Age and temperment

silvershadow81

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Do horses tend to get moody with age??

Im sure Gem wasnt as moody as what she is now (20 years) although she lives a much better lifestyle now then she did ten years ago as she now has more turnout, more attention, kept much fitter as i have more time ect.
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Just wondered if anyone else has experienced horses changing as they get older- and if so- at what age was it noticeable?
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Is there anything else i can do to keep her happier (even though she is spoilt rotten!)
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0ldmare

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One of mine has definitely got more expressive (perhaps moody too) with age, but in her case I think it is because she was beaten up as a youngster and (after 8 years of being adored) has finally come to the conclusion that I am not a horse murderer and, therefore, she can relax a bit. She will sometimes tell me she is going to bite me as I put a rug on, but I know she is only bluffing so just give her a pat and she forgets to be grumpy and smiles again.
 

Box_Of_Frogs

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I have had 2 veterans and they didn't change temperaments with age, if anything, the opposite! They've been there, done it and got the t-shirt so tend to be mega laid back about life. But what CAN make them crabby and unhappy is the fact that old age tends to bring a host of other problems with it: creaky joints, difficulty chewing, dodgy digestive systems, aches and pains, younger horses that won't leave them alone, management systems that no longer suit them eg too long stabled if they get stiff standing still or too long out in the rain if not suitably rugged for a golden oldie, ridden demands getting too much for them or being retired and depressed at the inactivity. There's also a real possibility that your ned may be harbouring a hidden problem such as tumours or liver damage. If it was me, I'd (a) take a long, hard look at everything and (b) if ned is still unhappy, get the vet out and get a blood work up. Hope you can help her! x
 

serena2005

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my boy now 15, is only grumpy when we go to ride! and thats getting worse with age!

i think he much preferes his older chilled out life style!
 

Shilasdair

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My TB is now 19yrs old, had her since she was 4. She's not changed a bit - was always a smiley horse, and still is. She's much more laid back about life now, as she's always been quite 'sharp'. She's sound, and pain free though, with no real problems to speak of - low grade pain from arthritis etc can make them grumpy.
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silvershadow81

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ohh i hope its nothing serious!!

She is looking really well as i can now ride 5 times a week and she is fitter than ever and loving the softer ground.

Its little things like when i walk past her door i have caught her teeth inches away from my head! She would NEVER get me and as i turn round she puts her ears forward as if to say 'ME?!! no i wouldnt do THAT!'

She has been out in the field with an 18 year old, who she adored and loved having a younger man! She will soon be out with a 6yo mare, but they adore each other too and spend each chance they get rubbing each others backs so i dont think she will find that irritating too much. (but i will definatly monitor their behaviuor to see if it causes any further changes)

and i guess all the other old age problems i just need to continue to manage.

I think she also had a hard life as a baby. I got her from a dealer who got her from Ireland and she wasnt in the best shape and HATED her ears being touched, apart from that she is such a kind, quiet loving girl.
 

emma_lg

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I dont think my mare is more moody...she was ill-treated before I got her (11 yrs ago) and very anti-human...so I think my perseverance and the fact that I always went back no matter what she did has worn her down and she is much more pleasant!!!! Also I am in the best yard I have ever been in and it is peaceful for her.
What I do think tho is that she really cannot take pain anymore in her aging years (20yrs old)...she used to be quite tough despite being a sensitive tb!! she had a couple of injuries at the end of 2006/beg 2007 and I think they really affected her. A month or so ago I had emergency call out for mud fever...the vet said if we didnt know her like we do he would have thought she had fractured her leg...within 48 hours of finding scabs she had lymphangitis and her leg swelled up as far as it could go...and she was shaking with pain before being given strong pain relief. Within one week she was totally fine again...so now its a case of act quick, get vet and no mucking about!!!
 

silvershadow81

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This isnt a sudden onset of change in behaviour (just wanted to point that out!). I first noticed it about 6 years ago, so when she turned 14ish.

She is also a very sensitive horse, once at xc the wagon had got stuck in mud so the helpful farmer offered to pull the lorry out (with a full load) he yanked it instead of going slow... when got back to yard she hopped off the wagon (I actually though she had broken her leg!) and noticed that she had only lost a shoe! THAT sensitive!

she has gel pads in her shoes to help with any joint related problems, which havent been identified yet (touch wood!)

and she does of course have her sweet times when she kisses for a carrot! aarrrhh!! its just really the walking past the box and ignoring her and when you put the tack on the stable door (you also get ears back!)
 

silvershadow81

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OOhh. Just went on lunch. had my usual swim then decided to stop by and see how Gem was liking the rain (any excuse to see her!)
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She was standing quite happily grazing, but i didnt really want her to stay out in it... anyhow..

bought her in and she has the following treats/ entertainment in her stable to keep her occupied until i finish work at 5:

Wet hay in net
Dry hay on floor
Bucket of readi grass and carrots
Garlic lick
a rolla ball filled with chaff and nuts

She is soo spoilt!
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As I put my head over the stable to check she was OK before leaving, you should have seen the face she pulled at me for just putting my head over!!!!
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I think she may have wanted me gone once she saw all she has for the afternoon!!

Definatly moodier!!
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