Senior Horses Aging Gracefully

sugars from the diet. This means sensible treats as well so we post signs for visitors regarding special diets and treats.
Of particular interest to me as a therapist is the pain management and immune support we provide. Many older horses have some level of arthritic changes or joint pain. Many more have generalized pain or discomfort that is harder to pinpoint but decreases quality of life and suppresses immune function. Natural approaches to pain management include massage acupressure or acupuncture and gentle herbal pain formulas along with traditional pain medication when indicated. Due to their suppressing influence on the immune system and a tendency to dehydrate tissues and disrupt gut function we try to avoid medication when possible but never at the sake of the horses comfort. Natural pain reducers such as willow yucca and devils claw can provide significant relief. However devils claw can interfere with metabolic function so owners should talk with their veterinarian before supplementing with this herb.
Movement is probably your greatest weapon in the fight against arthritis. For senior horses this means frequent low level periods of movement or exercise such as hand walking an exercise track around your pasture or paddocks treat toys that encourage the horse to eat on the move or a treadmill or walker when available. The key is moderation with low intensity and short but frequent opportunities for movement. Massage therapists utilize range of motion exercises to gently lubricate joints and keep muscles active.
Case in point we have a 34yearold horse who came to us after several bouts of founder. In addition she has cancer melanoma Cushings disease and she is insulin resistant. Five years after her arrival she is living with a pasture mate barefoot on minimal medication to support her Cushings her thyroid is in balance and she either hand walks or visits the treadmill daily to keep up her girlish figure. Her weight is closely managed to reduce stress on her joints. She eats a wet ration supplemented with cinnamon and chaste berry. We often ask students and visitors to identify the oldest horse on the property and they rarely choose her.
I caution horse owners about using too many different therapies in the management of their older equines. During competition horses often do well with regular visits from the chiropractor bodyworker and veterinarian. With older horses less is often more. I strive for a balance between stability and