Why a retirement horse also needs to keep moving

Many people are familiar with the saying "use it or lose it", but you only truly understand the meaning when you have been inactive for a while or literally unable to move. As we age, we start to experience more difficulties if we don't keep moving. When you ask older, fit, and agile people what they do, the answer is often: 'Eat healthy and walk'. Moving becomes more challenging as you get older, but you can still keep moving, as long as you don't just stop.

Horses can experience this issue even more than humans. Movement is a crucial part of a horse's life. They can be compared to nomads who traveled from one place to another and never stayed in one place for long. Movement is key for horses.

Keep challenging older horses

When we notice that an older horse is struggling to move, we often try to make it as easy as possible for them. By making everything easier and reducing the effort the horse needs to exert, we are actually causing more deterioration in their muscles.

To support those muscles, it's important that we continue to challenge the horses and keep them moving. Of course, the animal doesn't have to perform a Grand Prix test anymore, but going up and down hills, stepping over tree trunks, being able to run with friends in the pasture, is important. This way, you support their body and keep them mentally healthy.

Adjusting nutrition

Apart from physical changes as horses age, there are also internal changes in their bodies. Not only because their teeth deteriorate, but also because nutrients are less easily absorbed and processed. Older horses require different management and nutrition than younger horses. Especially if you see them starting to lose weight and have trouble maintaining it. Find out how to prevent muscle breakdown here.

Older horses need high-quality feed that is easily digestible and higher in protein. This ensures that the body receives enough nutrients to keep all processes going and prevent the body from deteriorating rapidly. Read more about nutrition for older horses here.

What to do with an older horse then?

Make sure your horse stays in motion. This is good for blood circulation, muscles, and joints. The more they stand still, the more stuck they become and the more difficult movements will be. For example, compare an older horse that takes its first steps after a night in the stable with an older horse that stays outside 24/7 (with shelter). Gentle movement is crucial, nice long walks. Groundwork exercises can also help keep the body supple.

If you want to keep your horse moving, challenge them mentally. See how the horse reacts when you step over tree trunks or place them in the pasture or paddock. Create a hill/mound in the paddock or pasture to engage the muscles. Challenge your horse to stretch by placing herb plants next to the paddock or pasture, or by hanging certain branches high.

Conclusion: use it or lose it

Movement is crucial for the physical and mental health of the horse. Allowing your retired horse to just stand warm in their stall will eventually result in them not being able to move comfortably. Try to challenge yourself and your senior horse. Daily movement is and always will be the best solution 😊.