b"Vet continued from page 5or simply supplies water when the horse is notthat they are easily chilled and remain bundled in drinking enough is not clear-but it definitely makessweaters during what is short-sleeve weather for the a difference.You should also guarantee the horserest of us. Doctors attribute this thermoregulatory is getting the minimum daily salt requirement bydifference to a combination of factors, including a dividing it up between meals. This will keep waterslower metabolism and changes in aging skin that consumption up. A probiotic or prebiotic bacterialincrease sensitivity to cold and heat. Take heed of fermentation product helps some older horses.the old-timers at both hot and cold extremes. They It's prudent to introduce dietary changes graduallymay be the only ones who truly need blanketing and for any horse, but it's even more important for agedstabling in winter and who absolutely need shade and horses. You can convert an older horse's gut to newcooling aids when the heat index is high. feed by mixing increasing amounts of the replacement ration with decreasing amounts of the old feed, takingProvide amicable companionship. Harmonious social three weeks to complete the changeover. dynamics really help an aging horse's health and attitude. Pushy younger horses can deprive him of the Finally, make absolutely sure that the older horse hasbasic creature comforts, including food, shade, and sufficient time to finish meals and is not having hisshelter. In addition, a constantly picked-on old-timer food taken by other horses. Arrange for him to eatcan become cranky and defensive. Pairing your older in peace. Even the bossiest old horse can be muscledhorse with a friendly pasture-mate reduces the risks away from the communal feeder as new challengersof his getting kicked or otherwise injured and raises emerge in the herd. When group dynamics change,unknown, but veterinarians see evidence that thehis social spirits.older horses may burn more calories in their efforts tonatural defenses weaken as horses age. Geriatric evade their tormentors or find their eating time beinghorses tend to be more susceptible to infections,Keep him active with regular exercise. Total cut short by bullies. Even when the geriatric horseabscesses and other ailments than younger horsesretirement may sound like a just reward for a long-gets an opportunity to eat, he's still likely to bolt hisliving under the same conditions. This seems to beworked horse, but rarely is full-time turnout or meal if he feels threatened by pasture-mates. particularly true of skin conditions, such as rain-rot,complete stall rest in the best interest of any horse. mange, and scratches.Unless the horse is unsound, he'll benefit from Ensure Physical And Mental Comfort regular, though less demanding, work. He's more You can't hold back the aging process, but you canRegular grooming and up-close inspections of yourlikely to remain in good spirits and maintain better ensure your horse's comfort during this life stage.horse's surface condition aid in early recognition andbody condition, and you can use the work period as With just a little more attention to his physicaltreatment of superficial wounds that can open theanother way to monitor his health and well-being. condition and attitude, you can adjust care-taking,door to more troublesome infections. Additionally,A long, well-managed working career may, in fact, turnout and exercise routines to keep him feeling finesupplemental vitamin C has some scientific supportbe the ideal prelude to a satisfactory old age. And it in body and spirit. as an immune booster.may be the best preparation for the caretakers as well because old horses rarely need anything different Watch for skin conditions and other surface ailments.Take precautions during extreme weather. If youfrom what they've always hadjust a little bit more The precise effect of age on equine immunity remainsspend a little time around elderly people you'll noticeattentiveness in the daily routine. Used Tractors: Kubota,John Deere, New Holland, etc.New Tractors: LS from25 hp and up.from UTVS to Car Haulers,Landscape and Dump Trailers, Special We Service & RepairOrders also available on New Trailers.Tractors, Trailers & UTVs.Grapple Buckets, Box Scrapers, Straight Blades,Rock Rakes, Chain Harrows, Arena Groomers, Brush Hogs, Post Hole Diggers, Post Drivers and More.45563 N Grand Avenue 1302 W Apache Trail Morristown, AZ 85342 Apache Junction 85120SWEQUIPMENT.comArizonaRealCountry.com November 2022 7"