A Nutrition Plan For Your Senior Horse

The Senior With Health Problems 

Different conditions will require different nutritional management strategies, and this is further complicated by the current health status of the horse (i.e., whether he is obese or has dental problems). A consultation with your veterinarian is essential to treat and address any such conditions that your senior may have, and your veterinarian may suggest a nutrition plan based on your senior’s individual needs. It will be easier for your veterinarian to assess your senior’s needs if you have kept detailed records of health checks, behaviour, body condition scores, body weight, and feeding programs. 

The veterinarian will address any discomfort issues, such as pain in horses with arthritis, which may be causing decreased appetite. Management techniques, such as elevated feed stations and separation during feeding, may be helpful for horses with difficulty eating due to pain. Generally, diets high in cereal or water-soluble carbohydrates should be avoided.

All Senior Horses

A hay analysis is one of the most useful tools at your disposal and should be done whenever new cuts of hay arrive at your barn. Provide loose salt rather than a salt lick because many senior horses have a dry mouth and the loose salt is easier for them to consume. Perform body condition scoring regularly and watch for changes in muscle development, such as losing muscle.