Horse Retirement Farms And When They Are Appropriate

By Marla Mills


Horses can live up to thirty-five years, but some horse owners are not prepared to take care of elderly horses. For this reason, they may decide to retire the animal to a farm. Horse retirement farms specialize in caring for aging horses so that they can live out the remainder of their lives in peace and comfort.

When horses are no longer used for work, ridden, raced, or trained, they are considered ready for retirement. There is no predetermined retirement age for animals of this kind. Rather, the appropriate age for retirement will depend on numerous aspects, such as the horse's breed, the level of care it received during its active life, and the purpose it served. However, certain universal signs may help a person determine when such an animal has reached retirement age.

When it appears that the horse's vitality has decreased, the owner should consider this an indication that retiring the animal is appropriate. Even young horses require rest in between exercise sessions so that they do not sustain injuries or become exhausted. As horses age, however, they generally begin to need additional days off before they regain their previous energy. Individuals who noticed that their animals constantly need more and more rest prior to participating in their regularly scheduled activities should consider this a sign that the animal should be allowed to retire.

Most horses need a warm-up prior to participating in strenuous exercise. The usual amount of time necessary for a warm-up is 15 to 20 minutes, if the horse is healthy. If the animal requires a 45 minute warm-up or longer before it can engage in exercise or run, it should be retired.

Those who own such animals should also observe them for behavioral changes. Horses that appear to have no enthusiasm for training, work, or other activities they formerly enjoyed may be trying to tell their owners that they are tired. General disinterest and fatigue are also signs that the animal is ready to slow down.

Observing horses for signs of failing endurance is another essential task. Horses that are ready to be retired often display additional signs, such as weakness and poor coordination. For instance, if upon being mounted, the animal stumbles or experiences a loss of balance, riding the horse is no longer appropriate. If one continues to do so when such a pattern has been exhibited, the horse and the rider are both at risk for injury.

When the decision has been made to retire such an animal, one must choose a farm with care. It is best to select an establishment that has a positive reputation in the local area and has been in business for a considerable length of time. It is also wise to ask the owner of the farm which veterinarian he or she uses for horses that become ill or experience injuries.

Is a good idea to make in-person visits to any horse retirement farms one is considering. In this way, an individual can get a reasonable idea of how well the establishment is run. Ultimately, old horses can live healthier, happier lives as they age, if they are allowed to slow down and relax until the end of their life.




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