Caring for senior horses is important to all reading this. In today’s world marked by uncertainty, the increasing longevity of our horses is a clear indicator of our commitment to their care and welfare.

Wild horse behavior and health are often thought to be the gold definition of equine wellbeing. However, wild horses often have a lifespan of only 8 years. That’s a stark contrast to domestic horses that, when well-cared-for, can often live comfortably beyond 25 years.

Human stewardship of horses, often thought to be damaging to equines, in the case of longevity has a clearly positive impact.

Active Senior Horses

Not only are horses living longer, but they are also active longer. They are often seen in competition and activities well into their 20s.

Some of these are the well-loved family pets who are trusted to babysit the youngest riders and are known for their trustworthiness.

There is a broad recognition among riders that good horses are exceedingly rare. We see every effort being made to keep horses healthy over the long term and to ensure that they are comfortable and happy in their active life.

Caring for ageing horses, particularly in harsher, hotter climates, presents unique challenges that require careful management in dietary and environmental adjustments.

Caring for Senior Horses: Dental Health

One of the primary issues faced by older horses is dental health. Specifically, seniors can have difficulty in chewing more fibrous forages typically used in warm climates. These can include oat hay and straw.

As equine teeth naturally wear down over time, older equines often chew and chew, but they cannot break down traditional feeds and forages effectively.

Recently, feedstuffs have been developed that allow us to shift the diet toward softer, more digestible options. These include fiber-based fortified mashes. Those are made from a variety of processed ingredients that are easier to consume. We can now provide our horses with a perfectly balanced diet in a variety of presentations.

Heat Sensitive Senior Horses

Another significant challenge for aging horses in hot climates is heat sensitivity. As horses grow older, their ability to regulate body temperature diminishes. This makes them more susceptible to the stresses of high temperatures.

This vulnerability highlights the necessity for shady areas, appropriate shelter, proper ventilation, and constant access to fresh water. It is important to monitor hydration status and add salt or electrolytes when appropriate.

Ensuring that older horses are protected from the heat is critical to maintaining their health and comfort.

Retirement Facilities

Something new is the emergence of horse retirement farms. These are often located in idyllic areas where the horses live out their later years quietly in herds, receiving supplemental feed, shady fields, and comfortable boxes at night. This once unheard-of business is now thriving in southern Europe.

Advances in Horse Care

The fact that domestic horses can live well into their 20s, or, as we are often seeing, into their 30, is a testament to careful exercise and better footing during their active years. It also points to the advancements in nutrition, veterinary care, and general management practices.

Horse owners today provide a proactive approach to health issues, regular veterinary check-ups, and a keen attention to the individual needs of their horses. This allows our equine friends to enjoy a quality of life previously unimaginable. The extended lifespan of domestic horses clearly demonstrates the bond and personal commitment that humans have to their horses.

People outside of the horse world often underestimate the deep and longstanding bond humans share with their horses.

The care of older horses can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive. However, the ability to care for a well-loved equine companion is also deeply rewarding for the owner.

Horse owners able to make the effort to care for their older animals, often for many years, feel that they have a responsibility born of a broader ethic of respect and compassion.

As we continue to advance in our methods and understanding, the increasing lifespan of these animals serves as a clear marker of our success in providing a higher standard of welfare and well-being for our horses.

Further Reading

  • With over 25 years dedicated to advancing the nutrition and well-being of horses, Coby Bolger is a leader in equine nutrition and care within Spain. As the founder of Horse1 Equine, she provides premier nutritional consulting and training, enabling riders, trainers and veterinarians to ensure the health and performance of their horses.
    View all posts