This is you can give your elderly horse a comfortable life

An older horse must always receive the right care. It’s naturally difficult to see your beloved animal grow older. That’s why you’ll probably want to ensure that your horse has the best possible life. Are you wondering how you can give your older horse a comfortable life? Then do read on.

How can you tell when a horse is getting older?

As a horse gets older, you’ll often see this happen gradually. And it’s precisely by recognising these subtle changes that you can support your horse effectively. These are the most common signs that your horse is becoming a senior:

Physical changes, such as reduced muscle mass, difficulty maintaining weight or a dull coat.
Stiffer movement, particularly when starting to move or after a rest.
Tooth wear, or eating more slowly and difficulty chewing.
Tiring more quickly and needing more rest.
Changes in behaviour, such as becoming calmer or, conversely, more sensitive.

It’s actually quite normal for your horse to show these signs. It’s precisely when you notice this happening that you can work out what you can do for your horse.

When is a horse considered truly old?

A horse is generally considered truly old from around 18 to 20 years of age. However, age isn’t the whole story, as some 18-year-old horses are still very fit and energetic. Your horse is getting old when you notice signs of ageing, but even then, the animal can often still have quite a few years left in it.

oud paard staat in de wei

Source: Pexels

What can you do to ensure an old horse has a good quality of life?

1. Ensure the right diet

A good diet is important for an older horse. If you notice the horse is struggling to chew, soft feed or special senior feed is a good option. In addition, your horse may be losing or gaining weight; you can adjust its diet accordingly.

2. Keep the horse active

Although rest is important, exercise is just as vital. Regular, gentle exercise keeps the muscles and joints supple. This could include light training, walking or simply moving about freely in the field. This always depends on what the horse can manage, so bear this in mind.

3. Keep an eye on the horse’s teeth

In older horses, the teeth often wear down, which can make eating slightly more difficult. So pay close attention to this and ensure your horse can continue to eat properly.

4. Ensure plenty of comfort

Make sure the horse has plenty of comfortable spots in the stable and in the paddock. A soft resting area, sufficient shelter from the sun, cold and rain, and a peaceful environment are often very beneficial for the animal. This allows your horse to rest and recover properly after, for example, a training session.

5. Keep a close eye on your horse

Always be on the lookout for small changes in, for example, behaviour, appetite or movement. If you spot these in good time, you can take swift action. This helps prevent the condition from worsening and other symptoms from arising, and allows you to provide the animal with greater comfort more quickly.

6. Use red light therapy

Older horses often suffer from age-related complaints such as stiff muscles and joints. Red light therapy helps to alleviate these complaints, reduce pain and improve blood circulation. This not only helps with the symptoms but also ensures that your horse feels more supple and relaxed.

rood licht therapie apparaat kopen

How does red light therapy help older horses?

Red light therapy is a valuable support for older horses. Not only when symptoms are already present, but also to prevent stiffness, for example. Here’s what red light can do:

It stimulates blood circulation, improving the supply of oxygen and nutrients. This is important for the recovery of muscles and tissues.
It relieves stiff muscles and joints, helping to reduce stiffness and allowing the horse to move more smoothly.
It supports the body’s natural ability to recover. Recovery is often more difficult in older horses, but red light accelerates this process naturally. Think, for example, of the healing of injuries and wounds.
It reduces pain; by stimulating the body as described above, pain is also alleviated. This enables the horse to move more freely and relax more effectively.

You can administer red light therapy to your horse yourself, for example using the PowerCure Pro laser. This is a handheld red light therapy device that can be used for a variety of complaints and conditions.

PowerCure red light therapy for your horse

The PowerCure Pro can help with various complaints and conditions in horses. This laser has already helped a great many horses in the recovery process from injuries, wounds and more. View the testimonials here for the PowerCure laser in both animals and humans.

View the PowerCure laser

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