Caring for the Senior Horse

Description: The old adage "you're only as old as you feel," is especially applicable to horses. Many senior horses have productive careers well into their late twenties. Research suggests that the secret to maintaining a serviceable older horse is to make proactive management changes in their health care, diet and exercise. Signs of aging include dental problems, weight or muscle loss, gray hairs around the face, flank and tail head, and stiffening of the joints. The average onset of aging signs in horses is twenty years. Like humans, the degree of physical aging varies from horse to horse.

Speaker Biography: Founder and director of My Horse University, an online horse management program based out of Michigan State University Extension. Campus coordinator of the MSU Extension Equine Team to develop adult educational programs and serve as a resource for youth activities in Michigan. Consultant to specialists, industry professionals and horse owners in Michigan and work closely with the Michigan Horse Council. Interests include equine nutrition, facility design and management, and environmental stewardship.