabled when it ’s cold and wet, standing still for long periods of time isn’t ideal. “Older horses get s tiff easily, especially when it ’s cold and they’re standing still in a confined area for hours on end,” explains Katherine. “Legs fill and become swollen as the muscles aren’t contracting.” Cold weather and restricted movement can exacerbate arthritis as well. Break up stationary episodes with ridden w ork, in-hand work, lungeing or allowing your horse to roam a barn or other har d- standing area when it’s too wet to turn out. This will help boos t blood flow around his body.