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Essential Facts About Horse Retirement Farms

By Marla Mills


Some horse owners discover that they are not prepared to care for aging animals. Additionally, horses often live as long as 35 years. Horse retirement farms specialize in the care of such animals, and many individuals retire their elderly horses to such farms. In this way, the animal can enjoy peace and comfort for the remainder of its life.

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 require a warm-up before engaging in strenuous activities. The typical time allocated for a warm-up for healthy horses is usually 15 to 20 minutes. Horses that require a forty-five minute warm-up or longer before they can run or engage in exercise should be retired.

Individuals who own such animals are wise to evaluate them for changes in behavior. For instance, horses appearing to have no enthusiasm for activities they previously enjoyed, such as work or training, may be trying to tell their masters that they are tiring. Fatigue and general lethargy are also indications that the animal needs 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.

After deciding to retire an animal of this kind, selecting a farm with care is an essential task. It is wise to choose an establishment that has a good reputation in the local area. In addition, one should make every effort to choose a farm that has been in operation for substantial amount of time. Asking the farm's owner which veterinarian is used for animals that become sick or experience injuries is also wise.

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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