Many horse owners want to know how long they will spend with their equine companions. We want you to find comfort and confidence in getting the facts right.
How long do you expect your horse to serve you? Most horses age after 30 years (this is longer than the oldest domestic cats and dogs). The fun fact is that if you take good care of your horse it will easily live longer than 30 years. You will still ride or drive him lightly after three decades. We get an attachment with our equine companions and want to spend as much time as possible.
Naturally, health and medical care contribute to the overall longevity. This is the same with all other animals. Initially, 25 years was the longest horses were expected to live but this has changed quickly. With good hygiene and dieting, you can improve the life expectancy of horses. What do you need to do in your effort to ensure you have the longest span possible?
Extending the Life Span of your Horse
Good care is important because it allows them to thrive. According to the OMFRA, the lifespan of a horse may be longer than most people think. With good care, horses live longer than you can expect. You would expect these same results from treating humans with care.
The oldest horse lived to be 52 years old. This was a pony, as big horse breeds do not have a chance to long as long as smaller breeds. For example, Arabians are small and have the ability to live longer than the rest of the breeds.
Variations in Horse Longevity
Thanks to improvement in diets and care of horses, there is improved health of the current generation of horses. Advanced technologies in veterinary medicine have ensured an increase in the lifespan of horses. Ingenuity in medical and nutritional knowledge has improved the wellness of humans and animals too.
Horses are ponies are now beneficiaries of advancement in medical technology. Admittedly, however, some breeds live longer than others according to Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. According to research, the domestic horse lives between 25 and 33 years with good care. You may succeed to groom your horse beyond this range too.
Ponies live longer than horses and may reach 40 years with minimal work. Arabians are one of the longest breeds to live but there are exceptions too. They are one of the smallest horse breeds but also depend on health and care.
Why it can be hard to Know the Age of a Horse
It may be hard to verify old age, as they do not have identity paperwork to show their age. To make vague predictions, you need to check their teeth. This is not the best method to find out the years. Determining the age of the horse may require investigation into registration papers of competitions, passports, and other participatory documents. These are not easy to find and the age of the horse may be completely lost.
Helping your Horse to Live Long
Most horse owners agree that with good care, their old horses live longer and remain useful. The owner needs to pay close attention to the necessities of basic maintenance. Senior horses require special attention, food, hoof, and dental care to ensure they are of sound mind. The result is, a useful horse that still brings joy to the owner even after full retirement. You may use them for minor activities such as teaching children to ride and keep the young ones company. The elderly horses are good companions and trainers of the young horses especially on good mannerisms. Their personality and presence is enjoyable, as they grow old so take advantage and provide the hygiene and health they need.
According to statistics, a domestic horse is highly likely to die of old age before it lives out is natural lifespan. Complications often emerge from colic, which compels owners to euthanize a horse. You do not want to watch your horse writhing in pain consistently. It hurts to see them hurt hence the need to take this dreary decision.
Old wild horses, who can no longer keep up with the herd become the target for predators. This is the natural way of life in the wild. Others succumb to starvation or colic because of weaker immune systems reducing their ability to fight off bacteria. You will rarely find a horse who dies peacefully in their sleep. luckily, you can avoid colic and boost your horses’ lifespan.
Related Questions
Which species lives longest?
Arabians (Polish Arabian horses) are among the horses, which live longest. Others include M
What foods risk the health and longevity of my horse’s life?
Some of the most common poisonous foods known to affect horses are; Bracken Fern found in the moist places of woodlands in the United States, Hemlock from North America, and Tansy ragwort found in the countryside of United States.
Should I let my horse choose their food?
Unfamiliar plants may attract your horse but you should know better. Have an idea of the dangerous plants. You should recognize name from a distance and keep your horse off. Some toxic levels are too high; one bite can affect your horse.
Summary
So if you get a horse young or old they will live a longer life with a healthy diet. Most horses even if you get them in their teens can live about double that span. A good note is that ponies will live a long life so when you get one for your kid remember they will outgrow them and the pony will be there.
Of course if you have more kids the pony will still be around and ready to go at the same time. Also with a pony you can get them going on a cart so they can pull around adults. I have also seen ponies and minature horses pull people on roller skates, wake boards in irrigation channels, so they can do a lot of other things. They also haul around your tools and trailers of things.
