As a result of improved equine care and veterinary progression in recent years the majority of our horses and ponies are living longer. This means we get to enjoy our beloved equines for longer but it does also dictate that we, as horse owners, have to learn what our veteran equines need to protect their health and welfare in their older years. Each equine is an individual and some of our horses and ponies will amaze us and still enjoy ridden work during their veteran years whereas others require simple rest and relaxation in the field. Nonetheless it is important to be aware that all of our veteran horses will suffer some deterioration of their digestive system, their immune system and their all important teeth in later life. Feeding our older equines can present a challenge for many horse owners as large bowls of hard feed can often over-face our veteran equines as their ability to chew is depreciated in later years by dilapidated dental health. However not receiving the necessary calories, nutrients and vitamins and minerals can result in loss of weight and condition presenting somewhat of a conundrum for many horse owners. Top Tips for Veteran Management over Winter from Horse Supplements Direct 1.) Use a body scoring system or a weigh tape regularly to assess your equine's weight and condition over the autumn and winter time. Always maintain an effective worming programme as veteran equines can be more susceptible to worm infestations causing weight loss. 2.) Make sure your veteran receives regular dental care to keep his teeth in good condition, watch out for issues such as; quidding, food pocketing, bad breath and your horse taking longer to finish his feed. If your horse is struggling to eat his feed, soak it in warm water to make it easier to chew. 3.) Supply a vitamin and mineral supplement in your equine's diet to ensure they are receiving the vital nutrients they need such as Horse & Pony Multi-vitamin supplement from Horse Supplements Direct which contain over 25 essential nutrients. 4.) Make sure your horse receives the fibre in his diet that he needs. Forage is the most important aspect of equine diet so if your veteran horse or pony is struggling with eating grass and hay it is essential that you provide an alternative source of chopped fibre. Consult your feed merchant to find out more about what is available. 5.) Remember that veteran horses often suffer with arthritis in their neck and limbs and other joints in the body. This means that they may have trouble reaching down to a bucket on the floor so it may be wise to hang a manger for your older horse on the stable door or top rail of the fencing in the field so he can eat more comfortably. 6.) It is also wise to include a Joint Supplement in our veteran horses diet maximising supple healthy joints and freedom of movement . Joint Right Supreme fromHorse Supplements Direct contains optimum levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid and Omega 3 which assists in cushioning and lubricating joints alongside building and strengthening cartilage, soothing joints and helping to maintain soundness. For more information about any of the wide range of products available from Scientific Nutritional Products visit their website www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk
