It’s important to keep your horse’s AQHA record as current as possible.

Mr San Olen is a 20-year-old son of Peppy San Badger who showed at the 2009 Bayer Select World Show. He is pictured above with owner Carol Williamson. (Photo by Christine Hamilton)

By Julie Preble, AQHA publications intern

On January 1, all horses turning 25 will be listed as deceased in AQHA’s database unless AQHA is notified that the horse is still alive. It is important to keep your records up to date and to notify AQHA of your elderly horse’s status.

Because the average life span of a horse is 25 years, horses over the age of 25 are listed as deceased to help AQHA keep a current and accurate count of the population of horses.

Because the inventory of horses in each state determines the number of AQHA directors allotted for that state, it is important for the Association to have the most accurate total population of horses, says Tammy Canida, director of registration operations.

Whether your horse is a youngster or a senior, their health is important to you. Learn more about stem-cell therapy for tendon and ligament injuries with our FREE Stem-Cell Therapy report.

To make sure that your senior horse’s status stays active, send in a note and current picture of the horse. You can do this at any time.

Here are a few strategies to keep your senior citizen healthy and happy:

• Provide a safe, comfortable environment, free of hazards and with adequate shelter from wind, rain, snow, sun and biting insects.
• Arrange for routine dental care at least once a year to keep his teeth and mouth in good working order.
• Watch your horse for changes in body condition, behavior and attitude. Address problems, even seemingly minor ones, right away.
• Feed a high-quality diet. Avoid dusty and moldy feeds.
• Feed your older horse away from younger, more aggressive horses so he won’t have to compete for feed.
• For troubled chewers, wet the feed to soften it or add water to make a thick, soup-like ration that he can drink.
• Feed at more frequent intervals so as not to upset the digestive system. Two or three times a day is best.
• Provide plenty of fresh, clean, tepid water. Excessively cold water reduces consumption, which can lead to colic and other problems.
• Adjust rations to maintain proper body condition. A good rule of thumb is to be able to feel the ribs, but not see them.
• Provide adequate, appropriate exercise to maintain muscle tone, flexibility and mobility.
• Be vigilant in controlling pests and parasites. Deworm at regular intervals. Consult your veterinarian to establish a schedule.
• Manage pastures and facilities to reduce pest infestations.
• Provide regular hoof care. Your farrier should trim or shoe the horse, whether or not you ride, to maintain proper hoof shape and movement. This will help prevent lameness and injury.
• Groom your horse frequently to promote circulation and skin health.
• Older horses are prone to tumors. Look for any unusual lumps or growths from head to tail, as well as beneath the tail, especially on gray horses.

Do you need information on how to help a horse with tendon and/or ligament injuries? Find out about research on stem-cell therapy as a possible treatment for your horse with our FREE Stem-Cell Therapy report.

• Provide adequate ventilation in barns. Keep pastures mowed and weed-free to reduce allergens. Reduce dust in paddocks as much as possible to prevent respiratory disease.
• Schedule routine checkups with your vet. Call immediately if you suspect a problem.

Tips courtesy of AQHA corporate partner Bayer Animal Health and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

America’s Horse Cares

Now is the perfect time to make your gift to the American Quarter Horse Foundation. You’ll not only help the people and horses served by the American Quarter Horse Foundation, but if your gift is completed by December 31, 2009, you will receive income tax relief. Visit the Foundation’s Web site and click “Donate Today.” You can also call (806) 378-5029 to make a donation. Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Donations can also be made in honor or in memory of a special person or horse

Related Posts:

• Stem-Cell Therapy
• Senior Horse Strategies
• Not a Hard Cell: Part 2
• Update Your AQHA Information
• Overheated