Caring for an older horse

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lauren123

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Feb 3, 2007
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With the Boy turning 16 this year. I was wondering if there is anything i need to be more aware of? With him being older?
Obviously the cushings, i warm up him up for a good 10 minutes before work. He is the first to let me know if he isnt happy... Or taking the mick to get out of work!!

Yesterday photos of the boy :D
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I was just about to say, I don't consider 16 to be old at all. P's 16 and is in his prime now, I think, certainly not old ;) Given how keen he was over 25kms today, I don't think he considers himself old either 🤣
 
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16 isnt old is it? My old share was over 20 when we were paired and she died aged 24. Though I see that 16 years was the oldest horse to have won Badminton. Maisie died aged 16 but that was different as she had melanoma on her face.
 
PePo said:
Reviewing & tweaking management if needed isn't a bad thing at all, but I'd do it as an ongoing process rather than because they are a certain age :)
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Yep this.

Chunky 25 going on 26 and hes definitely feeling his age now. The last few years ive had to be more aware of rugging. Previously people have said if you want to keep weight off dont over rug. Hes a cob though. Ive always rugged in winter but was happy if he was in just a rainsheet during winter. Not now.
He was snorting this winter so i changed up to medium weight. Snorting stopped so that indicated he was cold. I guess like human oaps. They feel the cold more on there arthritic joints. Sox may be the same.
 
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chunky monkey said:
Yep this.

Chunky 25 going on 26 and hes definitely feeling his age now. The last few years ive had to be more aware of rugging. Previously people have said if you want to keep weight off dont over rug. Hes a cob though. Ive always rugged in winter but was happy if he was in just a rainsheet during winter. Not now.
He was snorting this winter so i changed up to medium weight. Snorting stopped so that indicated he was cold. I guess like human oaps. They feel the cold more on there arthritic joints. Sox may be the same.
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Haakon is 28 this year. This difference this winter for him has been boswellia/turmeric every day, no rug (he refuses to move in a rug) and then 1/4 fibre block soaked in the evening With all the water. He has out in weight and looks and moves so much better.
 
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16 used to be considered a veteran, but I don't think it is now days as horses generally live longer, though as an OTTB he will have started work younger than most. I wouldn't change anything necessarily, just be aware of how he's doing an adapt if you notice changes.
 
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I think that you are right to think about Sox going into old age, but I haven't got any particular advice other than to be vigilant and keep ensuring he has regular physio/dental checks etc. Ben was 15 when I had to retire him from everything other than walk hacking so I always admire horses that are older than that who can keep on working. If Sox is feeling well then I would just say to enjoy him and make the most of everyday.
 
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