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The golden generation, considered to be horses more than 20 years of age, is an increasing population. Recent estimates show that as much as 11% of the horse population falls in this age group, which is substantially more than two decades ago when only an estimated 2% of horses were considered older.

Improved nutrition is widely thought to play an important role in helping horses reach their golden years. What exactly can you do to not only maximize longevity but also keep your oldie a goodie? According to one report*, there are many factors to consider, including the following:

  • Digestibility. Possibly due to scarring of the large intestines secondary to parasite migration throughout their lifetime, older horses typically have a decreased ability to digest protein, fiber, and phosphorus. This means that they are not obtaining as much energy (calories) from their feed, and may need to be supplemented.
  • Dentition. Poor dentition might also contribute to decreased fiber digestibility because the forage is not broken into similarly small pieces as it previously was in the horse’s younger days. Things to look for include “wave mouth” and loss of molars. In such cases, consider offering less long-stem fiber and replace it with a senior feed with or without an alternate fiber source such as alfalfa (lucerne) cubes, hay pellets, or soaked sugar beet pulp. Have older horses  examined by an equine dental expert annually.
  • Adjust the diet to maintain an appropriate body weight or body condition score. Just like people, some horses have trouble losing weight and others have trouble maintaining it. Liver and kidney disease can also affect body condition.

As always, consult your veterinarian for the best nutrition and health advice or request a consultation with an equine nutritionist to help your horse become a golden oldie.

*Geor, R.J. 2013.  Dietary management of endocrine disorders in the older horse. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention, Nashville, Tennessee.

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