6 Ways to Get Top Performance From Your Senior Horse

Our 20 year old horse won high point gymkhana and western horse at the county fair this summer. Here is how we keep him looking and feeling his best, even in his golden years. An older horse can still have a robust show or recreational career, proper management is key!

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I show and barrel race my senior horse, Ranger. He is 19-years-old and will be 20 in two months. Over the summer, I take him to multiple speed shows to race, and he does great. But every senior horse has those days when they are tired and stiff. Here are some things to help keep your senior horse comfortable and happy.

1. Give Your Senior Horse Good Nutrition

Your horse has a list of nutritional needs, especially your senior horse. He will need a good feed with the correct protein percentage. You will also need to make sure that he has access to vitamins and minerals. He should also have access to pasture or hay.

2. Give Your Senior Horse a Joint Supplement

Older horses with arthritis get stiffness in their joints. Joint supplements will help keep them comfortable and performing their best. The one I use for my horse is the DuMoR FlexMor Advanced Joint Health Horse Supplement. It’s key ingredients are Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and Condroitin. It is apple flavored pellets with alfalfa meal and molasses. I mix it with his grain and he eats it right up! Another option is plain MSM crystals. I have tried this before, he doesn’t like it very much and tries to pick around it. It’s not for Ranger, but it might be for your horse!

3. Give Your Senior Horse Sports Medicine Boots

Sports Medicine Boots (SMB) provide support and stability to his joints when he runs. These are extremely important for barrel racers, but can benefit any horse. You can put them on the front and/or back legs. There are all sorts of colors and patterns to choose from. Your horse will look good and feel good!

4. Give Your Senior Horse Rest Days

All horses need time to chill, yours especially! They need time to rest their muscles and stretch. You never want your baby to be uncomfortable with tight muscles. Plus, your horse will enjoy the relaxation and will be in a better mood next time you ride.

5. Give Your Senior Horse Regular Hoof Trims

Your horse will need their hooves trimmed regularly. You never want to get to the point where they are tripping over their own nails. You want their hooves to have good angles that are comfortable for your horse to walk on.

6. Give Your Horse a Chiropractic or Massage Appointment

When my horse is really stiff I reach out to my equine chiropractor. She checks Ranger over and adjusts him to help make him more comfortable and move better. Another option would be equine massage therapy. I have never tried this before, but it is a great idea to help your horse loosen his muscles.

Your older horse doesn’t need to feel as old as he is. Help him stay performing his highest with these tips.

Natalie

She loves horseback-riding, basketball, softball, reading, listening to music, and hanging with her friends. With an outgoing personality and entrepreneur spirit– there is nothing this girl can’t do!