Retiring/slowing down

[JBM]

Hi was just wondering when people have started to slow down a horses work load? I have a 21 year old mare and thinking she might need to slow down to a happy hacker? Don’t think she’s ready for full retirement but think she’s starting to show arthritis and a happy hacker lifestyle would stop her getting stiff but not over work her

 

[meleeka]

21 isn’t really old these days. Does she enjoy her work? Is she on any supplements for her arthritis?

It’s your horse and you know best what she’s happy with. It won’t hurt to ease off for a few weeks and see how she’s coping with it. Some horses thrive on work until their last days and some find a new lease of life when they can just relax and take it easy.

I have one that likes to do a bit and one that runs away at the first sign of a bridle (although never really did see the point in activity). They are both mid 20’s now.

 

[JBM]

21 isn’t really old these days. Does she enjoy her work? Is she on any supplements for her arthritis?

It’s your horse and you know best what she’s happy with. It won’t hurt to ease off for a few weeks and see how she’s coping with it. Some horses thrive on work until their last days and some find a new lease of life when they can just relax and take it easy.

I have one that likes to do a bit and one that runs away at the first sign of a bridle (although never really did see the point in activity). They are both mid 20’s now.

Personally don’t think she’s old naw I have her on a joint supplement but a light one it’s just she’s been weird last few months. She had a live problem that had her off work around a month and after her break she felt great very forward and now she’s been lame for a week. She’s on anti inflammatories and off work for the week and if she’s no better going for X-rays but just seemed like she was a lot better on light/no work and getting back into proper work made her lame? Just don’t want to over stress her

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

Each horse is different and only you can really decide what’s best. My overall belief though is if you don’t use it you lose it so appropriate exercise is important for animal and human to keep them strong and supple. Having said that an obvious lameness that doesn’t resolve should be investigated. There may be some simple treatment and it may be totally unrelated to the ageing process. I’d always have yearly Cushings tests done on an older horse as it makes them prone to abscesses and laminitis and early treatment can prevent damage and decline. My now 27yr old had an operation at 19 on both his hinds plus PRP and is still going strong albeit doing less than he used to. He has a joint supplement, Buteless and I believe the micronised linseed he has also helps with any arthritic changes.

 

[JBM]

Thank you ? I think she should stay in light work but she’s currently a jumper and I think it might be a bit much for her