Older horses generally in good condition finds UK survey

More than 12,000 horse owners responded to a survey to help understand the needs of the senior equine population in the UK. The majority of those surveyed were found to be predominantly healthy and active; 78% considered to be in good condition, with 10% of the remainder being classified as overweight and 12% as underweight.

It was found that 32.7% of respondents’ horses were 25 years old or more and that 65.6% of owners of seniors considered their horses to be classed as senior at 20+ years. 58% of the seniors had been with the same owner for more than 11 years, with 5.7% having been with the same owner for more than 26 years. 99.3% intended to keep their senior horse for the rest of their life.

A total of 25.8% of seniors included in the survey had no known clinical issues or health-related problems. However, 44% showed signs of stiffness or arthritis. 15.2% were recorded as having Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), while dental issues were experienced by 15.2% of senior horses. 

In general management, 37.2% of respondents’ horses were eating a senior specific feed and of these 53.7% had opted for a senior mash. Of those still in ridden work – 62.8%, 72.9% were in light work or slowing down.

Claire Dyett Marketing Manager for SPILLERS™, who conducted the survey said: 

“It’s a real achievement that our seniors are ageing later and staying healthy and active in their older years. While almost a third are recorded as having PPID or dental issues, this is perhaps to be expected because horses are living longer. That more than a third of the respondents are opting for a senior specific feed, predominantly a mash, indicates that nutrition choices are helping to support health as horses age and encounter metabolic and dental problems.