HorseChannel.com Message Board / HorseChannel.com Forums / Senior Horse Care

Getting an older horse into shape?

shannonfae — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:37:46 GMT

I'm looking to buy a 17 year old grade pony with a lot of spunk left in her. I've never trained and older horse and I have no idea how to go about getting her back into shape so that she can be the healthiest and athletic as she can be. Does anyone have any suggestions? Know any websites or publications that can help me?

Joint Supplements

sillybunny11486 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:08:58 GMT

My new vet is coming out to see my mare next week, and of course I will ask her opinion, if i should keep giving my mare joint support. She is on the recomemded dose of Fluid Action HA. I picked this brand because of what a prior b/o told me. I really dont know to much about the differences and im sure not all brands are created equal. I look for supplements with more then one effective ingredient (ie not just an msm supplement.) I only look at cost as a factor if it is over $1 per day.

Ive heard good things about cosequin, and that its something most vets recommend. Does anyone give preventative supplements, if so what kind/brand?

Add Years to Your Senior's Life

HC Community Moderator — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:34:08 GMT

By Toni McAllister

Twenty is the new 15 when it comes to today’s horses. With advancements in veterinary medicine and good horsekeeping practices, senior equines are proving that age is just a mindset. Keeping your mature horse going strong takes commitment on your part, but the payoff is partnership for years to come. Use these tips to help keep your veteran young at heart:

Read the rest of the article - click here.

Adaquan

Woodrows Mommy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:16:42 GMT

Has anyone used it? If so, how well did it work? Which pharmacy did you get to fill your horse's prescription and who had the best price?

Senior Horse Retirement

HC Community Moderator — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:33:14 GMT

By Sharon Biggs

Retirement is a fact of life. We’ll all face it; but unlike humans, horses can’t tell us when it’s time to throw in the towel. So how do you know when it’s time for your equine partner to slow down? Karen Hayes, DVM, author of Help Your Horse Live a Good Long Life and Hands On Senior Horse Care has some tips.

Read the rest of the article - click here.

Riding Off Into the Sunset Years

HC Community Moderator — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:32:14 GMT

By L.A. Rose

My old grey mare just wasn't what she used to be. At 28, Ginger's lip and back had begun to droop. She was overweight. When I took her out, she groaned and took mincing little steps. She had been a delightful riding partner because of her calmness and her willing nature. But, past her prime, she seemed ready for retirement. I put her out to pasture.

Sound like your "mature" horse? Have you been considering a retirement plan for your old campaigner or trail buddy? Well, before you decide to send him off to Leisure World, listen to this. Some time later, I was reading about the positive effects of exercise on people who are aging and I'd been on two rides where the horses were older than my own Ginger. Both animals still had good conformation, were spirited and extremely happy. They had a purpose and they were active. As I looked at these two energetic horses, I thought, if people 50 and older can improve their physical performance, why can't horses?

Read the rest of the article - click here.