Q: What are the best things I can do to help care for my senior pony?

A: Lots of ponies need a little extra care as they get older, so it’s great that you are aware of your pony’s needs and want to give him the attention he deserves.

Here are our top 10 tips for managing your senior:

1. Regularly check and record your pony’s body condition score.
2. If he’s a good doer, feed a balancer to provide vitamins and minerals without the unwanted calories.
3. If your pony struggles to chew, try offering him a soft, short chopped fibre or mash.
4. Older ponies often struggle with metabolic issues, so don’t let your pony eat too much lush green grass and make sure you don’t give too many treats.
5. Make sure your older pony isn’t getting too hot or cold as older ponies struggle to maintain their body temperature.
6. Add warm water to your pony’s feed if he’s reluctant to eat.
7. Try adding warm water to your pony’s water bucket if he doesn’t want to drink, as he may have sensitive teeth.
8. Avoid slippery or hilly paddocks for older ponies as they can increase the risk of injury and put more strain on the joints.
9. Choose paddock mates carefully to ensure your senior doesn’t get bullied and doesn’t have to move more than he is comfortable with.
10. If you are worried your pony might be getting sore with arthritis, speak to your vet.