At what age a horse is considered a “golden oldie” depends on the individual animal. Generally, you can assume that from around 15 years of age, you should start paying more attention. However, some horses only show their first signs of aging after the age of 20, and for ponies, it often takes even longer before they can be considered elderly.

Why Older Horses Lose Weight

There are several reasons why older horses are often harder to keep at a healthy weight:

• Food absorption becomes less efficient.
• Muscle breakdown progresses faster, and protein needs are higher.
• The horse has more difficulty keeping itself warm.
• Dental issues.
• Worm infestations.

Tip 1: Dental Check-ups

Make sure your older horse has regular dental check-ups to prevent problems. Many older horses can no longer chew as well, which means roughage is less effectively processed and digested. Chewing (with plenty of saliva) is an important first step in the digestion process. If this doesn’t go well, the absorption of hay and other roughage will also be less efficient.

Tip 2: Check for Worms

Has your horse been wormed recently? Or has it been a while? A worm infestation can lead to weight loss. Have the manure tested and treat your horse if necessary with the appropriate dewormer. Different worms require different treatments, and your vet can advise you further. Also, watch for sand in the manure. Too much sand in the intestines can also cause weight loss and reduce the absorption of nutrients.

Tip 3: Extra Roughage for Warmth Production

Horses need roughage to produce warmth, which occurs during the digestion of roughage fibers in the large intestine. If your horse loses weight quickly in cold weather, it’s a good idea to provide extra roughage. Ensure that the roughage is easy for your horse to chew and digest.

Tip 4: Consider Alternative Roughage Types

In addition to hay or silage, it might be wise to provide your horse with a more easily digestible form of roughage, especially if its teeth are no longer in optimal condition. There are various types of supplemental roughage on the market that need to be soaked, such as beet pulp, copra, grass pellets, alfalfa pellets, and fiber ‘nuggets.’ These roughages are soaked in water, making them relatively easy to consume and rich in fibers, which promote warmth production in the large intestine. When feeding alfalfa, be mindful of the calcium-magnesium-phosphorus balance, as alfalfa contains relatively high levels of calcium. See also Tip 6.

Tip 5: Ensure Adequate Protein and Essential Amino Acids

Older horses often need more protein and essential amino acids than younger ones. Proteins and amino acids are the building blocks of muscle tissue, and due to reduced absorption and faster muscle breakdown, the need for these nutrients increases as a horse ages. Specialized senior feeds usually contain more protein and amino acids, but you can also provide these nutrients separately, for example, as pea protein or a supplement containing the three key amino acids: lysine, methionine, and threonine.

Tip 6: Monitor Vitamin and Mineral Intake

Not only proteins but also many vitamins and minerals are less efficiently absorbed by older horses. You can address this with specialized senior feed, a vitamin block, or individual supplements. Older horses often require more zinc and selenium and are more prone to deficiencies in vitamins B and K. It's important to note that the ideal ratio of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for older horses differs slightly from that for younger animals. Vitamin C is another consideration. While horses produce their own vitamin C, older horses are less efficient at doing so. Senior-specific feeds typically account for these needs in terms of vitamins and minerals.

Tip 7: Use a Blanket

A simple way to support your horse is to use a blanket. This reduces the effort required to stay warm, allowing more of the nutrients consumed to be used for other needs instead of warmth production. Additionally, this helps prevent muscle mass from being burned to maintain body temperature.

Tip 8: Keep Your Horse Active

Many older horses suffer from joint issues like arthritis, and intense riding is often no longer possible. However, it’s important to keep your older horse active. Free movement is vital, so ensure your horse has time outside in the paddock or pasture. Depending on your horse’s age and condition, groundwork, walks, or gentle rides can contribute to a fitter and happier horse. Always monitor your horse’s condition closely; if it becomes very stiff, sore, or loses weight, you might be asking too much.

Tip 9: Useful Supplements for Older Horses

Several supplements can be beneficial for older horses. Vitamin E, for instance, is good for muscle health. For joint issues, cannabidiol (CBD) can be a helpful solution. Adding healthy fats to your horse's diet can also assist with maintaining weight. Salmon oil is an excellent source, as are DHA-rich algae, which contain the right omega-3 fatty acids. For an older horse, these fats can be dosed slightly higher than for a younger animal.