Horses can live upwards of 30 years. how long a horse lives has numerous variables of which include breed, how well cared for they are, and how much they work. Just as with humans and other animals exposure to disease and other environmental factors can have a dramatic impact on how long a horse will live. But with good care and nutrition a senior horse can live a healthy and happy life while still being worked likely.
In recent decades a better understanding has been achieved of horse nutrition and care. This is led to an increase in the longevity of horses overall. In the most recent study of the lifespan for a domestic horses they have an average life expectancy of 25 to 33 years. Well not always the case, smaller breeds of equine tend to have a longer lifespan than the largest breeds. Again there is individual variation in this but a well cared for Pony can be expected to have a longer lifespan than a well cared for draft horse. With exceptional care, and good genetics, some horses can live upwards of forty years or more.
How to know the age of a horse
How many purebred horses have registration papers that denote the date of birth making it easy to know how old the horse is. But not all horses are registered or have papers showing their birth date. Without this knowledge it can become somewhat difficult to determine the exact age of a horse. Buddy veterinarian or equine dentist can give a close approximation to the age of the Horse by inspecting their teeth. Well this does not give an exact age of the horse teeth do allow a trained professional the ability to know the age of a horse within a handful of years.
Helping your horse have a long and healthy life
With a consistent and well-thought-out nutrition and health care plan horses can live a long and happy life. Maintaining a healthy diet that is I just want to know nutrient dense with healthy roughage and pasture grass is the first step in maintaining a healthy horse. There are a number of horse feeds on the market that are specifically Blended for the nutritional needs of a senior horse. Another important factor is to maintain consistent Veterinary check-ups to ensure that your horses health is up to par. Keeping your horse well-groomed, clean, and with adequate will also play a big impact and helping your horse live a long and happy life.
For more guides and tips for a healthy horse read these articles
- Best Slow Feeders for Horses
- Best Electrolytes for Horses
- Best Weight Gain Supplement for Horses
- Best Treats for Horses
Fred is the editor of Equine Ridge. He grew up raising horses and has been riding, training, and competing for almost four decades. Fred started out performing on the AQHA and PHBA circuits. Fred trained other competitors in English and Western riding disciplines and today offers free riding lessons to youth who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. When not working with horses he can be found backpacking or trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Email Fred at fred@equineridge.com
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