Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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.

Signs of reduced vitality should signal an owner that it may be time to retire his or her horse. Even young animals of this type must rest between training sessions so that they do not become exhausted or experience an injury. However, as horses age, they typically begin to require additional days off in order to regain their former energy. Owners who notice that their animals continuously need more and more rest before they are able to participate in their normal activities should consider this an indication that it may be time to allow the animal 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.

Those who have decided to retire such animals should carefully select a qualified farm. It is best to choose an establishment that has been in business for a significant amount of time, and has a good track record. It is also good idea to inquire about which veterinarian the owner of the farm uses for horses that sustain injuries or become ill.

It is also in one's best interest to personally visit any horse retirement farms where they are considering placing aging horses. This will help the prospective customer to acquire a good idea of whether or not the farm is well run. Ultimately, older horses can live out their final years in a happier and healthier state when they are retired by their owners.




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