Keeping senior horses sound - ridden exercise
As our beloved equine partners become older, their needs change.
Senior horses might start to move more slowly, take longer to warm up, or need extra care to stay comfortable. But, age doesn’t have to mean inactivity. In fact gentle, regular movement, combined with the right nutritional support can go a long way in keeping older horses happy, healthy and mobile.
Why does movement matter for older horses?
Consistent, low-impact exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of older horses.
- Supports joint health - Movement stimulates synovial fluid production, which cushions the joints and helps prevent stiffness
- Preserves muscle tone and bone strength - Gentle exercise slows muscle loss and helps maintain strong bones, reducing the risk of injury
- Boosts circulation and digestion - Light activity enhances blood flow, improving oxygen delivery to tissues and supporting gastric motility, reducing the risk of Colic
- Improves mental wellbeing - Daily turnout and/or walking in hand gives older horses mental stimulation, relieves boredom, and supports positive herd dynamics
Even short, daily sessions of walking and/or turnout can provide a noticeable difference to an older horse’s comfort and outlook.
Feeding for joint and whole-body health
Alongside movement, nutrition is a cornerstone of senior horse care. Most older horses will benefit from a senior feed balancer, providing vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and further supporting ingredients for digestion, joints and more, to meet their changing needs without adding unnecessary calories.
- Glucosamine - A building block of cartilage, glucosamine helps maintain healthy joint structure and may reduce age-related joint wear and tear
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Rosehip extract - Naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, rosehip extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can support joint comfort and immune health
These targeted ingredients (alongside many others) work in harmony to protect joints, ease discomfort, and help older horses stay mobile well into their golden years.
For senior horses, movement, nutrition and overall health go hand in hand. Allowing plenty of gentle daily movement, whether through turnout, exercise, or in-hand walking helps preserve mobility, muscle tone, and mental wellbeing. At the same time, providing a senior feed balancer enriched with joint-supportive ingredients can help limit wear and tear.
With the right balance of activity and diet, older horses can continue to live active, happy, healthy and comfortable lives.
@bluechipfeed 3 ridden exercises for senior horses!🏇 ⭐Polework Low ground poles encourage your horse to lift their legs and engage core muscles ⭐Long and low work Encourages topline and loosens the back ⭐Transitions Keep them frequent but short to build strength without fatigue Keeping our golden oldies moving with gentle ridden exercises is a great way to support their mobility. 🐴💛 But don’t forget, what goes in their bucket matters too! Our Senior Feed Balancer is packed with essential nutrients and added joint support, helping them feel their best, both in and out of the saddle.🪣🌱 ⭐Talk to our friendly team, give us a call on 0114 266 6200 or email info@bluechipfeed.com 💙 #horse #horseriding #equestrian #equine #seniorhorse ♬ som original - ᯓᡣ𐭩
