As we age, jumping out of bed ready and raring to go may cease to be the norm. It is often replaced by a few groans, moans, creaks, cracks and slow manoeuvre before we kick into gear! The same may be true for your senior horse; challenges with stiff joints, laminitis and hoof issues are all more common as horses age.

For tasks that used to be easy in horses' youth, like when the farrier asked them to hold up their legs for a hoof inspection, their geriatric legs now say otherwise; like us, they could benefit from slowly limbering up their joints with some mild exercise beforehand. In the spirit of shared empathy with our aging equine friends, Equine Guelph has declared the Senior Horse Challenge its ‘Tool of the Month’ for November. The online tool provides information on caring for our seniors and highlights new resources on senior hoof care, featuring a video interview with a certified journeyman farrier, Sean Elliott, on shoeing and hoof issues in senior horses.

Head over to the Senior Horse Challenge (here) to check out this informative video where the following eight questions were posed:

• What are the priorities for prevention of hoof issues in the senior; how important is it to keep them moving/outside?

• Do you have any good stretches that can be done prior to shoeing?

• Can owners space out farrier appointments for senior horses? Does the senior hoof grow slower?

• Can most senior horses go barefoot when they cease to be in a riding program?

• What are the most common issues you see when trimming or shoeing the senior horse?

• What do you do for a laminitic horse?

• Have you ever spotted a metabolic disorder before the horse owner?

• What do you want senior horse owners to know?

Elliott was also quick to point out laminitis is a loaded question and a highly expansive topic. “Each case is individual,” he said. “It is important to work with a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and refer to radiographs to come up with the best strategies.” Elliott also pointed out that the term ‘easy keeper’ is a bit of a misnomer. It is often these horses, that are at a higher risk for developing laminitis secondary to metabolic disorders (like insulin resistance).

“Studies show one-third of laminitis cases are linked to PPID,” said Dr. Doug Myers, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and sponsor of the Senior Horse Challenge tool. “The best rule of thumb is when you see symptoms of laminitis, talk to your veterinarian about testing for PPID.” Click here to learn more about the signs of PPID (Cushing’s disease).

The saying 'you’re only as old as you feel' certainly applies to horses. Some horses may be considered elderly at 15, while others are still actively ridden at 25. The senior horse’s exercise regime should be carefully considered in order to encourage mobility for health without putting undue stress on old injuries or areas of particular weakness. A suitable and consistent exercise plan, with a nice long warm up and cool down phase, can also be very beneficial for reducing stiffness. The senior horse that spends its time in the paddock rather than a stall has more opportunity to keep joints moving.

Work with your veterinarian to decide what level of activity is suitable for your horse. Routine veterinary check-ups are important whether the senior horse is being ridden or not. Older horses are prone to disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly known as Cushing’s), dental issues and gut motility issues.

To check out the featured video with certified journeyman farrier Sean Elliott on senior hoof care, and to peruse all the great resources on this highly useful interactive healthcare tool, visit the Senior Horse Challenge.

(Equine Guelph)