Caring for the Veteran Horse or Pony: Complete Guide 2025

With showing classes for veterans having come to the fore in recent years, never has it been more apparent that our equine friends are living far longer than they used to. Whilst a horse or pony is still classed as entering the veteran bracket once he reaches the age of 15, many are enjoying an active lifestyle well into their twenties, and plenty more are living to see their third decade. This can be attributed to a number of factors, which include better medicine, a deeper knowledge of equine science, and improved diets due to advances in equine nutrition. Whilst it is good to think that age is no longer a barrier when it comes to keeping our oldies going, it is crucial to remember that they will need special treatment and care due to the unavoidable toll that the ageing process takes on the body. Of course, all horses are individuals and some will age faster than others as a result of breeding, workload, management, and any pre-existing injuries or ailments. Looking at the beautifully conditioned veterans that can be seen in the show ring today, it can be hard to believe that some of them are a day over ten years of age. However, a close inspection would be likely to reveal at least one of the tell-tale signs of age, albeit minimal. These include stiffness, hollows above the eyes, reduced muscle definition (especially on the hindquarters), a dipped back, a thicker coat, grey hairs, dental problems, and gradual weight loss. To keep an old horse in top condition takes time and effort, and whilst it is sadly impossible to halt the ageing process, there are many measures that can be taken to help your old friend enjoy his later years in the best possible health.

Diet and Nutrition for Veterans

As a horse gets older, changes take place internally as well as externally, with the digestive system often becoming less efficient at absorbing nutrients. This can lead to common weight loss among older horses and ponies despite adequate feeding. To combat this, it is essential to provide a diet high in fibre, which slows the passage of food through the gut, aiding digestion. Older equines often benefit from specially formulated veteran feeds such as mixes and cubes that cater to their unique nutritional requirements.

Adding supplements or balancers designed for digestive health can help maintain gut function and overall condition. A good tip is to feed smaller meals more frequently, following the golden rule of feeding horses "little and often," which reduces the risk of colic and promotes steady nourishment. Vegetable oil can be a valuable addition to boost calorie intake and improve skin and coat condition.

Essential Dental Care for Older Horses

Dental health is a cornerstone of successful veteran horse care. Around twenty years of age, most horses’ teeth stop growing, which can lead to gaps where food lodges, causing decay and gum disease. Such issues result in discomfort, difficulty in chewing, and subsequent nutritional challenges.

Common dental problems in older horses include hooks, overgrown incisors, and reduced grinding power, which impair digestion. To accommodate this, consider feeding hay replacers made from soaked pony cubes or other easily chewable fibre sources that require minimal chewing. Prevention is vital: arrange for six-monthly dental check-ups with a qualified equine dentist to address issues early and adjust feeding regimes accordingly, helping prevent sudden weight loss.

Recognising and Managing Equine Cushing's Disease (ECD)

Some signs that may be mistaken for normal aging—such as a sway back, thicker coat, weight loss, and a curly coat—can indicate Equine Cushing's Disease, a pituitary gland disorder common in older horses. ECD causes elevated cortisol levels, leading to repeated bouts of laminitis, a painful condition affecting the hooves.

Early diagnosis by your vet is critical so that dietary and management changes can be implemented to provide the horse with the most comfortable life possible, despite there being no cure. Regular clipping of the curly coat, especially during all seasons, helps reduce discomfort. Watch for other symptoms including excessive thirst and urination, a pot belly, fatty crest, and lethargy, and seek prompt veterinary advice if these appear.

Day-to-Day Management and Exercise

While some conditions associated with ageing may mean a horse is no longer fit for strenuous work, age alone is not a sufficient reason for retirement. Many experts agree that keeping a veteran horse active through gentle exercise helps maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness and arthritis.

Feeding joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM can support joint health, whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like phenylbutazone may be prescribed by a vet for more severe arthritis cases. It is also crucial to provide appropriate shelter, opting for dry, draft-free stabling especially during cold months rather than leaving horses out in wet pastures 24/7.

Older horses often develop dust allergies, so a bed of shavings is preferable to straw, and all hay should be soaked or steamed to reduce dust and respiratory risks. Rugging with suitable blankets during cold or wet weather aids temperature regulation and helps maintain body weight. Remember, veteran horses require just as much care during the summer months to prevent rain scald, fly bites, and other discomforts.

Hoof and Veterinary Care

Regular hoof care remains vital for veteran horses, including routine trimming and attention to prevent issues like cracks or sole bruising. Even retired horses benefit from consistent farrier visits to maintain foot comfort and soundness.

Maintain regular veterinary check-ups to catch any developing health problems early and keep vaccinations up to date, as the immune system can weaken with age. Monitoring body condition frequently with a weight tape and body scoring helps identify early changes requiring dietary or medical intervention.

Conclusion

Caring for a veteran horse or pony in 2025 requires dedication to nutrition, health, and comfort. By adjusting diet, prioritising dental and veterinary care, managing diseases like Equine Cushing’s, and providing gentle exercise and appropriate shelter, you can help your older horse enjoy a happy, healthy, and fulfilling later life. Remember, our veterans have provided years of service, and they deserve the best care in their twilight years to keep them comfortable and dignified.