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Is it safe to worm my mare if she is in foal?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / January 25, 2024

Most wormers are safe to use on horses throughout pregnancy. However, it’s imperative you check the label first to ensure the wormer you’re using has been tested and approved as safe for use in pregnant mares. Worming Your Mare Worming is a fundamental component of horse-keeping, including for pregnant mares. While most horses can live comfortably with a small number of internal parasites, high worm burdens can place the health of your mare – and her unborn foal – at unnecessary risk. Mares should continue to be wormed normally throughout every stage of pregnancy. Usually all horses should be wormed every 8 – 12 weeks or as per recommendations given by your veterinarian following a faecal egg count. In addition, you should worm your mare on the day she foals and change paddocks. You can also take other steps to reduce the worm population on your property, including regularly removing manure from paddocks and resting paddocks during hot, dry weather. Worming Your Foal When your foal arrives, you’ll need to start planning their worming regime. Both mare and foal should be wormed when your foal reaches 6-8 weeks of age. However, if large roundworms are present on your property, you may need to start worming from 7 days with a specific wormer. Foals should receive at least four worming doses in their first year of life. As your foal reaches 12-15 months of age, they should have developed a strong immunity. Just like any other horse, their worming program may need to change to give them the highest level of protection. Read More About Horse Worming

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Easy Tips to Prepare for a Professional Horse Photography Session

Uncategorized / Dr Louise Cosgrove / January 30, 2024

We spend many special times with our horses, and the unique bond that forms is indescribable. A professional horse photography session is a wonderful way to capture that bond. And create everlasting memories in personalized wall art. You want the session to go perfectly. And for both your equine friend and you to enjoy it. Here are a Brisbane professional animal photographer’s top tips to help you plan for a relaxed, enjoyable photography session with your horse. Choosing Your Photographer It’s easy to choose the photographer for this special horse portrait by looking at the photographer’s portfolio. But there is more to consider. A key tip is to ask how they will approach the session: An experienced animal photographer will have strategies to capture that amazing image in a split second. And be tuned to your precious horse’s psychology to know when it’s enough. And to listen to you because you know your companion best! Choosing A Photo Session Location Give thought to the area and environment you will use on the day and ensure it is also looking its best. Together with the photographer, you should plan well in advance the location you’ll use. For example, a barn wall that is clear of all debris and clutter can be used to create a blank canvas for a portrait photograph that can be edited later. If it’s a shared space or a dedicated photography studio, communicate to make sure that you’ll have suitable access. And that it will be physically and psychologically safe for you horse. An experienced animal photographer will always prioritize your horse’s safety and comfort ahead of the photo session. She’ll give the horse time to explore and acclimatize to the location, and to her presence and what she’s doing, and any new noises. Preparing For The Photography Session Preparation is key to a great photo session and will make you and your horse feel more at ease. Your horse will pick up the energy on the day and respond accordingly – so aim to relax, breathe, and enjoy. Try to stick to your regular routines as much as possible. Decide on the ‘look and feel’ you want to capture of your horse and prepare. A great pet photographer will listen to you in advance to learn about your horse and its preferences. And what you want the images to convey about your beautiful creature. They will come out to the photo session location. If the photo session is in their studio, she’ll explain the setup to you in detail. And allow extra time. This is to understand the potential angles to capture – and to be aware of any potential distractions and hazards for your sensitive creature. You might even want to check the venue out beforehand. While amazing photographs will be with you forever, the highest priority is the well-being of the photographer’s four-legged muse. Your horse is unique and a great photographer will seek to portray those unique elements in the images she prepares. Groom And Prepare Your Horse All grooming and preparation should be completed before the photo session starts. Do whatever you can in advance of the day itself. This will ensure that everyone is relaxed, including your horse, and that there is enough time to capture the horse portraits you’re after. You don’t want to be cleaning and polishing gear at the last minute when you want to be calm and enjoy the moment! The key, as always, is to allow enough time for the preparation. Preparing Equipment And Props If you are used to preparing your horse for show jumping and dressage, you will have a good idea of the time it takes you to prepare. Of course, all your gear should be prepared and polished to the standard you want in the photos. It’s not the time to introduce new props that your horse isn’t yet familiar with. Even if you are going for a more natural look than when you prepare for an event, still wash, dry, and groom your horse. It’s nice to have a smooth and shiny mane and tail. Applying a small amount of product to your fingers and running it through your horse’s mane will help to smooth it out and take care of any stray hairs. For the best photographs, your horse will need to be completely dry before the shoot, so ensure you have allowed enough time. Any braiding and clipping must be completed before the session starts. If you have a white horse, take extra care when bathing and use stain removal if necessary. But don’t put your horse through a new routine that it has never experienced before. We’re asking our friend to be at their best. Let’s keep it stress-free to help them in a new situation. As always, hooves and shoes should be well maintained and cared for. If your horse’s hooves need a farrier, make sure to do this well in advance of your photography booking. In a nutshell – you know how you want to present your horse. Just follow your usual dressing routine that you both know. Keep your grooming supplies on hand for any touch-ups that might be needed during the photo session. Depending on the season, it can be good to include fly spray with your grooming kit. Let Personality Outshine The Equipment There’s no need to do something new. The aim is to allow your horse’s personality, and connection with you, to shine through. That will happen best when they are relaxed and happy. A professional photographer is skilled at capturing that perfect moment – and a bit of imperfection adds to your horse’s portrait. And will spark more affectionate memories for you. It will add to the authenticity of the forever artwork you will be able to display in your home. Remember To Plan Your Outfit For The Horse Photography Session Too! If you are planning to have photographs taken of you and your horse together, plan what you are

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Rugging Horses – What is the Best Rug for My Horse?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / January 30, 2024

Walk into any tack store and you’ll find a myriad of horse rugs — from ripstop and waterproof, to wool and polar fleece. But, how do you choose the best rug for your horse, do you need more than one and should you rug your horse at all? In this article, we focus on rugging horses during the cooler months of Autumn and Winter. Horses possess a natural layer of insulation — a thick Winter coat — that shields them from the elements and protects them from the cold. Even at temperatures as low as zero degrees celsius, a thick Winter coat can help a fit and healthy horse withstand the cold without rugging. However, there are a number of occasions where rugging is recommended, including: Let’s delve into these a little deeper… For Young, Old and Unwell Young, growing horses, including foals, and senior horses are often more susceptible to cold conditions and typically require rugging to keep warm. However, regardless of age, any horse with low immune defences will also benefit from an additional layer of insulation in Autumn and Winter. For A Competition Coat To prevent a thick Winter coat for shows and competitive events, light rugging should commence from early Autumn and continue throughout Winter. But, be mindful of weather conditions and check on your horse regularly to ensure they are remaining comfortable in their rug. For Windy and Rainy Conditions While horses can stay warm with a thick Winter coat at temperatures well below zero, wind chill and heavy rainfall may eventually penetrate. During these conditions, use a blanket with adequate insulation to trap heat and avoid lightweight blankets as they can have the opposite effect. For Acclimatising to the Cold If your horse has recently re-located to a colder climate, they may require rugging for a period of 10-21 days. Shivering, a tense or stiff stance, cold ears, erect coat, turning their hindquarters to the wind and huddling with other horses are common signs your horse may be feeling the cold. For Reducing Your Feed Bill A high fiber diet not only supports hindgut health, but promotes warmth during Winter. Horses may require more than 1.5-2.5% of their bodyweight in roughage per day. If hay and pasture sources are scarce, rugging is helpful, but shouldn’t be used to replace your horse’s diet. Rugging Horses When getting started with rugs, a good rule of thumb is go lighter, than heavier. As humans, we often feel the temperature differently to our horses, and over-heating is a real danger when rugging. Starting with a lightweight Winter rug will allow you to learn your horse’s comfort signs. Where possible, avoid too many layers. More rugs means more chances of becoming tangled and leading to injury.

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Winter Care for Senior Horses – My Old Horse Struggles in Winter. What Can I Do to Help Them?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / January 30, 2024

With sensible management and sound nutrition, you can help your golden oldie weather the Winter months ahead. In this article, we discuss Winter Care for Senior Horses and how you can support your senior horse in a colder climate. Autumn Health Check While veterinary advances are improving the lives of senior horses, many common challenges of aging are aggravated during Winter. For your senior horse, difficulties maintaining weight, mobility, and immunity may become compromised without proper care. An annual Autumn health check is imperative for senior horses. In Autumn, your senior horse should receive a visit from your veterinarian to ensure they’re prepared for the rigors of Winter. This annual Autumn health check will assess the: Body Condition Ideally, diet changes should begin in Autumn to ensure your senior horse enters Winter in good body condition. A body condition score of 3/5 is recommended. At this weight range, fat is evenly distributed over the body, but the horse isn’t carrying excessive weight. A physical and visual assessment, with the support of your veterinarian, will help you determine your senior horse’s body condition score. The ribs should be easily felt, but not visible, the withers rounded, the back level and the tail head slightly spongy. Nutrition and Diet Any senior horse that is currently overweight or underweight will require changes to their feeding regime before Winter. Both weight issues are detrimental to a senior horse’s health and comfort. An underweight horse will struggle to regulate body temperature, while obesity damages joints. Together with your veterinarian, you should develop a Winter feeding regime for your senior horse. Their diet should be formulated to maintain optimum body condition and provide warmth throughout Winter with quality roughage sources that can be easily chewed and digested. Overall Health Any health issue can become even more arduous during Winter. Your veterinarian should perform a complete physical examination of your senior horse (Download Free Guide), including vital signs, teeth, and hooves. This is also a prime opportunity to discuss their vaccination and de-worming schedule. Some of the common health problems that may worsen for the senior horse in Winter include:

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To Shoe or Not to Shoe My Horse?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 15, 2023

That is the question! But, the answer is not always simple. Above all, the decision to shoe a horse or leave them barefoot depends on three factors — the health of your horse’s hooves, their daily management and the quality of the trim. Shoeing may, at times, divide opinions. However, in all aspects of horse care, the most important consideration is the horse. Will the decision to shoe or not to shoe benefit their health, wellbeing and soundness? And, the answer may change at different stages of their life. Proper hoof care is the foundation for lifelong health. Young horses may receive their first farrier visit at just one or two months of age to set them up with strong, well-balanced hooves in preparation for their lives ahead. However, the hooves are usually left barefoot. Often, it’s not until horses begin their riding careers that shoes are deemed necessary. In this article, we present the three factors that determine if a horse requires shoes. Ultimately, the decision to shoe should be discussed with your veterinarian and hoof care professional. Hoof Health First, the decision to shoe a horse should be based on the health of their hooves. A horse with strong, healthy and sound hooves may not require shoeing at all. Together, good conformation, correct nutrition, proper hoof care and favourable ground conditions support a horse’s hoof health. If your horse’s hooves are healthy, shoeing may be unnecessary. Management and Training However, the need for shoes may arise, depending on your horse’s management and training. Many competitive horse sports require shoes and this may determine your decision to shoe. Likewise, horses in moderate to heavy work, or those ridden over rough terrain, may benefit from shoes. In these cases, correctly fitted shoes, replaced every 4-6 weeks, are recommended. Hoof Care Regardless of whether you choose to shoe or not, a qualified hoof care professional is paramount. While shoeing and barefoot trimming both have their places in horse management, an improper job will always cause harm. A professional farrier or hoof trimmer will ensure each hoof is evenly trimmed and balanced, and show genuine care for your horse’s health and wellbeing. In addition, a well-respected, experienced and trusted farrier or hoof trimmer will be able to guide you on all aspects of your horse’s hoof care throughout every stage of their life.

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My Horse is Losing Condition, Why?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 16, 2023

Unexpected weight loss, resulting in poor body condition, endangers your horse’s health. With the support of your veterinarian, the underlying cause can be diagnosed and a management plan developed to promote safe weight gain and healthy body condition. Sudden or chronic weight loss is detrimental to horse health. There are a number of reasons why your horse may be losing weight and determining the cause on your own is often challenging. Involving your veterinarian from the outset is recommended. They will perform a full physical examination, including dental exam, and may take blood and manure samples for analysis. In some cases, further testing may be required to rule out a health problem. Your veterinarian can also assess your horse’s diet. Poor quality roughage, including your own pasture, may be linked to your horse’s weight loss. Your veterinarian will be able to offer guidance on analysing the quality of your pasture and hay with laboratory testing. Five Common Causes of Weight Loss For those horse owners who want to learn more about the common causes of unexpected weight loss, we’ve outlined the top five below. Your knowledge of what’s normal for your horse will help your veterinarian determine the reason behind your horse’s weight loss. Stress Particularly for the highly strung horse, stress may contribute to unexpected weight loss. A sudden change in environment, diet, training, or the occurrence of a health problem, can affect your horse’s appetite. Together, stress and decreased feed consumption may trigger the formation of gastric ulcers, resulting in pain and further perpetuating the issue of weight loss. Intestinal Parasites With inefficient worming, intestinal parasites may proliferate and lead to malnutrition problems. Intestinal parasites can wreak havoc on your horse’s health if not kept in check with regular worming. When allowed to increase to large numbers, these parasites compete for the nutrients present in your horse’s feed and cause damage to the lining of their gastrointestinal tract. Dental Problems Poor dental health, including difficulty chewing, may play a role in unexpected weight loss. Of the various issues that can occur, sharp enamel points are often implicated in weight loss. Caused by uneven wear, missing or misaligned teeth, the immense pain may force your horse to chew awkwardly, drop food while eating or avoid some foods, such as roughage, altogether. Illness or Disease Chronic diseases can deplete your horse’s appetite or impact on their digestion. Liver and kidney disease cause physiological damage to these vital organs, often resulting in weight loss. Some cancers are known to produce inflammatory hormones which may affect digestion, in turn, decreasing your horse’s appetite and leading to weight loss. Diet An inadequate diet, low in calories or vital nutrients, may deplete body condition. The importance of a well-balanced, forage-first diet cannot be underestimated. For horses with high caloric needs, such as young, growing horses, lactating mares and performance athletes, a diet insufficient in energy, protein, vitamins and minerals may contribute to weight loss.

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At What Age Should I Wean My Foal?

Horse Breeding / Dr Louise Cosgrove / April 11, 2023

As a horse owner, one of the most important decisions you will make is when and how to wean your foal. Weaning is the process of separating a foal from its mother and transitioning it to a diet of solid food. This can be a stressful time for the foal, the mother, and you the owner, so it’s important to approach it with care and consideration. So, at what age should you wean your foal? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the health and growth of the foal, the mother’s milk production, and the availability of solid food. In general, most foals are weaned between four and six months of age, but some may be weaned earlier or later depending on their individual needs. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian and observe your foal’s behavior and growth to determine the best time to wean. Another important factor is considering the foals immune system as it is not mature enough to mount an immune response on its own until 3-4 months of age. Once you’ve decided on a weaning age, it’s important to plan the process carefully to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition. There are several methods of weaning, including gradual weaning, abrupt weaning, and partial weaning. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your foal and your situation. With proper planning and care, weaning can be a positive experience for both the foal and the mother. When to Wean Your Foal As a horse owner, I know that weaning a foal can be a difficult process. It’s important to consider several factors before deciding when to wean your foal. In this section, I will discuss the factors to consider and signs that your foal is ready to be weaned. Factors to Consider There are several factors to consider when deciding when to wean your foal: Age of the foal Health of the mare and foal Time of year Feeding schedule Behavior of the foal It’s important to take all of these factors into account before making a decision about when to wean your foal. Signs Your Foal is Ready to Wean There are several signs that your foal is ready to be weaned: The foal is eating solid food The foal is no longer nursing as frequently The foal is showing interest in other horses The mare is starting to lose weight or become agitated when the foal tries to nurse If you notice these signs, it may be time to start the weaning process. How to Wean Your Foal Gradual Weaning Process This process involves slowly reducing the amount of milk the foal receives from its mother over a period of several weeks. It is important to monitor the foal’s weight and behavior during this process to ensure it is adjusting well to the reduced milk supply. Here is an example of a gradual weaning process: Week Amount of Milk 1 75% of normal 2 50% of normal 3 25% of normal 4 No milk Abrupt Weaning Process If you choose to use an abrupt weaning process, it is important to be prepared for the potential stress and behavioral issues that may arise in the foal. This process involves completely separating the foal from its mother and removing all milk from its diet. Here are some tips for an abrupt weaning process: Make sure the foal has access to plenty of hay and water Monitor the foal closely for any signs of stress or discomfort Consider using a companion horse to help ease the transition Weaning with a Companion Horse Weaning with a companion horse can be a great option for foals who may have difficulty adjusting to being separated from their mother. This process involves introducing a companion horse to the foal during the weaning process. Here are some tips for weaning with a companion horse: Choose a companion horse that is calm and well-behaved Introduce the companion horse to the foal slowly and carefully Monitor the foal and companion horse closely for any signs of aggression or stress Post-Weaning Care After weaning your foal, it is important to provide appropriate care to ensure their health and development. Here are some important aspects to consider: Monitoring Your Foal’s Health It is crucial to monitor your foal’s health after weaning. Keep an eye on their weight, body condition, and behavior. Make sure they are eating and drinking properly, and that their manure is normal. If you notice any signs of illness or discomfort, contact your veterinarian immediately. Adjusting Your Foal’s Diet After weaning, your foal’s diet will need to be adjusted. They should be gradually transitioned from a milk-based diet to solid food. Provide high-quality hay and a balanced concentrate feed. Consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate diet for your foal’s age, breed, and activity level. It is important to avoid overfeeding your foal, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. Offer small, frequent meals throughout the day, and monitor their weight and body condition regularly. Training Your Foal After weaning, your foal will need to learn how to live independently and interact with other horses. Provide them with plenty of socialization opportunities, such as turnout with other foals or adult horses. Gradually introduce them to new environments and experiences, such as trail rides or horse shows. Start training your foal to lead, tie, and stand for grooming and veterinary care. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using force or punishment, as this can cause fear and aggression.

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What is Best to Feed My Horse to Put on Muscle?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 16, 2023

Protein, protein, protein! Most horse owners understand that protein, comprised of amino acids, builds muscle mass. However, not all protein is created equal. In this article, we discuss the role of protein in muscle development and the best dietary sources of protein. There are 21 amino acids involved in the growth and repair of soft tissues, including muscle and topline. Of these protein building blocks, 12 can be made by the body, but the remaining nine must be provided in your horse’s diet. These are the essential amino acids, such as lysine, methionine and threonine. As their name suggests, they are imperative in the production of protein, but for more than just one reason. Essential amino acids: Cannot be synthesised by the body and must be provided in the diet Allow the body to utilise all other essential and non-essential amino acids At first glance, feeding protein appears simple as muscle is made of 70% protein. However, simply adding more protein into the diet may not be enough if the quality of the protein is poor. Amino Acid Profile Only with high quality protein, containing the correct quantities of all nine essential amino acids, can your horse build muscle and topline. So, how can you choose the best protein source? Every horse feed and forage contains protein. In the case of commercial horse feeds, protein is usually listed as a percentage of total ingredients. The challenge for horse owners is determining the quality of the protein that’s present. Horse feeds which list generic protein ingredients, such as vegetable protein meal, usually contains poor quality protein which won’t support your horse’s muscle development. In contrast, horse feeds which name specific protein-rich ingredients, such as soybean meal, and display lysine content are often the better choice when building muscle and topline. When selecting a horse feed or supplement to add quality protein to your horse’s diet, you must also consider energy, vitamins and minerals. If the commercial horse feed doesn’t provide enough energy, your horse’s body will be forced to use protein as an alternative energy source. Together, energy and protein enable the equine athlete to perform. Consult your veterinarian or a qualified equine nutritionist to select a commercial horse feed or supplement that provides highly digestible protein to replenish energy, increase muscle mass and repair muscle damage.

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What Should I Feed My Horse to Put Weight On?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 28, 2018

Maintaining a healthy weight and body condition throughout every stage of life is essential for your horse. However, before you begin trialling the feed recommendations outlined in this article, you must first understand the cause behind any unexpected weight loss. As a horse owner, you’ve no doubt come across the term ‘good doer’, which refers to horses that can easily maintain body weight. For those who aren’t so lucky, other horses may struggle to maintain weight and condition, even with correct feeding, which leads us to question why. Weight Loss There are a number of reasons why your horse may be losing weight. Before you immediately turn to diet to find the answers, you must first assess your horse’s: Dentition De-worming Exposure to stress Overall health Dentition Poor oral health can lead to compromised digestion and dental disease. One of the most common complaints is sharp enamel points, which are caused by uneven wear and irregular filing. These points interfere with your horse’s chewing, leaving them unable to properly grind their food, thus impeding their ability to absorb nutrients. De-worming An ineffective de-worming regime can lead to an excessive parasite burden in your horse’s gastrointestinal tract. These nasty critters may be competing directly for the nutrients within your horse’s food and causing damage to the intestinal lining, in turn, diminishing nutrient absorption. Exposure to stress Stabling, regular transportation and a heavy competition schedule can leave your horse stressed, which may affect their weight and condition. Likewise, performance and racing horses on high grain diets may develop gastric ulcers, which are incredibly painful and may discourage eating. Overall health Heathy weight and body condition are two signs of good health, as such the presence of illness, infection or disease should also be ruled out. At times, illness may affect your horse’s appetite, leaving them disinterested in food; at other times, disease may limit nutrient absorption. Weight Loss If none of the above are involved in your horse’s weight loss, it’s time to turn to diet to promote safe weight gain. Of all the ingredients in a well-balanced diet, fibre, carbohydrates and fats are the three energy sources integral in gaining — and maintaining — body weight. Fibre Above all, fibre is the most important component in your horse’s diet. If weight gain is your goal, adding fibre to your horse’s diet is the first step. However, not all fibre was created equal. When compared to grass hay of similar quality, lucerne hay has been shown to have superior energy content and digestibility. Alternative fibre sources, such as the ‘super fibres’, including beet pulp, and soy or lupin hulls, provide an even richer source of highly digestible fibre. Carbohydrates While the carbohydrates sugar and starch are the most efficient energy source, due to their simple enzymatic process, complications can arise when feeding too much grain. To safely add weight, carbohydrates may be used in your horse’s diet. However, a strict ratio of 70:30 fibre to carbohydrates should be followed at all times. In addition, no more than 2kg of grain should be fed in a single meal; instead, grain should be divided over 2-3 meals per day. Fats If you’re seeking an alternative to grains, look no further than fats in the form of vegetable oils, such as soy, rice bran and canola oil, which contain up to three times more digestible energy. Fats not only add calories to your horse’s diet, without the need for large amounts of grain, but feeding fats has many health benefits, including improving skin and coat condition, decreasing excitable behaviours and avoiding the health complications of high grain diets.

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How Old is Too Old for a Horse to be Ridden?

Horse Health / Dr Louise Cosgrove / February 6, 2024

I often get asked the question: “How old is too old for a horse to be ridden?” It’s a valid concern for any horse owner or rider, as the well-being of the animal should always be a top priority. In this article, I will explore this topic and provide some insight into what factors to consider when determining if a horse is too old to be ridden. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there is no set age at which a horse becomes too old to ride. The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the horse’s breed, overall health, and level of training. For example, a well-trained and healthy 20-year-old horse may still be able to handle light riding, while a 15-year-old horse with health issues may not be able to handle any riding at all. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to ride an older horse should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual horse’s physical and mental condition. By consulting with a veterinarian and paying close attention to the horse’s behavior and responses to riding, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s appropriate to continue riding an older horse. How Old is Too Old for a Horse to be Ridden? Factors to Consider! As a horse owner, I understand the importance of ensuring that my horse is healthy and comfortable. When it comes to riding an older horse, there are several factors that I take into consideration. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Age of the Horse Age is an important factor to consider when deciding if a horse is too old to ride. While there is no set age at which a horse becomes too old to ride, it is generally recommended that horses over the age of 20 be retired from regular riding. This is because older horses may have a harder time recovering from injuries and may be more prone to health issues such as arthritis. Breed and Size of the Horse The breed and size of the horse can also play a role in determining if a horse is too old to ride. Generally speaking, smaller breeds tend to have longer lifespans and may be able to continue riding into their 20s and even 30s. Larger breeds, on the other hand, may have a shorter lifespan and may need to be retired from riding at a younger age. It’s important to consider the individual horse’s breed and size when making this decision. Health and Condition of the Horse The health and condition of the horse should also be taken into consideration. A horse that is in good health and condition may be able to continue riding well into its senior years. However, if a horse has a chronic health condition or is in poor condition, it may be best to retire the horse from riding to prevent further injury or health issues. Overall, it’s important to take a holistic approach when deciding if a horse is too old to ride. By considering factors such as age, breed and size, and health and condition, you can make an informed decision that is best for your horse’s well-being. Signs of Aging in Horses As a horse owner, I know that horses age just like humans do. They may not show their age as much as humans, but there are still signs to watch out for. Here are some physical and behavioral signs of aging in horses that I have observed over the years. Physical Signs As horses age, they tend to lose muscle mass and their coat may become dull. Here are some physical signs of aging in horses: Behavioral Signs In addition to physical signs, there are also behavioral signs of aging in horses. These signs may include: It’s important to note that not all horses will show these signs of aging at the same time or to the same degree. However, as a horse owner, it’s important to be aware of these signs and to monitor your horse’s health and behavior regularly. Risks of Riding an Old Horse Joint and Muscle Problems I have seen firsthand that older horses are more prone to joint and muscle problems. These issues can be attributed to the natural aging process, which causes a decrease in cartilage and joint fluid production, leading to arthritis and other degenerative conditions. Riding an older horse with joint or muscle problems can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for them to move comfortably. This can result in a decreased quality of life for the horse and a less enjoyable riding experience for the rider. Digestive Issues Older horses are also more susceptible to digestive problems, such as colic and impaction. This is because their digestive system becomes less efficient with age, making it harder for them to digest food and absorb nutrients. Riding an older horse with digestive issues can exacerbate these problems, leading to discomfort and pain for the horse. It is important to monitor an older horse’s diet and ensure they are receiving the proper nutrients and supplements to maintain their digestive health. Respiratory Problems Another risk of riding an older horse is the potential for respiratory problems. As horses age, their lungs become less elastic, making it harder for them to breathe deeply. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues. Riding an older horse with respiratory problems can cause further stress on their lungs, exacerbating the issue and potentially leading to more serious health problems. Overall, while it is possible to ride an older horse, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize them. This includes monitoring the horse’s health and well-being, providing proper nutrition and supplements, and adjusting riding routines to accommodate any joint, muscle, digestive, or respiratory issues that may arise. Alternatives to Riding Groundwork and Liberty Training When a horse is no longer able to

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