The Healthy Senior Horse

They are also necessary for Bvitamin production and maintaining a healthy immune function. Their numbers can significantly diminish due to several causes such as stomach acid reaching the hindgut because of inadequate saliva production saliva neutralizes acid or an empty stomach pain and mental stress illness or administering antibiotics. Pro and prebiotics are often added to senior feeds or supplements designed for aging horses.
Include a source of omega 3 fatty acids. They support immune function reduce the inflammation of aging joints and muscles regulate blood insulin levels promote healthy skin and hooves and improve attitude. Stabilized flaxseed meal that has added calcium to correct for high phosphorus levels is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. It is well tolerated and easy to feed.
Supplement vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production protein found in bones joints and blood vessels. It is also a potent antioxidant and natural antihistamine. When young your horse was capable of producing his own vitamin C. Now that hes getting older hes losing that ability. Hell get ample vitamin C from fresh pasture as long as it is lush but hay has virtually no vitamin C.
Supplement vitamin D during winter or when stalled. Your horse can produce vitamin D from sunlight but during the winter months or if your horse is not exposed to at least 8 hours of sunlight each day be sure there is enough vitamin D in your commercial feed or supplement. This vitamin along with vitamin C will help keep your horses bones muscles and teeth in top shape.
Avoid high starch feeds. Cereal grains oats corn barley etc. and feeds made from cereal grains should be eliminated from the diet. As horses age they are more inclined to become insulin resistant and may start to exhibit signs of equine Cushings disease.
A few words about weight
Many horses gain weight as they age. This has to do with a sluggish metabolic rate. If your horse has weight to lose he doesnt really need anything other than pasture and hay except for a small low starch meal each day to serve as a carrier for supplements such as flaxseed meal vitamin C and a comprehensive vitaminmineral supplement. But never restrict forage he needs to be able to graze all the time. Going for hours without eating will ironically prevent him from burning fat and hell remain heavy.
The underweight senior horse can be