With thoughtful care, horses can remain active, engaged, and comfortable well into their twenties and beyond. Whether still under saddle or retired to the paddock, our responsibility is to ensure that they receive the nourishment, movement, and support they need to age with grace and dignity.
While the definition of a “senior horse” varies - some breeds retire young from high-performance disciplines, while others continue to compete well into their late teens - age itself is not a diagnosis. Instead, we focus on what the horse is telling us: how well they move, eat, digest, and interact with their environment.
Simply leaving an older horse to ‘retire’ in a paddock, without addressing the evolving needs of their mind and body, can lead to unnecessary decline. With the right support, older horses can continue to thrive mentally, physically and emotionally.
Understanding Age-Related Changes
Senior horses experience a range of changes over time, many of which can be managed effectively with early intervention and ongoing support. Some of the most common include:
- Arthritis and joint stiffness
- Weight loss or inability to maintain muscle mass
- Liver and kidney stress
- Skin and coat changes
- Metabolic and endocrine dysfunction
- Dental wear affecting grazing and digestion
- Growths such as sarcoids and melanomas
Environmental sensitivity may also increase, with older horses often becoming more vulnerable to temperature extremes. Offering adequate shelter, clean water, and shade, as well as appropriate rugging in cold climates, can help reduce unnecessary stress.
Movement and Mental Engagement
Regular, gentle exercise is key to maintaining mobility and mental wellbeing. While some horses may still enjoy light riding or serve as steady “schoolmasters,” others may benefit from daily walking, free movement in a paddock, or in-hand stretching.
As with humans, movement supports circulation, lubricates joints, and maintains muscle tone - all essential for minimising the discomfort of arthritis or stiffness. Exercise should be adapted to the horse’s individual ability and condition, never pushing into pain but supporting gradual, consistent activity.
Feeding the ageing horse
A well-balanced, fibre-rich diet remains the cornerstone of any feeding plan. But in older horses, digestion becomes less efficient. Ageing can impair the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients and slow down the metabolism, leading to unexplained weight loss or declining coat condition, even on a generous feed.
Routine dental checks are vital, as worn or damaged molars can impact chewing and proper feed breakdown. Older horses may struggle to graze or process long-stem hay, and may benefit from chopped hay or soaked fibre sources.
Incorporating herbs and whole-food tonics is an excellent way to support digestion, immunity, and nutrient uptake without overloading the system. If liver or kidney function is not compromised, adding healthy fats like hemp can offer a concentrated source of energy and vital nutrients, without excessive starch or sugar.
McDowells Herbal Support for Senior Horses
We’ve developed several targeted formulations to assist older horses in maintaining condition, comfort, and vitality.
Weight Gain Program
This foundational program addresses underlying gut issues, which are often at the root of weight loss in older horses. By restoring balance to the gastrointestinal system, horses can absorb and utilise feed more effectively, laying down healthy fat stores and muscle - without stress or force-feeding. It is particularly suited to horses recovering from illness, stress, or long-term metabolic issues.
Equihemp-Pro
Certified Organic and rich in both protein and essential fatty acids, Equihemp-Pro is a cool, digestible energy source that is gentle on the gut. It contains a full spectrum of amino acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, chlorophyll, and fibre, and is highly palatable - making it ideal for older horses with changing appetites. Its natural anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits also support healthy joints and a glossy coat.
EquiFlex
This blend of connective tissue nutrients and traditional herbs supports joints, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. With MSM, glucosamine, turmeric, rosehips, and yarrow, EquiFlex nourishes the whole joint structure, assisting in reducing stiffness, inflammation, and pain. It’s ideal for senior horses needing extra mobility support or managing mild to moderate arthritis.
A gentle, ongoing partnership
Caring for an ageing horse is not about “managing decline” - it’s about extending vitality, dignity, and comfort. When we listen to what they need and respond with nature-based, respectful care, our horses can continue to enjoy their days with calm minds and comfortable bodies.
If you are caring for a senior horse and unsure where to begin, we welcome you to connect with our team. We offer free consultations and personalised guidance on herbal support for older horses - tailored to meet your horse’s unique history, condition, and lifestyle.
Let us help you support your horse to age well, naturally.
References
1. Taking Care of the Senior Horse
2. Care for the Older Horse: Diet and Health. Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook College, Rutgers University
3. Ralston, S.L. 1989. Digestive alterations in aged horses. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 9:203-205, 1989.
