Horse Care For Beginners

Exercise can be a part of the answer.

My first German Shepherd "Valli".

I’d like to begin with a little story, not about horses, but about dogs. Just an example of what the right type of exercise can achieve. For many years I was the proud owner of a German Shepherd (Alsation to some), named Valli, who was with me when I lived on my own in a  large suburban house on a small land block. Being self-employed I also worked from home. My Shepherd was with me night and day and, by necessity spent much of her day inside.

Due to the limited space she had, and being a large active breed, I dedicated myself to giving her a lengthy walk every morning and evening, come sun, rain or hail. She lived until she was 13 years, but unfortunately developed hip dysplasia and became more and more riddled with arthritis. But the constant walking kept her very mobile. But then the worst happened. I broke one of my legs and was on crutches, so walking was curtailed.  I tried taking her to the nearby park where we usually walked, let her off the lead, and said “Off …run!’ But being a Shepherd all she’d do was sit at my side, virtually saying “when you come, too”.

Being very much a ‘one person dog’, she wouldn’t go with anyone else, so basically her exercise stopped. Valli went downhill fast. My vet finally said to me “when she’s had enough, she’ll come and tell you!”  That’s precisely what she did. One evening she came and put her head in my lap and told me. So, at 13 years, due to age and arthritis, Valli past away.

I believe the same principle applies to horses.

As your horse becomes older you may find that arthritis develops, and while it can slow your horse down, there are exercises to help him maintain good condition. Be sure to give him regular exercise – not the rodeo style kind, but gentle, tailored to his condition style of exercise.  The muscles around his joints will benefit by being strengthened and help protect the joints from stress.  It’s a known fact a conditioned horse usually has significantly thicker and healthier cartilage than an unfit horse.  Regular exercise will usually work wonders for his attitude, appetite, digestion and general well being.   He’s been your companion for so long, he deserves the best.

How about a vet check?

Periodially have your horse vet checked and talk to your farrier.  This will give you an idea of any limitations you may need to work with.  Proper trimming and shoes are extremely important  as your horse ages and on a regular exercise routine.  Preventive shoeing and trimming helps minimize concussive shock, aids flexion and extension, and alleviates lameness/ unevenness of gait.

Exercise should always start out slow and easy, a walk for 10 minutes, a slow trot, a walk, some turns and circles, some easy uphill work.     Based on your horse’s response to exercise, you can increase the duration of the exercises.  Even if you walk and trot him by hand, he will enjoy the change of scenery.

Try some stretching exercises.

Throw in some passive stretching exercises as well.  For instance, pick up the affected leg, gently bend and straighten it – about ten times per joint.  Try to do this several times a day.  This assists cartilage and soft-tissue healing and decreases scar-tissue formation. 

And some flexing!

Have your horse to do flexing exercises as well.  Encourage him to reach as far as he can to either side.  Tempt with treats and get him to slowly go into the longest neck stretch you can.  Your horse may be stiff at first, but with persistence he will loosen up.

It’s also important to check your horse’s diet and make sure he’s getting the right dietary supplements in the right amounts.  Don’t assume his feed provides everything he needs.  Check this with your vet.  The large-intestinal function changes as your horse gets older, and he may need higher-quality protein, alternative forms of roughage and supplemental vitamin B. Commercial senior feed is good for the older horse who cannot maintain weight.  Just watch out for the deadly mixture of not enough exercise and too much rich food or you may wind up with a rather portly horse.

Finally, take heed of my German Shepherd example and try to maintain a constant program of exercise rather than just being on-again, off-again.  Who knows, your horse could well live into his heathy thirties!

Suggested supplier for your riding tack and other requirements:   Tack Room Inc.

Related posts:

1. Please Don’t Under-Rate the Older Horse.
2. So, You Want To Buy Your First Horse ~ What You Need To Know

Tags: arthritis, easy horse care, Equestrian, Health, old equine, old horse, older equine

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