By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
Last week, we discussed our broodmares. This week, we’re focusing on our older horses—our equine OAPs—who can often find winter more challenging. As vets, we’re frequently asked how to help senior horses stay healthy and comfortable during the colder months.
Here are some key management tips to support your older horse this winter:
Older horses often have age-related health issues such as Cushing’s disease (PPID), arthritis, and dental problems. Understanding what’s affecting your horse and how it impacts their condition is crucial. For example:
Arthritic horses may need additional pain relief during cold spells.
Horses with dental disease may struggle to chew hay and may require supplementary mashes or soaked feeds.
Forage is essential for all horses, but older ones can struggle if they have dental issues or if they’re lower in the herd hierarchy.
Make sure they’re not being bullied away from hay or haylage.
If chewing is difficult, provide alternatives such as soaked hay cubes, hay replacers, or mashes.
Some older horses find haynets difficult due to dental issues or neck arthritis—consider ground feeding where possible or using easy-feed haynets.
Just like us, older horses can become stiffer and more uncomfortable if they don’t move enough. Ideally, they should have daily turnout, but bad weather or poor ground conditions can make this challenging.
If turnout is limited, hand-walking or light exercise can help keep joints mobile and prevent stiffness.
Hydration is just as important in winter as in summer. Ensure water sources are not frozen and that your horse is drinking enough—warm water can encourage them to drink more.
Field shelters or windbreaks provide protection from harsh weather. Ensure your older horse has access to a dry, sheltered space where they can escape the worst of the winter conditions.
Many older horses grow thick, warm coats, but some may need extra rugging due to:
Reduced body condition or muscle mass.
Underlying health conditions.
Reduced movement, leading to lower body heat production.
Keeping warm requires extra calories, so if your horse struggles with condition, proper rugging can help conserve energy.
Cold weather can aggravate joint problems, making osteoarthritis more noticeable. Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids may help with joint support. If you’re concerned about your horse’s mobility, speak to your vet about management options.
Older horses often lose muscle mass due to conditions such as Cushing’s disease. In addition to enough calories, ensure their diet includes high-quality, digestible protein sources to help maintain muscle condition.
Senior horses can be more susceptible to parasites, especially those with Cushing’s, which affects their immune system. Keep an eye out for worms, lice, and mites, and work with your vet to maintain an appropriate parasite control programme.
By addressing these key areas, you can help your older horse stay healthy, comfortable, and happy throughout the winter months. If you have any concerns about your senior horse’s condition, always consult your vet for tailored advice.
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