In every issue of Horse & Rider you'll find articles on training by the country's leading experts, the latest on equine health care from top veterinarians, trail riding tips from savvy back country riders, and much more!
TAKE A LOOK AT THE GELDING in these photos. How old would you guess he is? The title of the article gives away that he’s an older performance horse, but he looks like he’s about 7 years old, in the prime of his performance career. So how old is he? Juarez Whiz turns 16 this year. He’s amassed more than 270 points in AQHA competition, has more than $70,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings, and continues to be a competitive entry in both amateur/non-pro and open classes. To what do I attribute his longevity, ongoing success, and youthful appearance? Read on to find out. Focus on Feed Think of your horse like a vehicle: Feed is his fuel. If you have a fancy sports car and fill the tank with regular…
Watch for Muscle Wasting If you own an older horse, keep an eye out for muscle wasting. Sarcopenia, as it’s also called, is generalized muscle loss that can lead to weakness. A metabolism that changes naturally with age may be to blame, impairing your oldster’s ability to digest crude protein and absorb essential amino acids. Check with your vet, though, as there are other potential causes of muscle wasting, including Cushing’s disease, chronic lung disease, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, and equine polysaccharide storage myopathy. Lack of exercise can also be a factor, as can neglected teeth that prevent proper chewing. Digestible Protein Commercial senior feeds can help horses when muscle wasting is due to a lack of adequate protein and overall nutrition. ★ Protein contents of 12 to 14 percent—what older…
You own an older horse and love him to pieces. You feed him right, keep him in good flesh, tend to his teeth, protect him from parasites. But do you also make sure he gets adequate exercise, apart from any turnout he may have? If you don’t, you’re denying him an essential part of a stay-healthy regimen. Exercise is as critical to an aging equine as it is to an aging human—and we’ve all heard how working up a sweat can turn back the clock and protect us from disease. Here, we’ll share tips for types of exercise your horse will find pleasurable as he engages in it, plus will help him feel good in general as it loosens, stretches, and strengthens him. Note: If your senior horse is out…
Wait, I’m thinking, what? Just because he’s getting older doesn’t mean it’s time to quit. In fact, in recent years we’ve seen 21-year-old horses compete successfully in World Cup jumping. Besides, why not consider letting the horse step down to a less demanding job rather than retiring him completely? Then there’s the other type of owner. “There’s something wrong with my horse,” she’ll say. “He’s only 24, and he’s having a hard time keeping up with my friends’ horses on trail rides. I don’t understand it. Is there anything we can give him to up his energy?” “Hmmmmm,” I say. “Twenty-four. Maybe he’s just feeling his age?” After all, given that every year of a horse’s life translates into roughly 3 or 4 human years, that means your 24-year-old horse…
