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Discussion on Geriatric horse care tips
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Member:
chrism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 - 5:45 pm:
My old gal is now 25 yo (where DID the time go?) and I find these are helpful:
Regular light riding (2-3 times a week)adjusted to how she is feeling is important. We do a long walking warm up around the turnout fields, work in a bit of trot up and down hills and a bit of canter. Depending on how she feels to me, I adjust the work, adding some lateral work, a bit of dressage stuff, etc. I find I need to listen to her more than ever and break up work with walk. Some days she is wonderful and other days she is a bit stiff. I adjust my plan for her.
I think she shows more stiffness when it is more humid and less when it is drier - forget air temperature - she can be frisky in any temperature!
I add in relaxed trail rides when possible.
Regular hoof care is important.
She does best with an oral glucosamine cookie supplement. I can actually tell when she doesn't get this after a few weeks.
I give her the occasional sports massage.
I keep an eye on her weight - she is a bit slimmer than she used to be, by design.
I keep an eye on her shedding out speed - she gets very hairy these days in the winter months (she chooses to be out most of the time). I guess it is Ma Nature's way of taking care of her.
She minimally has a vet visit twice a year for shots, check, etc. Several years ago we did a blood panel for a "baseline."
She lives at my friend's who spoils her rotten - the herd is very small and no one picks on her.
I talk to her, groom her and feed her treats. She is my buddy of 20+ years and owes me nothing. I owe her a lot and am providing an active, attentive retirement.
I think it is working well for her - she is bright eyed, comes when I whistle for her and thinks she isn't a day over 6.
If you've other ideas for geriatric horse care, let me know!
Cheers.
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Member:
shirl
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 - 6:07 pm:
Chris,
Oh that all geriatric horses should be so lucky. What you are doing is great, can't think of anything you've left out from my perspective. I know your vet checks her teeth, etc.
Good luck and many more years of togetherness for you two.
Shirl
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Member:
shogeboo
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 - 5:09 pm:
That is awesome, Chris!! Your girl is lucky to have you as her owner and friend. My guy is 20 and I can tell he is slowing down. I just moved him to a less expensive facility so that I could keep him and take care of him and get a second riding horse. I will still ride my old guy too but I know he cannot do as much any more. They are such lovely, wonderful, giving souls, aren't they???! I wish ALL horses had an attentive owner like you.
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