At this time of year, we are all struggling with the freezing cold temperatures, maybe ice and snow, almost certainly the rain, wind and shortened days. However, if you have an older horse, they may be struggling more than you think. A few things should be taken into consideration to make sure they are kept in tip-top condition through the winter months.

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Teeth problems can be a major concern in older horses

As horses age, they can lose teeth or have fractures and gaps between teeth. Food can become stuck in areas of the mouth, causing pain and preventing normal chewing. If horses are unable to chew their food properly, they may not be able to take in as many calories, resulting in weight loss. Or they may have trouble eating the food, resulting in episodes of choke. Soaking the food well and using hay replacers can make it easier for the horse to get their daily allowance and prevent choke. 

However, to ensure that they can eat to the best of their ability, regular dental checks should be performed by a vet or equine dental technician. To find a suitably qualified person, check the list on the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) website. 

Over the winter months, horses often reduce the amount of water that they consume

Ensuring that the horse can access the water is important as this may be reduced if the field is boggy or if there is some bullying from a field mate. On particularly cold days, the troughs or buckets should be checked regularly to ensure that the water hasn’t frozen over. 

It’s also important to make sure there is enough food available during these times; as most of the horse’s water will be absorbed from the food. Less water will be consumed from hay compared to grass so the horse will need to take in more water through drinking than they would have during other times of the year. Water can also be added to the hard feed to increase water consumption. Haylage contains more water than hay so it can be fed instead. But remember to change it over gradually, to reduce the risk of diarrhoea occurring. If your horse doesn’t drink enough water, it can affect their digestive system, resulting in impaction colic as their faeces become drier.

As horses age, their ability to control their temperature can decrease

They often have less insulation in the form of fat and muscle. And they may have a change in the quality of their coat. Some breeds are more susceptible to changes in temperature due to their body shape. For example, a slender thoroughbred with a long neck and legs versus a heavier set cob. 

A horse reacts to cold temperatures by seeking shelter and by huddling close to others. Therefore, providing a field shelter can be much more effective for the horse than wearing a rug. A shelter enables the horse to self-regulate its temperature by choosing to be inside or outside. And it provides cover from rain which can often be more important than protection from a slight drop in temperature. A shelter is especially useful on days when the temperature and weather conditions are changeable as a rug on a warm day can result in the horse becoming too hot.

With the cold weather and the increase in the amount of time spent standing in the stable, you may notice that your horse looks a little stiffer when they are walking

Arthritis is a common problem in older horses and it can be very uncomfortable if left untreated. There are joint supplements that may help with your horse’s mobility. However, if you are noticing regular lameness or stiffness then it is definitely worth a check-over by a vet; they can prescribe medicine to make your horse more comfortable.

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