As horses age, their health and management needs can change. Understanding these changes and adjusting care accordingly can help support comfort, wellbeing and quality of life throughout a horse’s senior years.
At the Camden Equine Centre, our equine veterinary team provides advice and support to help owners manage the evolving needs of geriatric horses as part of a proactive, preventative approach to care.
A horse can be considered aged in two ways: chronological age and functional age. Chronological age refers to the number of years a horse has lived, while functional age considers the horse’s workload and use.
For example, a 10‑year‑old Thoroughbred may be considered aged in the context of racing, while the same horse would be considered young for disciplines such as Grand Prix dressage. In general, horses in their late twenties and into their thirties are considered geriatric.
Geriatric horses often benefit from a more closely monitored preventative healthcare program compared to younger horses. Regular veterinary assessment can help identify age‑related changes early and support ongoing management.
Some areas that may require additional attention as horses age include:
Preventative care for senior horses focuses on early detection, regular monitoring and practical management adjustments. Veterinary advice can help guide decisions around nutrition, dental care, parasite management and general health checks tailored to the individual horse.
The team at the Camden Equine Centre is available to provide guidance and support for owners caring for geriatric horses, whether as companions, light riding horses or those remaining active later in life.
The Camden Equine Centre is part of the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden, supporting horses across Greater Sydney and NSW with evidence‑based veterinary care.
Our equine veterinarians work with owners to provide practical, preventative guidance tailored to the individual needs of older horses. As horses age, subtle health changes can be easily overlooked, and regular veterinary involvement helps support comfort, function and quality of life.
As a university teaching hospital, our approach to geriatric care is informed by current veterinary knowledge, access to advanced diagnostics and multidisciplinary expertise. We aim to support owners with clear advice, ongoing monitoring and management plans that suit each horse’s lifestyle and stage of life.
Book a geriatric horse consultation to support the health, comfort, and quality of life of your ageing horse. Our team provides comprehensive on farm assessments and tailored management plans for age-related conditions. Contact us to arrange a consultation at your property.
Horses are generally considered geriatric once they reach their late twenties or thirties, although functional age can vary depending on workload, health and previous use.
Yes. Older horses often benefit from more regular health monitoring to detect age‑related changes early and adjust management as needed.
Dental problems, changes in parasite burdens, hoof issues, hormonal disorders and digestive changes are more commonly seen as horses age.
Many geriatric horses remain active and comfortable with appropriate management. Activity levels should be guided by veterinary advice, comfort and overall health.
You should seek veterinary advice if you notice changes in weight, appetite, behaviour, mobility or overall condition, or if you’re unsure how best to support your horse as they age.
