Understanding the Needs of Veteran Horses
It is generally considered that a veteran is 15 years and older, however, many horses and ponies will live well into their late 20s or early 30s.
The best advice is to treat your veteran horse as an individual.
So long as he is getting adequate vitamins and minerals, protein, calories, and fibre from his current diet, is drinking normally, and is maintaining condition – especially if still in work- there is no rush to start feeding a specialist ‘veteran’ feed earlier than you need.
Weight and Condition Challenges in Older Horses
Some older horses do struggle to maintain weight and condition, especially in the winter months.
This can be due to a decrease in the efficiency of the digestive system, which causes a decline in the horse’s ability to absorb nutrients.
This means it’s vital that you’re providing your horse with easily digestible feed and forage with high quality nutrients.
Benefits of HorseHage Ryegrass
The protein and energy levels in HorseHage Ryegrass make it a great option for older horses and ponies who struggle to maintain condition.
This good quality, dust free haylage will help to complement a balanced diet, supporting the horse effectively through the winter months when grass could be limited due to turn out restrictions or lack of pasture.
HorseHage retains more nutrients than hay, especially the water-soluble vitamins, and the natural fermentation process converts the water-soluble carbohydrates (sugars) into volatile fatty acids which are utilised efficiently as an energy source by the horse.
This makes HorseHage suitable for those horses and ponies who need a little more from their forage to provide energy and help maintain body weight.
Try to encourage older horses to move in the field, stable or yard, by placing their forage allocation in a few piles – this will also help to mimic natural grazing behaviour.
Benefits of Short, Chopped Fibre
Offering short, chopped fibre in chaff can also help older horses and ponies and support their fibre intake, as well as provide a useful base to mix supplements or medications.
Mollichaff Condition Complete is a blend of alfalfa, dried grass, oat straw, fibre pellets, barley, soya flakes, soya oil and mint.
It also includes a probiotic (Yea-Sacc®), a prebiotic, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, making it suitable for horses and ponies that need to gain weight or those that are in harder work and struggle to maintain condition.
Addressing Dental Issues in Older Horses
Dental problems can also impact the horse’s health and condition.
Many older horses start to have dental issues in the later years of their lives. This could be due to teeth being lost or worn down.
Dental issues can make it more difficult for the horse to chew long fibre forage or grains. Poor dentition can increase the risk of the horse or pony getting colic.
It is important to carefully monitor your horse’s eating habits and look out for changes in chewing and if food is being dropped out of their mouth (known as “quidding”).
For advice and guidance on horse’s teeth always contact your Vet or qualified Equine Dental Technician.
Fibre: Essential for Digestive Health
Fibre is a core component of maintaining condition and digestive health, as well as reducing the risk of painful stomach ulcers developing or other digestive related issues.
If your horse or pony is struggling with the long strands of hay or haylage and they are losing more weight during the winter than normal you may need to provide alternative sources of fibre.
If your horse’s weight loss is a concern, please consult your vet.
Benefits of Partial Forage Replacers
Partial forage replacers can be used in place of long stem forage to overcome this issue and help to increase the fibre allocation in the horse’s diet.
It is important to divide and spread out the forage replacer during the day and night, to ensure the horse is not without food for long periods of time.
Try to pick a forage replacer that suits the individual horse and is soft, finely chopped in texture and palatable.
You may need to continue to monitor your horse’s eating habits to adapt the diet further to include a fibre mash if his ability to eat short, chopped products declines further.
Mollichaff Partial Forage Replacers
Mollichaff DailyFibre is high fibre and low in starch and sugar and is designed to provide horses and ponies with essential fibre while supporting their overall health and well-being.
This versatile chaff can be used as part of a bucket feed or as a forage replacer. It is suitable for many horses and ponies in light to medium work.
This high fibre chaff supports gastric health and is especially suited to supporting the well-being of older horses.
Mollichaff Light Molasses Free is a good source of fibre for horses and ponies on a calorie-controlled diet, as it is low in starch and sugar.
This chaff product can be used as part of a bucket feed or as a forage replacer or to help support enrichment activities for horses and ponies on restricted grazing.
Mollichaff Veteran is a tasty, fortified chaff for older horses that need a little more from their feed.
This highly palatable, high fibre forage blend is designed to complement the forage ration where necessary and can be used as part of the bucket feed or a partial forage replacer.
The soft, short chop is ideal for those that may struggle to chew their feed.
Want to try Mollichaff without buying a whole bag in store?
Check out our samples page and get samples delivered directly to your door!
Feeding Older Horses with Metabolic or Endocrine Issues
For older horses with Metabolic or endocrine issues, it is important to pick feeds that are low in starch and sugar – look at our HoofKind range or contact our helpline (01803 527274) for further nutritional support.
by Sarah Turnbull – HorseHage and Mollichaff Feed Adviser.
Want free nutritional advice?
It is important to ensure that horses receive a balanced diet to support their growth, development, and health.
If you are unsure about the best diet for your horse our friendly and knowledgeable team is available on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
Give us a call at 01803 527274 or send an email to sales@horsehage.co.uk
