Researchers at the University of Kentucky have built a senior horse herd to study geriatric conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. | Photo: Courtesy University of Kentucky/Alisa Herbst

While horses aged 15 years and over make up a significant portion of the U.S. equine population, surprisingly little is currently known about their management and health status. In response, the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center is launching a survey to better understand the special needs of this age group.

Eligible survey participants should own one or more horses that currently reside(s) in the U.S. While the survey focuses on horses, including ponies, aged 15 years and older, owners of younger horses are also invited to participate in the survey. The survey takes between three and 25 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed here and will be available through Nov. 20. Participants will also have the option to enter a raffle to win two bags of Buckeye Nutrition feed (first prize), or 4 pounds of Reasons Joint Support Treats (second and third prizes).

The survey project is coordinated by Alisa Herbst, a doctoral candidate at the Gluck Center in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, who is concentrating on the aging process of horses. Her supervisor is Amanda Adams, PhD, associate professor whose research focuses on geriatric horses