Occasionally we get the question asked about how to recognize when it is time for your horse to retire.
Many people decide to retire their horses due to their age. However; this is an inaccurate way to gauge things. The readiness of a horse to retire depends on what the horse has been used for throughout their lifetime. For instance, a horse who has been jumped hard all of its life may be ready to live the easy life at 12. Conversely, a horse who has been a trail hack all of their life, may still be quite capable of doing that job up until his late 20’s.
Just like humans, aging in equines happens a little at a time. This gives the horse time to adapt to the changes and continue to do their job. It may become necessary for the owner to adjust the horse’s workload in response to these changes, however. Perhaps the lesson horse may be half leased to one child for riding 2-3 times per week. Or the jumping horse become a moderate trail horse. Telltale signs that change needs to happen would include depression, loss of weight, heavy breathing with little exertion, recurring lameness after work, changes in vision, pinning of the ears or grumpy looks when you come toward your pal with riding equipment, or frequent stumbling and tripping. If an owner does not pay attention to these signs, the horse’s aging process will accelerate rapidly.
Knowing your horse goes a long way toward determining when it’s time to slow down. Since aging is basically damage and breakdown, if the horse’s activity is a contributor to this, then it’s time to slow down.
If the horse can only perform and compete with medications, this then becomes a moral question. Painkillers can be given to a horse to temporarily relieve pain symptoms, but the horse continues to put wear and tear on whatever is bothering him. Of course, then the owner is causing him to wear out faster. It is our opinion that if your partner has performed for you, it is owed to him to retire when he is no longer up to the job.
A complete retirement/lack of activity is actually detrimental to your horse’s health. Instead, change to something your horse can do without discomfort. Horses need to keep moving around instead of rusticating in the stall. Not being allowed to move around causes a loss of bone density. I actually knew of a retired horse who stood in his stall for a whole year. The owner decided he wanted to sell him. When he had a prospective buyer come to look at him, he took the horse out of his stall to show him off. The horse took 5 steps and his leg snapped. His bones had become porous from inactivity. Even if your horse cannot be used for riding anymore, he can be used to teach how to properly groom a horse or how to lead one. He is probably used to human interaction and would miss it were he deprived of it anyway. And of course, many older horses can become companions to others in the field or babysitters to weanling foals. If you find that you have retired your horse, and he is depressed, he is missing having a job. Be creative and find something meaningful for him to do.
Knowing when to retire your horse is an important part of owning one. Even retired you can still have a beautiful friendship and a rewarding relationship with him.
(pictured is 30 year old Dakota who died suddenly 15 months later, without ever suffering a bad day in his life)
This article piqued my interest because I currently have a mare who just turned 33 yrs old and is still a strong spirit and looks fit. I have noticed she is slower at times and I have never used her hard as she has been my first horse and has been with me since she was 12 yrs old. I am very attuned to her needs and do wonder how much I should do with her. Two days ago I took her for a walk in the fields and she wanted to go go go! I had to hold her back due to my own comfort. So this article is wise to give the physical/mental clues to watch for….not focus on the age in years. I hope she and I will have many more years of adventure and fun together!!
I fully agree that age in itself is not the only criterion for deciding on the retirement of a horse. It is important to take into account their previous activity and current state of health. It is also important to be attentive to the signs of aging and the needs of the horse in order to provide it with a decent and comfortable life even after retirement. Thank you for your helpful tips!
This post tackles an important and often emotionally challenging question: when should I retire my horse? The article offers valuable insights and considerations for horse owners facing this decision, highlighting the importance of prioritizing the horse’s well-being and quality of life.
One aspect that resonated with me was the mention of monitoring the horse’s physical and mental health as key indicators for retirement. It’s essential to assess their overall condition, including factors like lameness, chronic health issues, and changes in behavior. Additionally, understanding that each horse is unique and may have different retirement needs is crucial.
In the context of retirement, I would like to mention the significance of providing appropriate care and support to our equine companions during their golden years. This may include adjusting their diet, ensuring regular veterinary check-ups, and offering a comfortable and safe living environment.
Moreover, I couldn’t help but reflect on the concept of a hot horse in relation to retirement. Horses with high energy levels or spirited personalities may require extra consideration when retiring. Providing mental stimulation, engaging in light exercise or activities, and maintaining social interactions can contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.
Thank you for addressing this important topic with compassion and guidance. It serves as a reminder for horse owners to make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of our beloved companions. May all horses enjoy a dignified and fulfilling retirement when the time comes.