07/17/2025
Old age is NOT an excuse for a skinny, suffering horse. Yes, senior horses can be harder to keep weight on. Their teeth wear down, digestion changes, they might need special diets, more calories, or extra care. That should all be consideredwhen buying a horse of any age and is all part of responsible ownership. But when a horse’s ribs, spine, and hips are sticking out, when they’re weak, unsteady, and clearly struggling, blaming “old age” isn’t good enough. That’s neglect, plain and simple.
If a horse is still bright, mobile, and enjoying life but needs extra TLC to maintain weight, then as owners, it’s our job to provide that. But if a horse is too far gone, too weak, too decrepit to recover or live comfortably, then it’s also our responsibility to do the right thing.
Keeping a horse alive just to avoid making the hard decision is not kindness. It’s cruelty.
Our horses gave us their best years. They carried us, taught us, trusted us. The least we can do is make sure they either have proper care or a peaceful, dignified end. No animal deserves to waste away.
Old doesn’t mean starving. Know the difference.
