Tips to keep an older pony sound and happy

[I don’t like mondays]

Hi everyone
I bought a lovely 20year old pony for my daughter. He’s just brilliant!! I don’t have much experience with veterans or ponies for that matter. We want to do everything to keep him fit and sound for as long as possible. Aside from the usuals for all horses (turn out/good feed/ad lib hay/rugs/dentist/physio/saddle fit etc etc) is there anything else people and done to keep an older pony in good nick? I’ve heard exercise little and often is better, however now winter is here is tricky to ride (esp hack) unless it’s the weekend. I’m going to try and walk him over poles in hand and use a belly band once a week. He’s turned out 24/7 and that suits him

Thanks

 

[Winters100]

One of mine is an oldie and I have the following comments:

1. you have the pony living out - great! Lots of movement is your friend with an older pony. They do however sometimes feel the cold more than younger horses, so invest in good quality rugs, which must be removed every day to check the pony. You will also need to have spares in case they get wet.

2. I don't like mine to lose muscle as I believe it will be hard to get it back. So ideally work the pony every day (appreciate that this is difficult, but maybe you can find some solution).

3. Feed little and often

4. Test for Cushings every year

5. Have blood tests regularly, I do this 3 times a year.

6. I give various supplements, biotin for hooves, sizarol for joints, tumeric, lin oil. No idea if they work really, but I do not believe that they do harm.

7. Keep a close eye on teeth outside of your scheduled visits. If there is a problem the first thing that you will probably see is the pony quidding, which is spitting out partly chewed hay. If you see this have the vet take a look.

8. After work walk the pony for longer than you would a younger one, hose the legs really well, and let him dry off under a fleece before replacing other rugs.

9. Be sensitive to how he is feeling. Mine is usually full of beans, but if she seems that she has less energy then I either stop, or lower the pace of work.

Other than that just enjoy him. I can say that my older pony is an absolute joy, always sensible and safe, and is probably the pony who I have the most fun with, I hope that you will have the same experience. For a child's pony 20 is not actually that old, so you can expect many years of fun.

 

[equestrian7474]

Great advice from Winters - I totally agree! Sounds like a lovely pony, hope your daughter has fun with him!

 

[I don’t like mondays]

One of mine is an oldie and I have the following comments:

1. you have the pony living out - great! Lots of movement is your friend with an older pony. They do however sometimes feel the cold more than younger horses, so invest in good quality rugs, which must be removed every day to check the pony. You will also need to have spares in case they get wet.

2. I don't like mine to lose muscle as I believe it will be hard to get it back. So ideally work the pony every day (appreciate that this is difficult, but maybe you can find some solution).

3. Feed little and often

4. Test for Cushings every year

5. Have blood tests regularly, I do this 3 times a year.

6. I give various supplements, biotin for hooves, sizarol for joints, tumeric, lin oil. No idea if they work really, but I do not believe that they do harm.

7. Keep a close eye on teeth outside of your scheduled visits. If there is a problem the first thing that you will probably see is the pony quidding, which is spitting out partly chewed hay. If you see this have the vet take a look.

8. After work walk the pony for longer than you would a younger one, hose the legs really well, and let him dry off under a fleece before replacing other rugs.

9. Be sensitive to how he is feeling. Mine is usually full of beans, but if she seems that she has less energy then I either stop, or lower the pace of work.

Other than that just enjoy him. I can say that my older pony is an absolute joy, always sensible and safe, and is probably the pony who I have the most fun with, I hope that you will have the same experience. For a child's pony 20 is not actually that old, so you can expect many years of fun.

Thanks Winters, great advice