Equine Care
It's not uncommon these days for a well cared for horse to live and work into his late 20's. A pony in Wales who died at 66 years of age is said to have been the oldest horse ever. Maybe, maybe not.
These days there are loads of horses who would be called 'middle aged' if they were humans but
who are healthy and fit for just about anything.
They're also usually worth their weight in gold, as hundreds of horse people will be happy to tell you.
If you read and sigh over all those beautiful horses in magazines, you probably imagine that the biggest demand is for an Eventer, Jumper
and Show Horses. But you'd be wrong!. The most sought after horse is the wise, reliable, versatile, safe first or second horse for a young rider.
And if you're lucky enough to find such a reliable horse, it's usually an older horse.
If you're lucky enough to own and love one of these older gems, give him extra cuddles and carrots tonight, you're a lucky owner.
Equine Advice
Horse Rugs
My first pony, like so many others was so hairy he didn't need much rugging.
But if you're the owner of a thoroughbred, Arabian or simply a horse who has a thin coat, he or she will benefit from being rugged during the cold weather.
Horses burn their body condition in order to keep warm, so if you want your horse to maintain condition over winter, then you need to supply extra warmth which in turn will save on feed bills.
There are so many great rugs on the market today, gone are the days where all you could buy was a canvas rug with wollen lining.
You get what you pay for so buy the best rug you can afford and it should last you a good couple of years.
No point buying a cheapo rug only to have it rub your horse's shoulders, rip or slide off. You will find yourself having to replace it.
Ask your friends what brand of rug they recommend. Visit horse forums, you'll often get some great recommendations there too.
Horse Care
Aged HorsesIf you're lucky enough to have an older horse, don't let the facts about seniors stress you out or diminish your enjoyment. Good senior horse keeping calls for the sort of commitment that all good horse keeping demands, dedication and awareness.
One thing that makes this easier these days is the fact that feed companies have developed products especially for AGED HORSES.
Keep yourself informed about these special products and use/feed them with confidence.
Horse Care
It's been estimated that wild brumbies, who of course never see a horse dentist, live up to six years less then domestic horses.
One interesting study involved examining the teeth of 500 horses slaughtered at a knackery.
Their ages ranged from six months to 30 years and more then 80% showed signs of dental disease.
The most common problem was sharp tooth edges, followed by abnormal wear. As we know, this condition stops horses eating properly and so getting full nutritional value from their feed.
If you're horse hasn't had a visit from your equine dentist recently, what are you waiting for?!
Horse Advice
What Age Should a Horse Retire?
There isn't a simple answer. It's something that must be individually assessed and a horse can be ridden as long as he is happy and healthy.
Dressage and Showjumping horses are among those who can be at their best in their mid-teens and keep competing, and winning until
they're well into their 20's.
It's common to say that five horse years equals one human year, but that's over simplifying it abit.
Humans have the animal kingdom's longest childhood, followed by a lengthy adulthood. We spend one sixth of our lives as children but horses
on the other hand have brief childhoods and long adult lives.
Just the same, the five horse years equals one human year thing is at least a rough guide.
Keeping all those wonderful senior horses in top condition requires that little bit of extra thought, knowledge and care.
Ask to be placed on the mailing list of the saddle shops so you can check out the specials when the catalogues arrive.
You'll often find winter horse rugs advertised at reduced prices at the start of summer.
Buy up bargains and store them until winter comes around again. Your horse won't care if he's wearing last season's style or colour!
This is an important part of horse care, don't be tempted to skimp on it. A good farrier is a must.
Ask around and find one that comes with good
word of mouth references.
Shoeing is expensive, around $80 every six weeks, but a price you have to pay if you want to ride your horse regularly.
There's alot of discussion about horses going barefoot, but I'll cover that another time!
Oil your horse's feet regularly to keep them hydrated and in good condition.
As the saying goes, NO HOOF.....NO HORSE
Some late maturing horses even delay reaching their peak at 12 to 14, the equivalent human age of 80!.
There's never been a 175 year old human!.
Maybe it's that horses spend a smaller proportion of their lives in old age than humans do,
so their fit middle age takes up a longer portion of their lives.
Proper care of teeth can be a huge factor in a horse staying healthy and happy into old age.
Horse Tips
Horse Care
Hooves
