Just like humans, horses experience physical changes as they grow older. Once your horse reaches the age of 15, subtle shifts in their health and behaviour may begin to emerge. These changes can be easy to overlook at first, but they’re often the earliest signs that your horse is entering their senior years. That’s why senior horse health checks become increasingly important. We take a proactive approach to ageing horse care, helping owners ensure their equine companions remain comfortable, active, and healthy well into their twilight years.

Why Senior Checks Matter

After 15, horses are more prone to a range of age-related issues that can impact their quality of life. While many horses remain rideable and spirited into their twenties, their bodies may be working a little harder behind the scenes. Regular veterinary check-ups allow us to catch problems early—often before any obvious symptoms appear.

What We Look For

• Weight and Body Condition Monitoring: Older horses can struggle with maintaining weight or may begin to store fat differently. Subtle loss of muscle, especially along the topline, is a common early sign of age-related decline.
• Dental Health: Worn, loose, or missing teeth can make chewing difficult, leading to poor digestion or weight loss. Regular dental rasping and checks help keep eating comfortable and efficient.
• Joint and Mobility Assessments: Arthritis is one of the most common issues in senior horses. Our vets check for stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion, offering tailored management options such as joint supplements or anti-inflammatory treatments.
• Metabolic and Endocrine Function: Conditions like Cushing’s disease (PPID) and insulin dysregulation become more prevalent with age. Early screening through blood tests can help manage these issues before they lead to complications like laminitis or poor coat condition.
• Vision and Hearing: Cloudy eyes, reduced vision, or slower response times may indicate age-related sensory decline. While not always treatable, awareness of these changes helps adapt care routines.

Tailoring Care for Senior Horses

Managing an older horse often means small but meaningful adjustments:

• Feed: Senior horses may need calorie-dense feeds that are easier to chew and digest. For those with missing teeth, soaked fibre-based feeds can help maintain weight without discomfort.
• Exercise: Staying active is essential, but workload should match the horse’s physical capacity. Regular gentle movement supports joint health and circulation.
• Stable Management: Warm, dry shelter and good footing help prevent stiffness and slips. Additional bedding and wind protection can make a big difference in comfort.

Long-Term Wellbeing

Routine blood panels, faecal egg counts, dental care, and vaccinations remain essential throughout a horse’s life—but they become even more critical with age. Preventative care allows your vet to intervene early and avoid more serious complications.

At Lingfield Equine Vets, our senior horse health checks are designed to offer peace of mind. We don’t just look at the horse in front of us—we consider their history, environment, and lifestyle to provide truly personalised care.