Aging, a natural process that all living beings undergo, doesn’t exclude our beloved equine friends. Recent research conducted in the United States sheds light on when horse owners perceive their horses to be old, and the implications this has on their care.

In a joint study conducted by the University of Kentucky and Spillers, a renowned brand of equine nutrients, 2,717 American horse owners provided insights about their horses aged 15 years and older and their care methods.

The respondents’ horses varied in age, status – some retired, some nearing retirement, some leisure horses, and others were still active sport horses of all levels.

Understanding Equine Aging

Findings from the study revealed that 47.7% of respondents considered their horses old. For 22.8%, the age of ‘old’ began at 20 years, while 14.1% considered their horses to be old at 25 years. Owners perceived their horses as old when their work capabilities started to deteriorate, when they began displaying signs of aging-related diseases, or when they noticed an increase in grey hair. As a result, 90.6% of participants reported adjusting their horses’ routines and nutrition to meet their changing needs.

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Every Horse Ages At Its Own Pace

Alisa Herbst, the study’s lead researcher, told Horse and Hound that this survey was part of a larger project aiming to enhance the health and welfare of older horses by better understanding the owners’ perspectives and experiences.

The survey findings suggest that each horse begins to be considered old at a unique age, depending on its physical and mental state. For instance, some competitive horses continue to compete at a high level until their late teens, such as WG Rubins Nite, the horse of British dressage rider Hayley Watson-Greaves.

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Watson-Greaves explained that as long as her horse maintained good mental and physical health, she would continue to compete with him. She emphasized the importance of listening to one’s horse, as they will communicate when they are ready to retire.

Listening to Our Horses

In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of individualizing care for our equine companions as they age. The findings highlight the need to adapt routines and nutrition based on each horse’s unique needs, listening to their cues to ensure their wellbeing during their golden years.

What’s your experience with aging horses? At what age have you noticed significant changes in your horse’s abilities or behavior? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear your stories!