SPILLERS: When do horses become senior?

Did you know up to one third of the global equine population are thought to be over 15 years of age? That said what most horse owners consider old has shifted to the right over the last few decades.

In a recent survey completed by over 2000 owners/ carers in the UK, 65% of respondents didn’t consider their horse as old until they had reached 20 years age (SPILLERS Senior Horse Survey, 2024), and this may be even higher in ponies.

Many horses are living healthier and active lives for longer, primarily because of improved healthcare and nutrition, but also because the majority of horses and ponies in developed countries are considered as pets rather than working animals, with owners being committed to providing the best care they can.

There are so many conflicting opinions about ageing, in horses and people, but there are two things we know for sure – it’s highly individual and age is definitely not just a number!

How is age measured?

Age can be measured in three ways, with most owners using a combination of chronological and physiological age to ‘judge’ if their individual horse is old and needs a change in feed and/or management.

Chronological age, which is simply the horse’s age in years, can give you some information, but it can be misleading as some horses just like people age more or less successfully. We all know someone that is ‘old before their time’ and others that seem to defy the passing years and remain more youthful and horses are no different!

Physiological age uses markers of ageing and perhaps is the most accurate way to measure ageing but this whole area is still being researched.

Another way to look at age is demographically; the age at which there is 25% survivorship within the overall population.

When do senior horses need a change in diet?

There’s no one-size fits all approach to feeding (or managing) seniors and the need to adjust your horse’s diet isn’t determined by the approach of a specific birthday. In fact, healthy horses in good body condition may not need any changes in diet, whereas those showing multiple signs of ageing will need more specialist management.

Although optimum requirements have not been established, senior horses may benefit from a diet that provides the vitamins, minerals and protein needed for work, even if they are retired. Vitamin E for example plays a key role in supporting immune health and amino acids (quality protein) helps to maintain muscle.  Although there is no published requirement in horses of any age, feeds or supplements containing added vitamin C may help to support immune and respiratory health.

Senior feeds now come in many different formats, with a range of low, moderate and high calorie options available. Some products also include added functional ingredients to support joint and/ or digestive health. Choosing a senior feed is often a convenient way of ensuring older horses receive the nutrients they need but, in some cases, the most suitable feed may not say ‘senior’ on the bag.  We have a range of senior and senior friendly feeds available (look out for the senior friendly logo   on our product pages) but for specific advice, contact our team of friendly nutrition advisors, especially if your golden oldie is prone to or suffering any clinic conditions such as PPID (Cushing’s syndrome), laminitis or colic.