Caring for Mature Equines: Pondering the Unique Needs of Elderly Horses

In a recent episode, horse enthusiasts were treated to a comprehensive exploration of the care and wellbeing of older horses, often referred to as Golden Oldies. The guest for this insightful discussion was Dr. Katie Sheats, an assistant professor of Equine Primary Care and a specialist in Equine Internal Medicine at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Sheats, who has an immense amount of both clinical and real-world experience in the topic of aging horses, aimed to provide clarity on this often misunderstood subject. The episode did not focus solely on a big field and no work for horse retirement, but rather delved into a wide range of topics related to the care of older horses.

One of the key areas of discussion was the physiology behind the equine aging process. Dr. Sheats explained that while the passing of time is not the only cause of aging in horses, certain conditions such as arthritic and orthopedic issues, the condition of a horse's teeth, and gut health become more important as they age.

The episode also aimed to debunk common myths about aging horses, including the myth that all old horses struggle with weight loss. In fact, weight plays a significant role in the health of aging horses, and tips and tricks for good preventative care were discussed.

Common chronic illnesses in older horses and strategies to address them early were addressed, as were decisions about when to retire a horse and the various forms retirement might take. Dr. Sheats, who specializes in the care of older horses, shared her vast amount of knowledge on these topics, offering guidance on navigating difficult decisions and conversations as horses near the end of their life.

The episode was a testament to Dr. Sheats's dedication to the care of older horses, as she herself owns two senior horses in their 30s who live in her backyard. This experience, coupled with her expertise, made for a fascinating and informative discussion on the topic of aging horses.

This episode was sponsored by Farris Equestrian and ClipMyHorse.tv, and is a must-watch for anyone with a love for horses and a desire to learn more about their care as they age.