Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Taking care of older horses

From: Janine

I know this isn't the best question to answer for everyone, but I was hoping you could give me a couple suggestions for books on taking care of an older horse. My sister has a 15-25 year old gelding (the best guess the vet could make, although he is most likely in his 20s) and she is very interested in how to better care for him as he gets older. Do you have any books you recommend (that would make a good Christmas present)? Thank you so much! ~Janine

Hi Janine! Actually, I think that this IS the best question to answer for everyone. After all, it's a safe bet that every rider and horse-owner either has or someday WILL have an older horse to look after. ;-)

If you want a short, very inexpensive overview of the subject, I've written one that has just been published by Storey. Amazon.com has it - you can find it by searching under my name or the title. If your local feed store carries Storey Bulletins, you can find it by author, title, or bulletin number - this one's number is A-275, and the title is "Keeping Your Older Horse Feeling Young. The Bulletins sell for $3.95, I think, so they should make great little stocking-stuffers. ;-)

If you want to go into more depth and detail, I can strongly recommend a much larger book with a similar title, "Keeping The Older Horse Young". This book is by a well-known veterinarian, Dr. Eleanor Kellon. It sells for about $35.00, I think, and it's good value even at full retail, but try Amazon for this one too, they're probably offering a good discount. It's an excellent book and a very worthwhile investment for anyone dealing with an older horse.

Older horses are wonderful friends and companions, and many continue to be excellent riding horses even into their twenties. I'm looking out my window right now at two older horses. One just turned 25; the other will be 28 in May. Both are healthy, shiny, active, playful, and a real joy to have around.

I think your idea for a Christmas gift for your sister is wonderful.

Jessica

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