Horse Agistment for the Retired Horse
When your beloved horse has become too old or infirm to be able to do what you require of him you have to make some difficult decisions. Horse agistment can help.
If you can afford to retire him to a horse agistment facility that specializes or has expertise to deal with the older horse, then he or she surely is lucky.
Most of the horse agistment properties that cater for the older, retired horse are out in the country and it is important that the older horse is in a calm and tranquil space. Older retired horses will frequently be out in "all weathers" and in these circumstances the horse's natural greasy coat should be allowed to develop. This will keep him warm in the cold weather. If a rug is used this can stop a horse's coat from growing.
Regular veterinary and dental checks are important for the retired horse and most providers of horse agistment for the older horse will have these services and others available. The older horse will benefit from equine massage and this can sometimes be found as an extra service at the best horse agistment places.
The feet of the older horse actually grow very little and although shoeing is not usually necessary regular checks by the farrier should still be made. So again a specialist horse agistment farrier would be great kindness.
Calm and tranquil pasture is what an old-timer really needs. Regular daily (and preferably twice daily) checks should be made, to make sure he is well and not distressed. Another important point is that a horse needs company. Horses usually prefer to be in a group and unless your horse has been used to living alone, when he retires he would benefit from extra company. To be in a paddock with a few others animals, not necessarily horses. Cattle, sheep, goats or even a donkey will keep him company and improve his quality of life. Horse agistment is all about quality of horse life.
The quality of the pasture is important for the retired horse just as much as for a younger horse. Pasture needs to be maintained regularly. If weeds or pests are found in the pasture the necessary treatment must be administered. In addition when the pasture looses its nutritive value, additional feed must be given and when its cold a horse will require more heat creating food. Very old horses do sometimes loose weight and condition but close attention should be paid in case additional food is required.
Those horse agistment providers who can cope with retired horses will normally be happy to give veterinary treatments for those illnesses that can afflict the older horse for example, arthritis. However, you cannot expect a horse agistment provider to deal with severe illness or injury. With regard to worming this is a necessity for any horse including the retired horse and agistment providers would expect to do this as a matter of course.
In the end when your horse's life has become a trial to him a good agistment provider will help you to make the ultimate decision.
The Internet lists various providers of agistment for the older or retired horse. Check them out and you will surely find one that suits you.
About the Author:
Westbury Park provides quality, reliable horse agistment to the racing and breeding industry.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Horse Agistment for the Retired Horse