NewsHorses’ average lifespans might differ depending on their species (genetic capital), their “career” (leisure, intense sport, etc.), as well as the upkeep and care they receive (regular monitoring and work). A horse’s lifespan used to be about 25 years, but it has now increased to about 30 years.
What is the average age of a horse depending on the breed ?
When it comes to aging, not all horse breeds are created equally. Horses from smaller breeds, such Fjords or Icelandic horses, can live for 30 to 35 years. They reach maturity later than other horses (about 7-8 years). A larger horse’s lifespan shortens a little bit, and it varies again by breed. Cold-blooded breeds, which are mature by the time they are 3 or 4 years old, typically live until they are around 18 years old. Depending on their “sporting career,” thoroughbred horses typically reach an age closer to 25.
The oldest horses and ponies ever documented were 62 and 56 years old, respectively. These instances are nevertheless unusual and do not represent a horse’s “classic” lifespan! We often increase a horse’s year by 3.5 to determine how old a horse is in “human age.” A horse that is 10 years old is comparable to a person who is 35 years old. A horse reaching 20 years of age is considered “old”, but this depends very much on how long the horse has lived.
What are the signs of ageing in horses ?
Old horse in a meadow with dandelions There are a number of physical indicators that your horse may be aging. These include a sagging back, muscle wasting, clouding of the eyes, hollowing of the saloon, grey hair and mane, slower chewing (teeth may move or fall out), development of osteoarthritis in various parts of the body, etc.
Along with these physical issues, hormonal issues might also develop. One organ that may be affected is the pituitary gland, which is vital to several biological processes. Laminitis, failure to shed, or increased water intake or urination are signs that should not be taken lightly. Diseases of the liver and kidneys may also arise. If you see any strange behavior in your elderly horse, don’t be afraid to notify your veterinarian.
Horses seldom experience tumor development, in contrast to humans. Some sarcoids or melanomas may develop as people age. Most melanoma cases involve grey horses. Sarcoids are small or large warts, which can appear anywhere on the horse’s body. The vet should be consulted before deciding whether to get rid of them.
What can cause a horse to die ?
Only 0.6% of horses really pass away from old age. This indicates that the illnesses or pathologies associated with aging are often the cause of their death. Many horses die from colic, caused by the development of lipomas or fatty tumours in their digestive tract, leading to twisting of the digestive tract. Additionally, horses may have cardiac arrest, especially high-performance sports horses and ex-racehorses. 10-15% of horse deaths are caused by infectious illnesses, especially in equestrian centers where there are more horses per square mile.
How to increase the life expectancy of your horse ?
Ageing cannot be prevented, but how well you take care of your horse will have a big impact on how long it lives. Dental issues in horses may become quite severe if not treated, thus proper treatment by an equine dentist can help avoid them. A healthy diet is essential to keeping your horse in excellent condition. Crown Horse S-350 is perfect for meeting all of your elderly horse’s demands.
To prevent widespread arthritis and muscular atrophy, regular exercise is also crucial. It is also important from a moral point of view, as the transition from work to retirement can be brutal for the horse. Therefore, it’s important to gradually adjust the labor tempo to the horse’s capabilities.
