ArizonaRealCountry.com 7 March 2019 It's prudent to introduce dietary changes gradually for any horse, but it's even more important for aged horses. Convert an older horse's gut to new feed by mixing increasing amounts of the replacement ration with decreasing amounts of the old feed, taking three weeks to complete the changeover. Finally, make absolutely sure that the older horse has sufficient time to finish meals and is not having his food taken by other horses. Arrange for him to eat in peace. Even the bossiest old horse can be muscled away from the communal feeder as new challengers emerge in the herd. When group dynamics change, older horses may burn more calories in their efforts to evade their tormentors or find their eating time being cut short by bullies. Even when the geriatric horse gets an opportunity to eat, he's still likely to bolt his meal if he feels threatened by pasture-mates. ENSURE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL COMFORT You can't hold back the aging process, but you can ensure your horse's comfort during this life stage. With just a little more attention to his physical condition and attitude, you can adjust care-taking, turnout and exercise routines to keep him feeling fine in body and spirit. Watch for skin conditions and other surface ailments. The precise effect of age on equine immunity remains unknown, but veterinarians see evidence that the natural defenses weaken as horses age. Geriatric horses tend to be more susceptible to infections, abscesses and other ailments than younger horses living under the same conditions. This seems to be particularly true of skin conditions, such as rain-rot, mange, and scratches. Regular grooming and up-close inspections of your horse's surface condition aid in early recognition and treatment of superficial wounds that can open the door to more troublesome infections. Additionally, supplemental vitamin C has some scientific support as an immune booster for this class of horse. Take precautions during extreme weather. Spend a little time around elderly people, and you'll notice that they are easily chilled and remain bundled in sweaters during what's short-sleeve weather for the rest of the world. Doctors attribute this thermoregulatory difference to a combination of factors, including a slower metabolism and changes in aging skin that increase sensitivity to cold and heat. At both hot and cold extremes, take special heed of the old-timers, who may be the only ones in the whole herd who truly need blanketing and stabling in winter and who absolutely need shade and cooling aids when the heat index is high. Provide amicable companionship. Harmonious social dynamics in the field are a great boon to an aging horse's health and attitude. Pushy younger horses can deprive him of the basic creature comforts, including food, shade, and shelter. In addition, a constantly picked-on old-timer can become cranky and defensive. Pairing your older horse with a friendly pasture-mate reduces the risks of his getting kicked or otherwise injured and raises his social spirits. Keep him active with regular exercise. Total retirement may sound like a just reward for a long-worked horse, but rarely is full-time turnout or complete stall rest in the best interest of any horse. Unless the retiree is unsound, he'll benefit from regular, albeit less demanding, work. He's more likely to remain in good spirits and maintain better body condition, and you can use the work period as another way to monitor his health and well-being. A long, well-managed working career may, in fact, be the ideal prelude to a satisfactory old age. And it may be the best preparation for the caretakers as well because old horses rarely need anything different from what they've always had — just a little bit more attentiveness in the daily routine. Ask the Vet continued from page 5 Make absolutely sure that the older horse has sufficient time to finish meals and is not having his food taken by other horses. Arrange for him to eat in peace. Even the bossiest old horse can be muscled away from the communal feeder as new challengers emerge in the herd. PET SUPPL Y | FEED | RANCH SUPPL Y | GEAR loyalty The dog represents all that is best in man. -Etienne Charlet Thankful THURSDAYS when you use this coupon on any Thursday in March* $5 off any item Scottsdale Livestock & Pet 22255 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 28170 N. Alma School Pkwy Scottsdale, AZ 85262 515 E Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85085 Phoenix, AZ 85085 San Tan Livestock & Pet 2769 E. Combs Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ 85140