The OLDER HORSE
From performance to Retirement by Dr Jennifer Stewart
There is no set age at which horses become ‘old’ as the actual age of a horse does not always match the ageing process of the individual. For disciplines requiring years of training and physical development, peak performance often occurs in the mid to late teens. However, from around 15 years of age, the athletic ability and needs of horses begin to change. The changes associated with ageing are gradual, but by recognising them, we can avoid the pitfalls, smooth the passage and slow the hands of time. Photo of Algebra, ridden by Natalie Blundell until Oct 2014 and then Andrew Hoy (based in the UK) took over the ride, and between them they amassed an impressive list of high performance international competitions. He retired sound from international competition at age 20 and now, at age 24, lives a retired life with owners Julia McLean and John Glenn in NSW. Photo by Julia McLean
S
ome aspects of management of the older equine are fundamental to maintaining any horse, regardless of age. There are common age-associated problems that can be supported by alterations in feeding management. These include reduced mobility due to chronic lameness, inadequate dentition, increased sensitivity to extremes of temperature, apparent malabsorption/maldigestion, recurrent impaction colic, and PPID (also commonly known as equine Cushing’s disease).
Starch/sugar feeds
As horses age, the ability to control glucose and insulin levels declines. Reducing reliance on high sugar/starch feeds and ensuring protein quality and quantity match the horse’s needs, can help Cushings/EMS and older horses with blood and muscle glucose levels. Caution is required when using micronized and extruded feeds. These ‘cooking’ processes are undertaken to increase starch digestion in the small intestine and can increase enzymatic digestion in the small intestine by over 446% - profoundly affecting blood glucose and insulin levels. Sweet feeds often have high molasses levels and these can exacerbate glucose intolerance and should be avoided in horses with Cushings disease.
THE OLDER COMPETITION HORSE
Maintaining ‘condition’ becomes increasingly difficult as horses age. This is particularly relevant for horses that are being ridden or are competing. The ability to sustain work depends on adequate muscle mass. Loss of performance and early onset of fatigue occur when muscle mass is reduced. In addition, loss of muscle tone increases the load placed on tendons, joints and ligaments. These structures become more prone to injury and breakdown, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. The power-to-weight ratio depends on the amount of muscle versus the amount of fat a horse has. Oats, barley and high sugar/starch feeds provide ‘fuel’ for the muscles – but muscle building and repair after work requires protein. Muscle growth - and how well it can respond to training - is dependent on the protein in the feed. This is essential for all horses and becomes increasingly important with age.