---
title: "Senior Horse Care in the UK"
description: "UK senior horse care — dental checks every 6–12 months, weight and fat scoring, PPID screening, soaked forage and adapting exercise for ageing joints."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-senior-care-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-senior-care-uk"
date_published: "2026-07-18"
date_modified: "2026-07-18"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Senior Horse Care in the UK

Horses are classed as **veterans from around 15**, and many now live into their **30s**, according to the British Horse Society. Senior care centres on **dental checks every 6–12 months**, regular weight and fat scoring, **PPID (Cushing's) screening**, soaked forage if chewing is poor, and adapting exercise to keep joints mobile.

## When is a horse 'senior'?

Thanks to better veterinary care, nutrition and management, UK horses are living longer than ever — many into their **30s**. According to the British Horse Society, most horses show the first signs of ageing in their **mid to late teens**, though every horse ages differently and many veterans stay in work for years.

An **annual health check** with your vet is a sensible baseline — catching problems early makes them far easier to manage.

## Normal ageing vs warning signs

| Normal signs of ageing | Signs that need a vet |
|------------------------|------------------------|
| Grey hairs around eyes and muzzle | Weight loss or loss of appetite |
| Drooping lower lip | Difficulty eating or dropping feed (quidding) |
| Loss of muscle tone | Stiffness that worsens, or lameness |
| Deepening hollows above the eyes | Coat changes — long, curly or non-shedding hair |
| Slower to warm up | Exercise intolerance or fatigue |

According to the BHS, reduced immunity in older horses also means infections, worm burdens and conditions such as [Cushing's (PPID)](/health/horse-cushings-uk) become more likely — so new symptoms should never be written off as 'just old age'.

## Teeth and feeding

Teeth are the cornerstone of senior care. According to the BHS:

- Horses' teeth wear away roughly **2–3mm per year** and continually erupt to compensate — but by the **mid to late twenties** there is nothing left to erupt, and the tooth effectively 'runs out'
- Worn or missing teeth make chewing grain, rough forage and grazing difficult, increasing the risk of **choke, colic and weight loss**
- Older horses should have a dental check every **6–12 months** by a vet or qualified equine dental technician
- **Soaked, softer feeds** are the best fibre replacement for horses that can no longer chew — divide the daily ration into **four or five smaller feeds**, as soaked feed is bulky
- Introduce any new feed **gradually over 10–14 days** to reduce colic risk

Watch for bullying in herds — a veteran may need feeding separately to get their full ration.

## Weight and condition

- Monitor **fat score** regularly — the BHS target is **2.5–3 out of 5**; overweight and underweight veterans both carry risks
- Unexpected **weight loss or gain** always warrants a vet call — teeth are the first thing to check
- Older horses struggle to keep warm: provide **shelter, rugs and extra feed** through [winter](/health/horse-winter-care-uk)
- Excess weight strains ageing joints and raises [laminitis](/health/horse-laminitis-uk) risk — soak hay to reduce calories if needed

## Health screening for older horses

- **PPID (Cushing's)** — age-related degeneration of the pituitary gland; UK vets and charities recommend testing older horses, particularly with coat changes, lethargy, increased drinking/urination, recurring infections or laminitis
- **Arthritis** — common from years of wear; watch for stiffness and reduced joint flexion
- **Melanomas** — the most common skin tumour of elderly horses, especially greys; check under the tail, around the genitalia, below the ears and around the mouth
- **Cataracts** — tripping, spooking or bumping into objects can indicate failing sight
- **Worm control** — immunity declines with age, so keep a testing-led [worming programme](/health/horse-worming-uk) in place with your vet

## Exercise, feet and daily management

- **Keep moving** — gentle, regular exercise reduces stiffness; use long warm-ups and cool-downs, and only exercise a sound horse under veterinary guidance
- Retired horses do best with **maximum turnout** rather than long hours stabled
- **Farrier visits every 4–6 weeks** (per BHS advice) — overgrown, unbalanced hooves strain old joints; pick feet out daily
- Check **saddle fit regularly** — changing back shape makes last year's fit unreliable
- Support stiff horses when picking feet — keep the foot low and close to the midline

## Quality of life

Track appetite, mobility, weight and demeanour regularly — a simple diary makes gradual decline visible. Your vet can help you assess quality of life honestly and plan kind, timely decisions when the time comes.

## FAQs

### When is a horse classed as senior or veteran?

A horse is generally classed as a veteran from around 15 years, and according to the British Horse Society most horses start showing the first signs of ageing in their mid to late teens. With modern care, many horses now live into their 30s.

### How often should an older horse's teeth be checked?

The British Horse Society strongly advises a dental check every 6–12 months by a vet or qualified equine dental technician. Older horses' teeth wear down and eventually 'run out', making chewing difficult and raising the risk of choke, colic and weight loss.

### What should I feed an old horse that can't chew hay?

Soaked, softer feeds work as a fibre replacement when teeth can no longer manage hay or grazing — soaked hay replacers, mashes and high-fibre soaked feeds. Divide the daily ration into four or five smaller feeds, and introduce any new feed gradually over 10–14 days.

### Should older horses be tested for Cushing's (PPID)?

Yes — PPID is a common age-related condition, and UK charities urge routine testing of older horses, especially those with a long curly coat, lethargy, increased drinking, recurring infections or unexplained laminitis. Your vet can arrange a blood test.

### How do I keep weight on an old horse in winter?

Provide shelter, rugs and supplementary feeding through the colder months, monitor fat score regularly, check teeth first if weight drops, and feed high-fibre, protein-rich feeds — vegetable oil can add calories. Seek vet advice for any unexpected weight loss.

## Sources

- [British Horse Society — Care of elderly horses](https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/care-of-elderly-horse/)
- [Redwings — Care of the older horse](https://www.redwings.org.uk/news-and-features/care-older-horse)
- [Liphook Equine Hospital — Caring for the senior horse](https://liphookequinehospital.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Liphook-Equine-Golden-Oldies-Pack.pdf)
- [World Horse Welfare — Advice hub](https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice)

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