HELPING OLDER HORSES WEATHER WINTER

Extreme weather, from cold and wind to heat and humidity, can be especially taxing on older members of your herd. Though outdoor life can be beneficial to retirees, field-kept seniors are especially prone to dramatic weight drops and might have trouble regaining weight. Older horses can also be stoic and hide pain, so make it a point to monitor them closely.

While basic winter horse-care guidelines apply, your senior herd members will appreciate the following “extras” during the season:

Pump up the padding: It’s beneficial for geriatric horses have a little extra insulation going into the cold season, as they are inclined to lose condition more easily than younger horses.

But the decreased muscle mass that most old horses experience, which can lead to a sunken back and slightly “ribby” look, can make it difficult to discern their true body condition. If you’re unsure whether your senior horse is too fat, too thin or just right, ask your veterinarian to assist with body scoring. A Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6 or 7 is ideal for seniors headed into the winter, as it allows for slight weight loss.

Manage their mouths: Geriatric horses are best served by dental exams from veterinarians twice a year. Have one of those appointments be in early fall, if possible. Without the ability to chew comfortably, a horse cannot stay warm and maintain weight when the temperatures take a dive. Good dentition also helps prevent problems like choke and colic.

Choose feeds wisely: If your older horse requires concentrates (grain) in his ration, complete senior feeds with added roughage and fat provide many benefits. Not only do these feeds help geriatrics maintain weight, they are a good choice for horses who have difficulty chewing. Soaking a complete senior feed can make it even easier to ingest, while also helping to prevent choke—an emergency situation for which aged horses with dental issues are at increased risk. Bagged, chopped hay is another possibility for horses with poor dentition who need to maintain weight or bulk up.

Keep them moving: For arthritic seniors, outdoor living with friendly buddies and adequate shelter can help improve mobility. Nutraceutical supplements, anti-inflammatory medications and intraarticular injections are also worth considering if you need to address creaky joints.

Have your blankets ready: Clipped horses need blankets to replace their natural insulation, but even shaggy, aged horses might appreciate an extra layer in winter if they have trouble maintaining weight. However, once you start blanketing, you must follow through until spring. Be sure to check under blankets daily for signs of overheating and avoid blanketing a wet horse.