Considering Options for Older and Retired Equines

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, the affordability of keeping equines has become difficult for many. For some, to be able to continue their hobby of riding and competing far outweighs the concerns over increasing costs. But what do you do if you are faced with ever-increasing expenditure for an older or retired equine whom you can’t ride, and more so one that may require specialised or veterinary care?

Unfortunately, the aftereffects of COVID and the increases in living costs have seen a huge rise in both welfare cases and equine rehoming by owners who can no longer afford the upkeep of these animals. The equine welfare charities are a great place to turn to for responsible horse owners looking to rehome their equine friend however, there has also been an increase of horses and ponies being abandoned at their livery yards when they are no longer of use, and the owners can no longer keep up with their livery fees.

Many livery yard owners then find themselves left with veteran equines when the owner disappears without a trace. This is particularly irresponsible by the horse owner, and an unnecessary burden for the yard owner who not only has an extra equine taking an unpaid space on their yard, but also ends up with an unintentional responsibility of looking after these animals for an indeterminate amount of time.

There are sections of animal welfare legislation, such as the Control of Horses Act, that mean there are ways that occurrences like these can be dealt with, such as serving abandonment notices, but this means a horse owner has simply taken no consideration in the future of their horse and, unfortunately, many such cases result in the equines being euthanized.

Whilst their horse or pony may be retired, regardless of their age, this does not mean that it should be the end of their life. There are plenty of options for the owners of retired or non-ridden equines.

Whilst their horse or pony may be retired, regardless of their age, this does not mean that it should be the end of their life. There are plenty of options for the owners of retired or non-ridden equines.

Where to Keep Your Equine

Dedicated Retirement or Non-Ridden Livery

For those wanting to ensure their horse or pony receives the best possible care and treatment, there are multiple yards that offer dedicated livery for non-ridden, convalescing or retired equines. Such livery yards normally resemble “normal” yards, it may be that they have no riding facilities, but generally, the day-to-day routine and provisions would be that of any other livery yard. These can offer a wide variety of costs and facilities, however, the yard owner and their team are usually competent in the care and veterinary requirements that are often associated.

Track or Natural Livery

As each year passes, there are more and more natural livery yards opening. There can be a range of systems such as Paddock Paradise, HIIT or ‘Equicentral’ but the premise of all is that the equines are kept as naturally as possible. This often includes 24/7 turnout, natural foraging, and simply trying to emulate how horses would live in the wild. Such yards can often suit equines looking for a quieter life and have been proven to be successful in helping manage certain equine ailments associated with older age.

Grass Livery

If the body weight of your equine is rarely a problem, then 24/7 grazing could also be an option. This can also be cost-effective without the added cost of stabling. However, it is worth remembering that for equines who may have spent the rest of their life in a routine, they may miss the routine and attention of being out to pasture long-term. If you opt for grass livery it is important to make sure you keep a routine for your equine, and that this option is suitable for them in the long term. It is also recommended with older equines to make sure there is the possibility of stabling on site for emergency purposes such as illness or injury.

Companion Equines

Another option is to find a suitable home for your equine as a companion. A companion horse gives company and stability to other equines on a yard. Usually suiting equines with calm temperaments, this can give your equine a purpose, yet still allowing them to enjoy herd life.

There are often adverts for individuals seeking a non-ridden companions to keep the company of youngstock, other retired equines or for those who perhaps keep their horses at home and would like company for their other horse without needing the commitment of another horse to exercise.

Equine Assisted Therapy

There are now many therapy centres and charities that offer equine-facilitated interactions. These involve people working alongside horses to enhance personal learning, develop well-being, or act as a genuinely therapeutic intervention, and for the most part non-ridden experiences.

If your equine is sound, sane and sensible, then there may be the potential for it to become a non-ridden therapy horse. Centres are regularly on the lookout for suitable horses and ponies. However, it is important to make the necessary checks on any proposed centres to ensure they are correctly operating with the relevant skills and competence.

Other Considerations for Care

Regardless of where you decide to keep your horse or pony, it is important to ensure that basic responsibilities are upheld as a horse owner. This means meeting the obligations for, at the very least, the basic care and welfare of that equine. This could include things such as:

Routine Equine Care

• Vaccinations
• Worming and parasite control
• Regular dental checks
• Routine foot care
• Regular health checks
• Regular grooming

Such aspects are actually more important for equines in later life because they may be more susceptible to age-related conditions. Proper routine care on a regular basis can not only help reduce the likelihood of such ailments but can also help early identification ad swift action should problems arise.

Feeding

Given their lack of exercise in retirement, it is important to ensure your equine maintains a healthy weight. Horses and ponies becoming overweight at any point of life can risk associated ailments and conditions such as laminitis, EMS (equine metabolic syndrome) and arthritis. In terms of maintaining body weight, the management of older ponies often differs to the management of older horses.

It is important to be aware of the nutritional value of any forage – such as hay or haylage – that may be fed. You should also just adjust hard feed accordingly for the workload and type of equine and weight condition. Supplements and balancers are also a good idea to ensure they receive the right level of vitamins and minerals.

Gut health

Gut problems can often be common in older horses, especially those who may be on certain drugs such as antibiotics or NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Such drugs risk an imbalance within the gut and digestive system which can lead to colic, weight loss or inflammation. One way to maintain good gut health in older equines is to provide good quality fibre in their diet, and supplements to help maintain a healthy gut balance can also be a good idea.

Regular Exercise

It is also important to remember that whilst a horse or pony may not be able to be ridden, they may still enjoy some exercise.

To help maintain a routine for your equine, and to ensure they are receiving attention and maintaining a bond you could lead out regularly in hand, even accompanying walking hacks with others, grazing in hand, or even taking part in natural horsemanship activities such as join up in a round pen. Especially in the winter months, it is important not to expect a retired horse to be stabled all the time, this can lead to issues.

Daily exercise is a must for the mental and physical well-being so even in times of inclement weather that may prevent paddock turnout, the provision of short periods of turn out where possible, even in an arena if safe, or even exercise as mentioned above can be hugely beneficial to keeping them happy and healthy.

End of Life

Whilst we all wish our equines to live as long as possible, they will inevitably come to the end of their life at some point. Regardless of the age of your equine it is always sensible to have an end-of-life plan. It is important to familiarize yourself with end-of-life options. Several equine charities including World Horse Welfare have useful documents that sensitively explain the options, and help you understand the requirements for putting a suitable plan in place for when the time comes. This is particularly important if you keep your horse or pony at a livery yard where you may not be present at the time. If you cannot be contacted, this will help a yard owner make the right decisions in line with your wishes.