It’s easy to undervalue the older horse that reaches 20, 25, 30 years, or even more. Sometimes riders are quick to retire them or find new owners. But the reality is those horses can be rewarding to ride and also make great companions as they age. That’s because – like humans – older horses become wiser, smarter and even more generous when the years pile up. While they can become more sound, they also tend to be stiff and a possibly a little more difficult to ride.
So the more you recognize about your aging horse, the better, because you can get a lot out of riding one if you keep in mind a few important aspects of the horse-rider relationship.
Be a well-balanced rider
Ideally, the rider should have a reasonably sound, well-balanced position on the saddle. The goal here is not to have your weight on top of the horse, but carried around him. That way the horse is afforded the opportunity to lift his back. Also remember that it can be harder for older horses to carry a lot of weight, so they tend to do better with riders who aren’t overweight.
Help your horse be well-balanced, too
If you notice your older horse’s back sagging, that makes him become a leg mover. However, the reason they’ve reached an older age is because they’re back movers – they’re ridden through the back to the bit. The horse doesn’t like being out of balance any more than you, so their comfort is just as important. Helping the horse become a back mover is key.
Remember the season
Just like humans who age, animals are often less able to lose body heat during exercise due to a decline in cardio performance and a reduction in sweat gland function. So, be mindful of the season and, especially during the hot summer months. It might be a good idea to limit exercise on those days by shortening the duration of work or reducing the intensity. Be sure to cool the horse after exercise with cold water on its neck and body, and allow plenty of drink to replace lost fluids.
Watch his diet
Some older horses have trouble keeping a proper body weight during the winter, so adding foods with dense, digestible fats and oils to the regular feed can help maintain proper weight. You may want to check out the many commercially available senior feeds, and then discuss those options with your local vet.
A senior horse can be a lot of fun to ride if you keep a few basics in mind. The care for him doesn’t have to be more difficult than before, it only becomes different. The sweet payoff is an enjoyable time for everyone during those golden years.