IT IS that time of the year again...We are preparing ourselves and our horses for the inevitable onset of winter.

Precious stable space is usually reserved for those horses that have a riding use over the coming months, with youngsters and older horses wintering outside.

But sometimes we forget the extra needs that geriatric equines require to get them through these harsh months comfortably.

Keeping the older horses in good condition requires much more attention and effort with each passing year.

Fortunately, owners are often able to meet these care challenges with modest changes to normal care routines, assuring older horses the quality of life they deserve.

Just as in humans, aging effects can differ with each horse. Some horses at 22 years and more are still active and rideable, whereas some 16-year-olds can be experiencing serious age-related conditions at the same stage in their lives.

Weight loss is often the first and most common sign that a horse is beginning to struggle.

It must be borne in mind that older horses have a certain amount of muscle loss and slackening of connective tissue. The characteristic swayback and sagging of the abdominal area can give a false impression of an underweight horse.

Use hands as well as eyes to asses: feel for the ribs - you may not be able to see them, but you can feel them.

Research has shown that most horses over 20 suffer a decline in their capability to digest food adequately. So while they can still be eating the same amount or more, they may not be getting the necessary nutrients from it. There are many feeds specifically designed for the older generation - speak to a veterinarian and/or nutritionist to find what is suitable.

There are specific health issues that might need addressing by the vet, as older horses can suffer from kidney and liver dysfunction, thus rendering high protein diets potentially harmful.

Winter grass has lost its summer goodness and is tough and lignified, with lower nutritional value, so feeding a high-quality hay or haylage is vital.

The high fibre content is very important for a horse, and will help considerably with winter conditioning.

Dental checks are a must at this time of year; an older horse's teeth have been constantly grinding grass and grain for years.

Under normal conditions, reserve tooth emerges to keep pace with wear, but in horses over 20 years old, the reserve tooth growth simply runs out.

Short, evenly-worn teeth can remain serviceable, but abnormal wear or gaps can cause serious problems, such as the swallowing of improperly ground feed. Poorly-masticated food puts the horse at a greater risk of colic and choke.

It is vital that a dentist checks annually for any sharp points and abnormal wear to maintain a healthy mouth.

Your vet will also be able to advise on a worming schedule. It is suggested that the geriatric's weakening immune system can increase its vulnerability to parasites.

Whatever this vulnerability may be, worming is paramount to overall health. Be sure to remove all droppings from the field (and shelter, if provided). This will help keep down the worm burden.

Watch out for skin complaints such as rain scald, abscesses and scratches. Older horses tend to be more susceptible to infection. Regular grooming and inspection will result in a quick response to any problems that arise.

Feet and the lower part of limbs will also need extra attention. Keep feet well-trimmed on a regular basis, as the deterioration of hoof quality and stiff joints that comes with age can complicate hoof care.

Mud fever and cracked heels can be a serious problem to any horse, not just the older ones. Keeping heels well-cleaned and as dry as possible will help reduce the risk of getting this painful and difficult condition - easier said than done in this country with its high rainfall, but if adequate shelter that remains dry and mud free is provided, it will give horses a refuge, thus help to keep him dry.

Just as older people feel the cold a lot more than the younger generation, so do horses.

Field shelter is vital for horses. In driving rain, an overhanging tree branch is not enough. Field shelters come in all shapes and sizes, from static to mobile, single horse or group capacity, with doors or without.

Take special care over the geriatrics, they could be the ones who are in more need of stabling and blankets then other horses. A well-fitted New Zealand rug when very cold and wet is very welcome, giving them that extra layer to keep dry and warm.

Another consideration for the older horse is to turn it out with company. Some people like to run their older horse with young stock, as they feel they can act in a teaching role and keep them in their place with a pecking order.

But vigilance is required to look out for the bullies - some older horses get pushed away from feeding stations by the new challengers of the paddock.

Even if they manage to get to their station, the old timer may well bolt their feed if they feel threatened, increasing greatly the risk of choke.

There is much to think about when wintering horses outside, but remember the older horses - just like older humans, they find it harder to cope with the climatic changes and rely on us to give them that helping hand.

Published: 01/10/2004