Like most riders, I owe much gratitude to those older, wiser (and occasionally wily) lesson horses that introduced me to the basics of riding and horsemanship. But consistently, my favorite horses have always been of a certain vintage. Teddy, Challis, Trevor and Beau make up the honor roll of the seniors I’ve been privileged to ride and care for. I’m grateful for the good management and training in their younger years that brought these horses to me with so much knowledge to share. However, that knowledge comes with some mileage, so I fully understood and accepted that additional TLC and maintenance would be my end of the bargain.
If you’re fortunate to have one of those extra-special golden oldies entrusted to your care, Part 2 of our Healthy for Life series (pg. 48) offers a comprehensive look at nutrition and special health concerns for the senior horse this month. We also take an in-depth look at joint care on pg. 42 for a crucial component of soundness at any age.
As I approach becoming “a certain vintage” myself, I am beginning to understand firsthand what it’s like to feel a little creaky now and then.