As horses age, their body changes too, and it is important to adapt their feeding regime to suit.
There’s a common belief that older horses struggle to digest nutrients and therefore need more energy or nutrient-dense food. While that might be true in some cases, it's not always so simple.
One of the biggest challenges for older horses is dental health. Many develop issues that can lead to tooth loss or make it harder for them to properly chew their food. When feed (especially fibre) isn’t adequately chewed, the digestive system has to work overtime to break down larger particles, making it harder for the horse to absorb the nutrients it needs.
To help your veteran, you may need to switch to softer fibre sources, like fibrous mashes instead of hard feed, or consider feeding haylage instead of hay. You might even opt for an entirely forage-based diet. Additionally, older horses can become fussier eaters, so offering more palatable options is key.
Haylage is a soft, palatable choice, ideal for supplementing pasture or as a main feed for stabled horses. At Ballie Haylage there are options for every horse and pony! Our Meadow Grass is particularly soft, leafy and extremely palatable. It's darker in colour since it’s cut later in the year, but it's low energy content makes it perfect for older horses or those at rest.
When adjusting your veteran horse's diet, always do so gradually, and keep a close eye on their weight and body condition.