How a 21-year-old Hanoverian gelding stayed competitive at the Florida winter circuit

Many horse owners, riders, and trainers expect their horses’ athletic potential to diminish as they enter their later years; however, some horses remain healthy and happy in their work well past what many would consider their peak years. As horses age, they might experience more joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, digestive problems or a decline in gut health, or decreased performance. Fortunately, with advancements in equine medicine, veterinarians can work with horses’ trainers and care teams to help ensure long-term soundness.

The Crucial Equine Vet-Client-Patient Relationship

Successfully maintaining a horse in the top levels of competition throughout his later years requires a close relationship between the rider or trainer and veterinarian. “The rider is the person who spends the time on the horse’s back and feels differences in a gait transition or that a canter lead feels (different) one way versus the other,” says Kate Britton, DVM, of Atlantic Equine Services in Dover, New Hampshire, and Wellington, Florida.

These small details are crucial to the overall picture, especially when combined with information from the horse’s competition performance and a clinical exam. Meanwhile, don’t forget to keep the owner in the loop. “Keeping an open relationship with the owner is paramount to the health and success of the horse as they are the ones standing behind the horse with all parties involved on both good and bad days,” she adds