When to retire a horse? The tell-tales signs for an old horse are:

• Failure to keep or maintain good condition
• General stiffness and loss of mobility
• Loss of molar (grinding) teeth
• Top-line is more evident as their belly 'drops'
• Deepened hollows above their eyes
• Grey hairs in their coat
• Skins loses elasticity

Getting your equine ready for retirement

By careful worming, feeding/weight control, & dental care there is no reason why your horse cannot live a long and happy life in retirement.

Dental Care: Make sure the EDT looks at your horses teeth at least twice a year (or as they recommed).

Feeding: Soaking high fibre cubes in warm water for 20-30 minutes and mashing up will help him eat and digest his feed easier.  Soft meadow hay should be available at all times. Access to grass as much as possible will help aid digestion, keep the horse exercised and more supple and they will be relaxed by living as near a natural life as possible.

Exercise: Gradually reduce the amount of exercise your horse does......much the same as then you were getting them fit - only in reverse. Keep their minds occupied if they look stressed out. Even old horses can learn something new.

Companion: Living with a permanent retirement companion will help him relax. Ensure you have a routine and the horses will fall into it and understand what comes next.

Putting your horse into a home

It could be a worry-free solution. He will have 24 hour company, be looked after by staff who are dealing with the needs of elderly horses daily. You could visit whenever you wanted. On the other hand, you won't be involved in any daily desicion making as the the welfare of your equine. It is costly - as much as some livery yards. The home may not be registered and the care may not be to your liking.