How To Put Weight On An Old Horse

As our horses age, they may struggle to maintain their healthy weight due to various factors such as dental issues, decreased metabolism, or increased difficulty digesting nutrients. A concern for many horse owners is how to help their older horses gain or maintain their optimal weight while ensuring a balanced diet and overall wellness. In this article, we will be exploring the different strategies and tips for putting weight on an older horse in a healthy and sustainable manner.

1. Evaluate and Address Dental Issues

One of the main reasons older horses have difficulty keeping on weight is due to age-related dental problems. Regular dental check-ups and floating (filing down sharp tooth edges) by a qualified equine dentist are essential to ensure your horse is able to chew and process feed effectively.

2. Assess and Adjust the Diet

It is crucial to provide a balanced diet, complementary to the specific needs of your older horse. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to fine-tune the diet with the following considerations:

• Higher calorie-density: Feed a high-quality and easily digestible hay, such as alfalfa or a good-quality mixed grass and alfalfa hay. You may also consider introducing a senior equine feed specifically designed for older horses, as they generally contain higher calorie density and tailored nutrient levels.
• Feed small, frequent meals: Instead of feeding two or three large meals, offer smaller meals spread throughout the day to reduce the stress on the digestive system and improve nutrient absorption.
• Supplement with fat sources: Adding healthy fat sources like vegetable oil, rice bran, or flaxseed can provide a concentrated energy source without the negative impacts of an excessive carbohydrate intake.
• Provide essential vitamins and minerals: Older horses may have trouble processing trace minerals and vitamins. Adding a well-rounded supplement in addition to quality forage can ensure they receive the necessary nutrition

3. Monitor Deworming and Vaccination Schedules

Parasite infestations can impede on your horse’s ability to gain weight. Regular fecal examinations and appropriate deworming, along with staying up-to-date on vaccinations, is crucial in maintaining the overall health of your aging equine companion.

4. Keep Track of Body Condition Score (BCS)

Regularly assess your horse’s BCS to monitor any changes in weight. Maintaining a BCS between 5 and 6 will help ensure your older horse stays within a healthy weight range. Make adjustments to their diet and management as needed to accommodate changes in their BCS.

5. Exercise and Movement

Exercise is essential in promoting overall health, increasing appetite, and maintaining muscle mass. Adapt the exercise routine to match your older horse's capabilities and observe them for signs of discomfort or fatigue.

How To Put Weight On An Old Horse Example:

Imagine an older horse named Jack who has recently started struggling to maintain his weight. His owner follows the steps above to help him gain weight:

1. Jack receives a dental check-up and receives treatment for any dental issues he may be experiencing.

2. Jack's owner consults an equine nutritionist and adjusts his diet to include higher calorie-density forage, smaller frequent meals, fat supplements, and additional vitamins and minerals.

3. The owner ensures that Jack is up-to-date with his deworming and vaccination schedule, lowering the chances of parasite infestation.

4. Jack's owner regularly assesses his BCS to monitor weight changes and make adjustments as needed.

5. Finally, Jack's owner incorporates daily exercise and turnout time to promote healthy movement and maintain muscle mass.

Helping an older horse maintain or gain weight can be a challenging process, but with proper dental care, diet adjustments, parasite control, and exercise, you can significantly improve your horse's overall health and well-being. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights for horse owners faced with the issue of weight management in their aging equine companions. Be sure to share this article with fellow horse enthusiasts, and don't forget to explore other guides on How to Own a Horse for more helpful tips and advice.