Many horses live as long as 35 years. However, some owners are unprepared when it comes to caring for aging animals of this type. For this reason, they may choose to retire their horses to a farm. Horse retirement farms are designed to provide care for elderly horses and ensure that they can enjoy peace and comfort for the remainder of their lives.
When such animals are no longer raced, ridden, used for work, or trained for other activities, they are considered retired. Although there is no universal age at which to put such animals out to pasture, there are some general signs one can look for to determine when a horse has reached this age. This time frame depends on numerous factors, such as how the animal was used, if it was well cared for when it was younger, and its breed.
Some indications that it may be time to retire such an animal include reduced vitality. Although even younger horses need to relax between training sessions to avoid injury and prevent exhaustion, older horses sometimes require extra days off or they cannot regain their previous energy. Animals should be allowed to retire when their owners noticed that they continuously need additional rest prior to being able to engage in their normal activities.
Most animals of this type need to be warmed up before participating in exercise routines. The normal amount of time that needs to be allocated for a warm-up is typically 15 to 20 minutes for healthy horses. Those that need a warm-up of 45 minutes or more in length before they can exercise or run are ready for retirement.
Owners of such animals are wise to look for behavioral changes as well. If the animal has lost its enthusiasm for work, training, or other previously enjoyable activities, it may indicate that it is becoming fatigued. General lethargy and disinterest in activity are also indications that the animal needs to slow down.
Observing horses for signs of failing endurance is another essential task. Horses that are ready to be retired often display additional signs, such as weakness and poor coordination. For instance, if upon being mounted, the animal stumbles or experiences a loss of balance, riding the horse is no longer appropriate. If one continues to do so when such a pattern has been exhibited, the horse and the rider are both at risk for injury.
Those who have decided to retire such animals should carefully select a qualified farm. It is best to choose an establishment that has been in business for a significant amount of time, and has a good track record. It is also good idea to inquire about which veterinarian the owner of the farm uses for horses that sustain injuries or become ill.
It is also in one's best interest to personally visit any horse retirement farms where they are considering placing aging horses. This will help the prospective customer to acquire a good idea of whether or not the farm is well run. Ultimately, older horses can live out their final years in a happier and healthier state when they are retired by their owners.
When such animals are no longer raced, ridden, used for work, or trained for other activities, they are considered retired. Although there is no universal age at which to put such animals out to pasture, there are some general signs one can look for to determine when a horse has reached this age. This time frame depends on numerous factors, such as how the animal was used, if it was well cared for when it was younger, and its breed.
Some indications that it may be time to retire such an animal include reduced vitality. Although even younger horses need to relax between training sessions to avoid injury and prevent exhaustion, older horses sometimes require extra days off or they cannot regain their previous energy. Animals should be allowed to retire when their owners noticed that they continuously need additional rest prior to being able to engage in their normal activities.
Most animals of this type need to be warmed up before participating in exercise routines. The normal amount of time that needs to be allocated for a warm-up is typically 15 to 20 minutes for healthy horses. Those that need a warm-up of 45 minutes or more in length before they can exercise or run are ready for retirement.
Owners of such animals are wise to look for behavioral changes as well. If the animal has lost its enthusiasm for work, training, or other previously enjoyable activities, it may indicate that it is becoming fatigued. General lethargy and disinterest in activity are also indications that the animal needs to slow down.
Observing horses for signs of failing endurance is another essential task. Horses that are ready to be retired often display additional signs, such as weakness and poor coordination. For instance, if upon being mounted, the animal stumbles or experiences a loss of balance, riding the horse is no longer appropriate. If one continues to do so when such a pattern has been exhibited, the horse and the rider are both at risk for injury.
Those who have decided to retire such animals should carefully select a qualified farm. It is best to choose an establishment that has been in business for a significant amount of time, and has a good track record. It is also good idea to inquire about which veterinarian the owner of the farm uses for horses that sustain injuries or become ill.
It is also in one's best interest to personally visit any horse retirement farms where they are considering placing aging horses. This will help the prospective customer to acquire a good idea of whether or not the farm is well run. Ultimately, older horses can live out their final years in a happier and healthier state when they are retired by their owners.
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