The results of a new survey on senior horse health and management have shed light on the reasons why horses may be retired. The work should help guide how and when healthcare intervention may help to prolong active, healthy lives for seniors.

Horses of 15+ years of age, often classified as seniors, are estimated to make up around one-third of the world’s equine population, but information on their management and health is limited.

The recent nationwide survey was conducted in the US by the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky in association with the SPILLERS brand, via the WALTHAM Equine Studies Group. It is a first step in finding out more about the risk factors for retirement of seniors and ultimately how active quality of life may be extended.

Sarah Nelson, product manager at Mars Horsecare, home of the SPILLERS brand, said: “This survey has highlighted several interesting retirement trends.

“With a better understanding of when and why senior horses are being retired we hope, eventually, to be better placed to monitor for, prevent (where possible), and treat the underlying conditions early on, to help horses stay active and healthy for longer.”

A total of 2,717 completed surveys were analysed. Respondents were predominantly leisure owners (~65%), with fewer equine professionals (~35%), and most of the horses were being used for pleasure riding or driving (~39%) or were in full retirement (~40%).