Determining the age of farm animals. Horses

Horse management

The conditions in which a horse lives clearly affect its health, behavior and capabilities, not to mention its life expectancy.
A well-groomed animal will live a long and happy life.

Stable

Horses can be kept in one of three systems: a stall, a stall, or use group housing.

The stall involves a separate room for each horse. This type of housing came to us from America - horses are kept there only in this way. The stall area is much easier to clean, and there is also a lot of free space. But when creating a stall, you need to take proper care of its layout, otherwise the animal may feel lonely, isolated from the rest.

A horse left alone will show aggression, refuse to eat, and lose a lot of strength. To prevent this from happening, when creating a stall, you need to take care of the bars or at least the windows between them. They need to be installed in such a way that the horses can observe each other.

Stalls in the stables

A stall is the most budget option. It has one drawback - cleaning it, which will be much more difficult. But there are also advantages. For example, all the horses will stick together, they will not feel lonely, they will be able to communicate with each other. The stall is also much more economical, both financially and in terms of saving space.

Horses in stalls

Group housing is used mainly for housing working individuals of approximately the same age. Each section can contain from 25 to 90 animals

It is important to plan this space so that the horses are free, they must be able to move around the space allocated for them. Group housing is most often used for low value breeds.

This system has one big disadvantage - cleaning the room, which is extremely inconvenient to do. The main advantage of group housing is the ability of animals to move, some freedom. For example, they will be able to play with each other or develop their limbs.

Room for group keeping of horses

The last two types of content are suitable mainly for warm days. In the cold season, a stall will be the best option, since you can easily remove it. This also applies to the period of viral infections. In winter, it is impossible to ventilate the premises, as horses require warmth. However, when kept in a stall, animals will be additionally protected from infections thanks to partitions.

Regarding the stable itself, there must be at least four square meters per individual to make it comfortable. The room should have a large number of windows, since a lack of light can not only deprive the animal of good vision, but also negatively affect its general condition. A ventilation system must be organized under the roof to prevent drafts.

The stable should be light and spacious

Grazing

Each horse should be given time to roam freely. It is impossible to say the exact amount of time that horses need to spend in the fresh air - here you can use the rule “the more, the better.” But walking is not about using the horse's strength or testing for speed.

A walk should be a short exercise, during which the animal has the right to decide for itself what to do. That is why there are several principles by which you need to organize a walk:

1. The horse must be allowed to warm up after standing in the stable before starting to work.
2. The horse must be gradually accustomed to the outside temperature, as it can get sick in the cold.
3. At temperatures below 18-20 degrees, the horse cannot be taken out. Moreover, it is forbidden to force her to work.
4. Animals need to be walked more than twice a week. If the number of walks is reduced, the horse's legs may begin to atrophy, and as a result he will not be able to withstand even the simplest loads.
5. You can walk your horses in the levadas or on your own. A slow walk is very useful for them - this is how their musculoskeletal system develops, their lungs are ventilated and their nervous system comes into order.

   Horse pasture

Depending on the conditions in which horses live, their life expectancy is determined. For example, if on a farm, under human supervision, a horse can live longer than 30 years, then in the wild - no more than 16 years. This depends on the following conditions:

• strong temperature changes (hot or cold weather);
• lack of sufficient food (in winter it is difficult for horses to find food);
• high probability of attack by predatory animals;
• diseases.

How to properly care for an elderly pet?

Old horse needs care

Particular attention should be paid to its nutrition. The teeth of elderly pets are worn down, so rough food is excluded from the diet

Instead of hay and straw, they offer liquid mash and steamed grain.

old horse

An old horse should not be deprived of daily exercise. In good weather, she should be outdoors for at least 2–3 hours. If there are no health problems, veterinarians recommend giving animals moderate exercise. You can walk at light gaits for 30–50 minutes. The main thing in this matter is regularity. Sick animals should receive veterinary care.

Long-lived horses

Among horses, just like among people, there are long-livers. One of the most famous is the stallion Billy (1760-1822), which was bred in Great Britain. He was born from two breeds: a Cleveland and a purebred Eastern. Breeder: Edward Robinson. After the horse lived longer than any other member of the breed, he was renamed Old Billy. The peculiarity is that throughout all 62 years, he performed hard physical work and at the same time showed excellent physical data. Today, visitors to the Manchester Museum can see the skull of this horse, as they decided to preserve it, since no one has been able to repeat the record for life expectancy. Thus, Billy is the oldest horse in the world, among those known to modern researchers.

Another long-liver, who gave way to Billy quite a bit, less than 10 years, is a stallion named Bonnie Lass (1919-1987). This representative of the pony breed lived for 54 years, which is a full-fledged record for horses of this short but physically hardy breed.

Third place among the record holders for life expectancy should be given to a thoroughbred representative of racehorses. The bay gelding Duke Tango (1935-1978) lived for 42 years. He demonstrated good physical and external characteristics throughout the years.

Bay gelding Duke Tango

It is important to know how to determine the age of a horse so as not to make a mistake and get not just an animal capable of performing the tasks assigned to it, but also a devoted friend. Each representative of the breed must have a document that states the basic data and features

The approximate age is determined by the condition and number of teeth, but their absence may indicate a young age at which replacement with permanent ones occurs. This means that the animal, with proper care, is in excellent shape. Even the oldest mongrel horse can qualify if factors that promote longevity are considered. Before purchasing an animal, you need to find out the conditions of detention, whether it is domestic or wild, as this will help determine further maintenance.

If the horse is intended for riding, then enhanced nutrition is necessary; it must contain vitamins, microelements, a sufficient amount of protein and iron to maintain optimal performance in terms of speed and endurance.

Every responsible horse breeder knows that the measure of age based on the teeth is relative, you need to pay attention to the condition of the mane, hooves, evaluate the look - clear eyes speak of good health, this is an ancient law

Facts affecting the lifespan of a horse

In order for a horse to be loyal and serve its owner for as long as possible, it needs proper care, attention, affection and care.

Regular meals . For the horse’s body to function normally, you must first take care of its nutrition. Horses need to be fed regularly, at the same time, without disrupting their diet. You need to choose the food that is most suitable for your horse; you should not skimp on nutrition. A sudden transition from one familiar food to another is not recommended. The horse's digestive system is designed in such a way that it must be constantly working. But if you overfeed a horse, colic may occur, and in especially severe cases, intestinal volvulus. The best help in this case will be grass and hay. The horse must be given water before every meal. You should not feed your horse before any physical activity. After feeding, the horse should rest for at least an hour.

Vitamins . To maintain and improve health, horses, like people and any other domestic animals, need vitamins. The best vitamins for a horse are carrots and apples; they should be given daily. You can also buy vitamins in a special store, but do not overdo it with them.

Purity . To exclude all kinds of diseases, the room in which you keep your horse must be cleaned daily. In addition, the feeder, buckets, sawdust, etc. should also be kept clean.

Care . The six and hooves of a horse require very careful care. The horse's coat must be brushed every day.

Medical service . Horses need modern medicine no less than people. Monitoring the horse’s health, its appearance, and paying attention to minor changes in your pet’s behavior is necessary in order to identify the problem in time. If the horse loses its appetite, is too agitated and aggressive, or, on the contrary, behaves very lethargically, it should be taken for examination. In addition, at least once a year, the horse needs a preventive examination.

How can you tell if a horse has started to age?

Not all horses show signs of aging - this may be a result of genetics or proper care. All horses that have survived the age of 14-16 years are considered old. But this is only a general concept, since some individuals can look young even at twenty years old, have a healthy body and excellent shape.

To recognize the onset of the aging process, experts have identified several factors that will help you make sure of this.

1. Hair around the eyes and muzzle.
2. Rough skin and wool.
3. The coat has become less smooth, unlike what it was a few years ago.
4. Clumsy gait, weakened muscles.
5. Scratches took a long time to heal on the skin.
6. Completely different food preferences, appetite changes.
7. Rocking the animal backwards. It occurs due to weakened muscles. Sometimes this happens at an early age, regardless of aging.
8. Lack of former activity.

   old horse

Horse care

In addition to simply cleaning the horse room, you also need to take care of the horse itself. It is necessary to take care of the coat, wash the horse in the shower, clean the hooves and much more.

Bathing: step-by-step instructions

To bathe horses, follow these short instructions that will help you do everything correctly.

Step 1: Purchase bathing products (shampoo or simple laundry soap).

Laundry soap is an excellent tool for caring for horses.

Step 2: Lather all of the animal's fur, including the mane and tail. Walk over it with a brush - this will remove various parasites and debris.

Lathered horse

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse the coat of soap or shampoo using a hose. The water must be warm.

Rinsing a horse from soap suds

Prices for shampoos for horses

Shampoo for horses

Horses need to be bathed at least once a week

In winter, this matter must be approached with special caution, since the air and water temperatures vary greatly, and the animal can get sick

Cleaning

For cleaning you may need the following equipment:

• rough brush;
• a brush with long bristles, which you can use to comb your horse’s tail and mane;
• two sponges;
• rag.

Dry cleaning is carried out year-round. Its advantage is the ability to clean the horse even in the cold season

It is important to be extremely careful when cleaning, otherwise the animal may injure you.

Hoof care

Some horses need to be shoed. However, not everyone needs this, and horseshoes will be required for those horses that:

• used for work on hard ground;
• transport heavy loads;
• have diseases that are associated with the hooves;
• require special form and performance.

  Need to take care of horses' hooves

  Read also:  What to do if bitten by a spider: first aid for the victim

You can start shoeing horses at the age of three. If an animal has a disease that is associated with its hooves, then it can be shoed as early as one and a half to two years.

This procedure should only be carried out by a professional. If you decide to shoe an animal yourself, you can not only cripple it, but also deprive it of the ability to move at all.

Every day it is necessary to inspect the hooves, clean them of dirt, small pebbles, and lubricate them with oils. Once every month and a half you need to remove dead tissue from them.

A special knife is used to clean dirt from a horse's hoof.

From a very early age, it is necessary to accustom the horse to giving a leg to inspect its hooves. If this is not done, then you will have to inject tranquilizers every time just to examine the animal’s legs and clean the horseshoes.

Dental care

At least once every 6 months you need to invite a dentist to examine your horse’s teeth. The following factors may indicate problems:

• inability to hold food in mouth;
• chewing food for a long time or completely refusing it;
• biting or chewing the bit;
• tension in the back.

  Dental care is an essential part of caring for horses.

Even if you clearly see a problem in an animal, never try to solve it or help him in any way yourself. Wait for the doctor.

How long do horses live, life expectancy of domestic and wild animals, horses are long-lived

The horse is considered an exceptional animal, possessing grace and beauty. Owners try to take great responsibility in caring for their animals and invest significant financial and time resources into this. A person who bought a stallion sooner or later wonders how long horses live.

The lifespan of horses depends on a number of factors:

• the conditions in which they live (domestic or wild animals);
• food quality;
• belonging to a certain breed;
• appointment.

Today it is impossible to give an exact answer to the question of how long horses live on average. Experts note that the average life expectancy is about 35-40 years. However, this figure varies greatly among different breeds. For example, stallions participating in equestrian competitions often do not live more than 25 years. Horses that lead a calm, measured life can live up to 40 years.

Horses that are constantly cared for by humans can usually live into old age. This is due to a number of reasons:

• constant quality nutrition;
• a place where you can hide during the cold season;
• daily care and care from the owner;
• treatment in case of any diseases.

The life expectancy of a horse is 20-30 years, if all the rules and recommendations for care and maintenance are correctly followed. However, this time interval may vary depending on the breed and purpose.

Sports horses. They are usually the most interesting, but their lifespan is directly dependent on their athletic performance. Horses that are able to achieve success in competition can live for about 20 years. Racehorses that are used as trained horses have a noticeably shorter lifespan.

Thoroughbred stallions. Such horses can live up to 35 years. Firstly, they are always provided with high-quality food and necessary treatment

Secondly, the owners of such stallions always show increased attention and care to them. Domestic stallions

Analyzing how long domestic horses live, it can be noted that it is generally about 20-25 years

Domestic stallions. Analyzing how long domestic horses live, it can be noted that it is generally about 20-25 years

The lifespan of a pet is entirely in the hands of its owner. The quality of nutrition, proper care, purpose - all this affects life expectancy.

There is an opinion that horses can live several times longer in the wild than at home. However, this does not correspond to the real picture. Firstly, in the wild the food cannot be called high quality. Secondly, in harsh weather conditions, horses are constantly cold. All this shortens the lifespan of wild animals. In most cases, horses do not live to see their prime.

Answering the question of how long horses and horses live in the wild, it can be noted that everything depends on the habitat.

1. In countries with warm climates, their life expectancy can be about 25 years.
2. In cold countries, horses rarely live beyond 15 years. All this is associated with constant diseases that arise as a result of unfavorable conditions.

As noted earlier, the lifespan of horses is about 35-40 years, which by human standards is about 80 years. To convert the age of horses to human, you can use the following algorithm:

• 1 year corresponds to 12 years in human terms;
• the second year is equivalent to the next 7 years;
• 3,4,5 years – each is equal to 4 years;
• Each subsequent year adds another 2.5 years.

Basically, the age of a horse is determined by its teeth. However, this can only be done by specialists in this field. The average lifespan of a horse is determined by the quality of its teeth, as well as the degree of wear. The age of a horse can be determined by the following characteristics:

• back in a sagging state;
• lack of activity and mobility in movement;
• thickened joints;
• presence of gray hair around the eyes.

If a horse's life expectancy is more than 40 years, then it can already be considered a long-liver. However, there are examples in history that could surprise even experienced specialists. The most striking case is the stallion Old Billy, who was able to live for 62 years. All his life he worked at a difficult job - transporting cargo ships. A number of other long-lived horses can be noted:

• a pony from France whose lifespan was 52 years;
• a sports horse who was able to live to be 42 years old.

Hunting season for mares

Sexual heat is the behavior of a horse in which it shows a desire to reproduce. During this period, she allows the stallion to approach her and is most often capable of fertilization. The hormones of the pituitary gland and the follicle, which matures, determine and encourage hunting.

Random season

The period when a mature egg has entered the uterine cavity and the reproductive tract is ready to receive sperm is called the estrous period. This is when the mare is ready to accept the stallion. On average, heat in mares lasts about a week, but sometimes it can range from 1-2 to 14-16 days.

In addition, it should be noted that the heat period in horses is controlled not only by hormonal fluctuations, but also by psychological factors. The duration of the hunt is influenced by the conditions of nutrition, maintenance and use of mares, as well as the individual characteristics and age of the horse. In poor housing conditions, the period of heat in mares increases and the number of sexual cycles decreases. In addition, the heat of young mares is longer, but less pronounced than that of full-aged mares.

You can determine whether a mare is in heat by the way she behaves, as well as by the appearance of the external genitalia. During the hunt, the horse often neighs, can approach the stallion on its own, does not defend itself when entering the cage, and the external genital organs swell and white discharge appears.

The appetite of mares that are in the heat phase worsens, in addition, their body temperature rises slightly, and they quickly get tired when working. If the mare does not show obvious desire, you need to contact a veterinarian.

A veterinarian can determine a mare's sexual cycle and determine the optimal time for mating, or identify problems that interfere with normal ovulation and fertilization, only after a thorough examination of the horse, which is carried out several times at equal intervals.

All changes that occur during each period of the cycle are naturally accompanied by hormonal and morphological transformations of the reproductive tract.

Factors that determine life expectancy

The lifespan of horses is determined by various factors. Some of them people are not able to change. These include incurable diseases associated with heredity, breed, etc. Factors that can be regulated include:

1. Physical activity. Loads on the animal should be moderate. Sometimes even one day of hard, intense labor is enough to kill a mare. You cannot do without moderate training, since in this case the horse’s muscles will gradually begin to atrophy.
2. Health. The owner must monitor the horse’s health and treat illnesses in a timely manner. It is necessary to vaccinate the animal and have the animal examined by a veterinarian as necessary.
3. Living conditions of horses. The room where horses are kept must be warm, dry and clean. In dirty and damp conditions, animals grow worse and get sick more often and more severely.
4. Horse nutrition. Horses need to be given balanced, nutritious and high-quality food. Vitamin deficiency and unsuitable feed can significantly shorten the life of a horse.

Visual inspection

A horse’s age can be determined by the timing of its formation and changes:

• fangs;
• molars (back molars);
• incisors;
• premolars (molar front teeth);

Diagram of the dentition Incisors
are also classified as:

• hooks;
• average;
• edges;

To determine the age category of a horse based on its incisor toes, you need to know how the horse’s teeth are structured, the time of their formation, appearance, and the shape of the chewing surface.

Chewing surface shape

How to determine age

1. According to the horse's croup;
2. In the teeth;
3. By the appearance of the ears and lips;
4. On the legs

There is another variety of odd-toed ungulates called ponies. It should be noted that a horse at 30 years old is considered a long-liver, and the average life expectancy of a pony is 35 years. Some animals reach the age of 40, or even 50. There are known cases of such longevity.

How long do record-breaking horses live? A draft gelding named Old Billy has died at the age of 62. He was sent into retirement just a few years before his death. Having pulled barges all his life, he was in good health.

Scientists have concluded how many years horses live on average. In the wild, they live up to 15. This is the maximum age, unless the animal is exposed to a disease and is not caught in the teeth of a predator, which often happens in life.

From all of the above, the conclusion suggests itself that the biological life expectancy of a horse is approximately 35 to 40 years, and for a pony a little more: from 40 to 45. Wild mustangs in nature live less.

Riding instructors give preference to older horses

There are flexible individuals in every age group, but it is usually recommended for novice riders and owners to purchase an old horse. The thought of buying a young horse sounds tempting: people think that the animal will become attached to them if it is tamed from childhood, but this is not true.

If a trotter has reached the age of 15, this does not mean that the animal needs to be “retired”

With the right approach, taking into account age-related changes, many geldings are in no way inferior to young horses

We recommend reading our other articles

• How to plant onion sets
• Hilling potatoes with a hiller
• What to feed lambs
• Pickled Green Tomato Recipes

1. A beautiful body, an abundance of prominent muscles, tight skin, shiny coat, and the absence of folds indicate that the horse is no more than 12 years old.
2. A young animal will never behave lethargically if it is healthy. Horses are active animals, they need movement, so activity and a cheerful disposition indicate that the pet is no more than 15 years old.
3. A horse that is over 10 years old and has long, coarse hair on its nose or around its lips.
4. Hardening of the joints indicates either great age or injury to the animal. But in the second case, he will have pain while walking - this is easy to check.
5. Hanging lips and ears that are out of alignment indicate old age. Because horses' mouth and ear muscles weaken with age.

But the most accurate method of determining the age of a horse is by its teeth. These animals feed mainly on roughage, so over time their teeth deteriorate and wear out. It is possible to determine the exact age, but it is quite difficult without practice. If you need to know for sure, you should call a veterinarian.

An experienced breeder will determine at first glance how old the animal is.

But if we are talking about an inexperienced person who wants to purchase a stallion, it is important to know several signs indicating age:

• toned muscles, smooth, shiny, wrinkle-free skin - the animal is no more than 12 years old;
• behavior: playfulness, activity, energy indicate youth;
• coarse, thick hair on the face – the horse is over 10 years old;
• seals on the joints indicate age;
• drooping lips and drooping ears are signs of old age.

The playfulness and activity of an animal is a sign of youth

The best age for a horse is 9 years: the animal becomes balanced and has an optimal balance of strength and experience.

Age-related variability in horse conformation

During the uterine period, horses develop more tubular bones than flat bones. In this regard, newborn foals are characterized by high legs, a large head with a convex forehead and a rounded nape (“hare head”), a short and narrow facial part with unpronounced zygomatic ridges and undeveloped jaws, a short neck, a shortened body with a small chest girth and undeveloped withers, long legs with thick joints. The protective hair of the mane and tail of foals is soft and short, and the outer hair is long, soft, and dark in color. The hooves are narrow.

In the postnatal period, flat bones develop more intensively. Therefore, in a growing young horse there is a gradual increase in the width, depth, girth and length of the body. Its body becomes more massive. Therefore, large-headed, narrow-chested and long-legged young horses are not defects, but signs of its underdevelopment and late maturity.

In full-aged horses, fat is deposited under the skin and on the internal organs when well fed, and they acquire good fatness faster than young and old horses.

Old horses are usually underfed and angular in shape. Their lower jaw becomes thinner, their lips droop with wrinkles, and their incisors close at a sharper angle. Their muscles, tendons and ligaments lose their elasticity, their back sags, their sacrum and croup become roof-shaped. Due to drying and weakening of the muscles, the glenohumeral joints protrude forward, the shoulder blades take a more inclined position. The limbs acquire incorrect positioning and various defects in the joints, hooves, etc. The mane and tail thin out, the outer hair becomes dull and tousled, and gray hair appears in the eyebrows, around the eyes and nostrils of horses of dark colors. The hooves become rough and brittle.

Centenarians

Not only individuals, but also some breeds can be long-lived.

Breeds

Horses of such breeds as Arabian and Akhal-Teke can live up to 35 years. Ponies live 35-38 years, and draft horses can live the same amount of time.

Record-breaking animals

Let's list the horses that have remained in history as exceptional long-livers:

1. The most famous English long-lived horse is Old Bill, born in 1760, lived for 62 years and died on November 27, 1822. His skull is still kept in the Manchester Museum.
2. Another long-liver is a pony named Bonnie Lass, who lived in France for a long time - 54 years. His record among ponies has not been broken to this day.
3. Among purebred horses, the record holder is considered to be a mare who lived for 46 years and at the age of 42 foaled her thirty-fourth baby.
4. The English thoroughbred gelding Duke Tango lived in Australia for 42 years.
5. Irish heavy truck Shane - lived 51 years and died in 2004.
6. In our country, the sports horse Budynok is famous, who lived for 32 years, and the Arab breeding mare Sahara, who died at 31 years old.

These are not all cases of longevity of horses. Previously, such age records were not kept, so there may be other surprising cases that only the owners knew about.

Dentition in young and mature periods

Each tooth in these animals begins to form at the embryonic stage of development, since horses are mammals. Age is indicated not only by external data, but also by the number of teeth:

• the foal has 3 premolers, then the first canines and incisors form;
• for mature stallions - 40 pieces;
• in mature mares - 36 pieces.

Important to consider! Horses have a human trait in the process of dentition formation - the first formed teeth are replaced by permanent ones. The first molar, if the horse is healthy, is formed at the age of 1 year; at 2-3 years, replacement occurs, including premolars. The third molar appears at the age of 4 years. The main canines appear when the animal is 3-6 years old. The surface of the teeth is embossed, since the enamel is applied in several layers.

Averages

The average life expectancy in the wild and in domestic conditions will be very different, and this is not surprising. In their natural environment, horses are not vaccinated; they are subject to constant attacks from wild animals and insects, and their nutrition, especially in winter, cannot be called complete.

It is worth saying that there are no exact figures, but there are statistics that need to be relied on. Among the horses raised at home, there are record holders who were able to live as long as possible with proper care.

If we take the general indicator, without taking into account any factors, then the average life expectancy is from 35 to 40 years. This period can be determined more accurately taking into account what the horse is used for, how it is kept and what breed it belongs to.

For some reason, most people think that horses that are raised in the wild exhibit a longer lifespan. In fact, this is not entirely true, because it is not always possible to get complete and high-quality nutrition, a sufficient amount of it, hence there are few long-livers among them; rather, such horses are an exception to the rule. In their natural environment, horses are exposed to numerous diseases, and even those that humans have learned to cope with lead to premature death. They have to constantly move to find food and escape from predators. Also, one cannot write off natural disasters and harsh weather conditions, when horses simply have nowhere to hide.

In this case, the average life expectancy is only 10 to 15 years - this is the figure that statisticians and scientists tend to lean towards

However, it is necessary to take into account in which region of the country the animal grows. For example, in the south, spring comes earlier, winter is not so severe, and accordingly, everything is not so scary for wild horses, since there is always food even under the snow

Here life expectancy is increased from 15 to 25 years.

At home, all favorable conditions are created for the animals, including the possibility of calling a professional doctor for a preventive examination. Food is served in accordance with the established regime, viruses and bacteria recede after periodic vaccination, the stables are warm and dry. Domestic mares and stallions are setting new records for longevity. Decorative breeds have a minimal workload; today, only in villages are horses still used as labor, and even then infrequently, since there are walk-behind tractors and other small vehicles.

Thoroughbred thoroughbred horses live longer than others. On average, they live up to 30 years, which is an undeniable achievement of man.

If we compare purebreds with ordinary domestic horses, the latter can live up to 25 years, but at the same time the owner is required to provide the animal with proper care and concern.

Decorative ponies or breeds that are often used in sledding live a measured life, they are calm, so their maximum lifespan is 38 years. As for sports record holders, it’s difficult to say for sure: sometimes they live up to 30 years, and sometimes they live no more than 10. Much depends on the intensity of the training, and in addition, the type of sport in which the animal participates. If you get too carried away with achieving results from a horse, it will simply die from overwork, in which case life expectancy is reduced by three times.

Old horse's teeth

The main age indicator is grinding down of the relief (cups) of the teeth. Changes begin on the incisors (hooks, middle, edges). If the horse is already 6 years old, then characteristic thinning will appear on the toes in the lower jaw. The middle ones change at 7 years, the edges - at 8 years. The upper jaw begins to change (wearing of the cups appears), respectively, from the age of 9 years. During this period, changes are noted on the upper holds. In the next 2 years (10-11 years of the horse), thinning occurs on the middle incisors and edges.

What affects life expectancy

In addition to the already listed correct diet and good conditions of maintenance and care, how long horses live is influenced by:

• are they wild or domestic animals?
• horse breeds;
• the way they are used (breeding, work or sport).

First of all, the stable must be clean and dry. Horses cannot stand moist, musty air and often get sick in such cases. In addition, the limbs and joints of these large animals are highly sensitive. The slightest oversight - and they begin to hurt, swell, and various types of inflammation appear.

The horse's daily routine is very important. Living creatures get used to certain feeding times. In addition, you need to properly alternate physical activity and rest, as well as regularly walk them in the fresh air. All these are components of a long and comfortable life for a pet, regardless of its age.

Diet

Their diet has a huge impact on the physical health, and, therefore, on the longevity of these animals.

It must be not only nutritious, but also balanced, that is, it must contain products that are sources of vitamins and minerals necessary for the horse’s body. Typically, a properly selected diet consists of:

• grain crops (oats, barley);
• high quality hay;
• in summer - green food (freshly cut and slightly dried grass);
• feed;
• vitamin and mineral supplements.

If animals are kept on pastures, then they eat up to 25 kilograms of various plant foods per day. If they are kept in a stable, the same amount must be provided to them from outside.

There are many cases where famous and renowned horses, retiring, died before reaching old age. Most often this is due to the fact that they fell into “bad” hands. As practice shows, the lack of proper care and human love rapidly shortens the life of animals.

Conditions of detention

Animals must also have a proper daily routine, mandatory exercise, and physical activity. Even if the horse is “retired”, it must run. Let it be a regular 20-minute jog on the cord or training with children.

Nutrition

A horse is, first of all, a herbivore, so in order to prolong its life, you need to monitor proper nutrition. These animals have a special stomach structure, so not all conventional foods are suitable for them.

The basis of the diet should be high-quality grain, hay, grass, feed and grass. And also vitamin supplements and premixes. Pasture is a must, as one horse requires at least 25 kg of grass per day.

Defects and anomalies

The most common problem is extra teeth or so-called tops.
They appear at any age and cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Since they appear without a pair, they injure the oral cavity and often cause inflammatory processes. The tops can fall out on their own - they do not have alveoli, so the connection with the jaw is small. But most often their mechanical removal is required. In this case, it is best to contact a veterinarian, as he has special equipment for this.

Did you know? Horses have a very keen sense of smell . Previously, for better control, riders and owners always lubricated their hands with aromatic oils so that the animal did not smell the sweat from them. In addition, horses cannot stand the smell of blood.

Very often, horses develop all sorts of cracks on their teeth, and sometimes breaks occur. The causes of this pathology can be injuries, improper care and nutrition. If an animal begins to take less food or refuses it altogether, this is one of the clearest signs of the development of painful and pathological changes. Dental problems are often accompanied by gingivitis and glossitis due to damage to the mucous membranes. Cracks in teeth must be treated, and tooth fragments must be removed. It is best to call a specialist for this, as additional treatment with medications and antiseptics may be necessary if the lesion is large.

Tooth decay is another problem that occurs as a result of cracked teeth. If they are not treated in time, the damage spreads not only to the teeth, but also to the pulp and gums.

The pathology is manifested by chewing disorders, bad odor and excessive salivation. Bare cavities and pits appear in the teeth.

If the teeth are affected by caries, it is best to remove them, especially if the horse is old. It is also practiced to clean the oral cavity with special cement, which removes plaque and caries.

This is interesting: Learning to ride a horse - how to train a horse

What affects the lifespan of a horse?

In order for a horse or pony to live a long, happy life at home, it needs, first of all, a balanced diet, good living conditions, and a moderate alternation of work and rest. The lowest duration is observed in sports horses and wild ones. The former, despite good conditions, care and proper feeding, wear out their bodies with grueling training and competitions. Therefore, the use and activity of the horse still needs to be put in the foreground.

Care and maintenance

If your horse is properly maintained, then the next factor that will affect its lifespan is care and living conditions

It is important to remember that many thoroughbred horses are very sensitive to cold, dampness and poor hygiene, and therefore require careful care every day. But even hardened representatives of native local breeds, despite the fact that they can live in open spaces, also need good conditions without dirt and drafts

Cleanliness and dryness in this case will be the key to long life and health.

Nutrition

Nutrition is the basis of life and its quality determines its duration. In order for the age of the horse not to become an obstacle to its work, it is necessary that the animal, in addition to the main feed, receives additional nutrients, vitamins, and microelements. Today the horse industry is able to provide a very large selection of nutritional supplements based on the needs of the animal.

It is also important to remember that horses have very sensitive digestive systems, so not all feeds are suitable. It is necessary to carefully select grain, hay, green mass, as well as feed and additives

Dental care

Teeth need especially careful examination and care. If there are diseases or problems, they can seriously affect the animal’s condition, interfere with eating, and cause pain. Problematic teeth are teeth that grow incorrectly, fragments of knocked out teeth that can stick into the gums, worn out or worn out, and teeth with inflamed gums.

Signs of dental problems include:

• difficulty eating and chewing, excessive salivation;
• unpleasant and pungent odor from the nostrils and mouth;
• discharge with undigested food particles;
• swelling of the nose and copious discharge;
• the animal becomes nervous, restless and disobedient.

Since horses have a problem with tooth wear, which occurs unevenly when kept in a stable or farm, their sharp ends need to be constantly filed down.

Important! If your pet behaves restlessly and refuses to eat, this may indicate problems in the oral cavity. It is very important to find out this as quickly as possible, since horses get used to pain very quickly and after that may not show that anything is bothering them.

Dental examinations should be carried out constantly and regularly.

If this is not done, your pet may bite its lip or break its gum while chewing. Proper examination and care of teeth is provided by a specialist - the veterinarian has all the necessary tools for this.

Why file horses' teeth: video

https://youtube.com/watch?v=TBVfHCSO1po

Signs and signs

The appearance of a horse undergoes significant changes from the moment of birth. Horses age just like people - they develop wrinkles that are noticeable under the lower eyelid, in the corners of the eyes. Also, in old age, the thickness of the ganache (cheekbones) and the bridge of the nose decreases. In adult horses, thickening of the lumbar vertebrae occurs, especially their transverse processes, which are clearly palpable. Unfortunately, these changes cannot be called reliable. The fact is that in a number of horses, with poor feeding and maintenance, such changes are possible at an early age, and with proper care they may not appear in old age. In addition, it is impossible to accurately determine the age based on these factors; one can only assume that the horse is older than 10 years.

During the process of ontogenesis, the horse changes greatly. The foal's bone tissue, especially tubular tissue, develops rapidly while in the womb. Therefore, by the time of birth, small horses have an awkward appearance - long limbs, poor development of muscles and tendons, a large relative amount of bones (30% of body weight, as opposed to 12% in an adult animal). The head stands out noticeably - it has a characteristic “hare” profile, due to the prominent occipital and frontal bones.

It is possible to determine the age of a horse by external signs, but this is an imprecise diagnosis that gives approximate results in comparison with the dental formula.

Hair at birth is dark in color, but as it gets older it becomes lighter. In old age, many horses become gray - colorless hair predominates. The mane and tail of foals do not have a characteristic beauty - they are short, inexpressive brushes, like those of wild Przewalski horses and donkeys.

In old age, muscles and ligaments lose elasticity. Noticeable changes occur in the skin of horses - turgor decreases, wrinkles appear, especially noticeable on the face and groin. The lips are covered with folds and droop. The limbs become thinner, and the weight of the muscles and body decreases. The hungry fossae sink in, the glenohumeral joint protrudes forward, and the spinous processes of the vertebrae protrude. The hair and hooves lose their shine, a matte finish appears, and the mane and tail become very thin.

Diet

The role of good nutrition in a horse’s life is paramount. Centuries-old experience of keeping shows that the life expectancy of horses, with proper care and varied balanced feeding, is at least 25-30 years.

Grocery list

In the wild, horses live and feed in fields and meadows. For 20 hours a day they eat green food:

• clover;
• nettle;
• alfalfa;
• chamomile;
• milk thistle;
• burdock;
• dandelions, etc.

These animals have a small stomach and cannot eat a large portion of food at once. Therefore, the horse must have constant access to feed in the stable and the opportunity to graze in the warm season.

It should be remembered that you should feed her an hour after intense training or heavy work.

Horses are given:

• succulent feed - fresh grass, sunflower and corn silage (not suitable for pregnant women and racehorses), canned grass and grass saturated with lactic acid bacteria, wild plants, green corn, tubers, pulp, root tops;
• roughage - straw, chaff of spring crops, hay, as the main nutrition of the horse, its calorie content is the same as that of oats, but there is 8 times more calcium and protein, three times more fiber. When preparing hay, it is important to take it from different places to provide more variety of grass;
• concentrated feed - oats, wheat, barley, corn;
• technological production waste – meal, cake, bran, etc.;
• feed additives - premixes, fish oil, fish and meat and bone meal, chalk, table salt, yeast.

Features of drinking

The horse is given water three times a day, before feeding, 15-20 liters of fresh water, in the hot season up to 70 liters per day.

Inappropriate drinking is unacceptable! The water temperature should not be lower than 8–12°.

After feeding dry food, the horse needs to be given water. You can’t give the animal water immediately after work or racing; it needs to cool down.

Installing automatic drinkers in the stalls allows you to individually regulate the time of drinking and the amount of water drunk.

How much does food cost?

It costs at least 10 thousand rubles per month to feed (basic food and supplements) 1 individual weighing 500 kg.

How much does basic food cost:

• hay – 450 kg at a price of 5 rubles. per kg, total 2250 rubles;
• oats - 210 kg at a price of 13 rubles, total 2730 rubles;
• vegetables – 150 kg, about 2200 rubles;
• bran – 60 kg, 600 rub.

It is difficult to say how much you will need to spend on additives. This largely depends on the additives themselves, the time of year, etc., on average it will be up to 2 thousand rubles per month.

Breeding

Breeding horses is a costly and complex business. Although it can be profitable if the horses live long. To do this, you need to take into account factors such as:

• sensitivity of the animal to the conditions of detention;
• nutrition;
• care and attention;
• the need for free space in the stable and for walking.

Breeding directions:

• breeding horse breeding;
• horse meat production;
• production of kumys;
• training and hippotherapy;
• rental organization;
• participation in horse racing;
• in farming.

Rules for choosing partners

Horses reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 years; the optimal age for them to begin mating is considered to be 3 years. Many horses retain the ability to mate for almost their entire lifespan.

When choosing a partner, consider:

• quality indicators of the breeding individual;
• its heritable indicators;
• presence of changes in genetic indicators;
• age of the animal.

At the first stage of selection, phenotypes are assessed:

• live weight;
• exterior;
• agility;
• measurements;
• compliance with breeding purpose.

Next, parental pairs are formed that are capable of producing the desired offspring using the method of heterogeneous and homogeneous selection.

Heterogeneous selection is applicable when one of the individuals does not have clearly expressed desired characteristics in order to improve the breeding qualities of the offspring.

Homogeneous selection is used if both parents have the desired set of distinct breeding characteristics.

Features of mating

In modern horse breeding, mating is carried out using the following methods:

• varkov - in which mares are driven into a varok (yard, paddock), a stallion is introduced to them, who independently determines the mare ready for covering;
• schooling - used in herd conditions, by forming schools in which the stud stallion independently determines the heat of the mares and covers them;
• manual – used for stall keeping. A mare's heat is determined by rectal examination or using test males.

During manual mating, the couple is placed in a special room, and mating harnesses are put on the stallion and mare. More than 2 matings per day are not recommended.

Pregnancy and childbirth

If the mare is covered, she no longer allows the stallion to approach her, becomes lazy, calmer and has an increased appetite.

At the second stage of pregnancy, roundness appears, before the birth itself the groin falls off, the udder swells, and colostrum begins to ooze. The mare needs more careful care during this period. Hard work and intense training are contraindicated for her.

Pregnancy lasts about 11 months (341±14 days).

During the last 3 months of pregnancy, feed consumption increases by 30-40%, while its amount per feeding decreases, and the number of feedings themselves increases.

On the day of birth, the mare shows anxiety, but she foals more often at night, in silence and solitude.

However, to identify a risk group, it is advisable to examine pregnant mares - examination, blood test and ultrasound. This will help determine how many foals are ready to be born, i.e. whether there is a multiple pregnancy. It is better to detect fetal pathology at an early stage to increase the chances of survival of the foal and mother.

Stages of labor:

• cervical dilatation lasts from 30 minutes. up to 2 days;
• fetal hatching - 20-30 minutes, the second foal in case of twins after the first can be born in 10-20 minutes;
• postpartum - expulsion of the placenta, this occurs approximately an hour after the birth of the foal.

Foal Development

After birth, it is important to observe the foal, this will help to understand how healthy it is. The following time frames for the manifestation of the first behavioral reactions are recommended (see table).

Foals are divided into groups based on age:

• sucklings - from birth to weaning;
• weanlings - from weaning to one year of age;
• yearlings;
• two-year-olds;
• three-year-olds.

During the first month, foals suckle from their mother; from the second month they are given feeding in the form of rolled oats. Breeding foals are weaned at the age of 6-8 months, non-breeding foals are weaned at 5-6 months.

Mandatory visits to the veterinarian

The health and lifespan of horses depend on timely access to a veterinarian.

In horse breeding farms, all measures to prevent infectious and invasive diseases of horses are carried out in strict accordance with the technological maps of these measures.

For private owners, regularly visiting a veterinarian is also mandatory; this is their personal responsibility for the life and health of their pets.

Diseases

Like any living creature, a horse is susceptible to attack by pathogenic microbes - viruses, bacteria and fungi. According to the pathogen, there are:

• viral diseases of horses: influenza, pneumonia, smallpox, false rabies, INAN (infectious anemia);
• bacterial diseases: tetanus, myt, salmonellosis, anthrax, glanders;
• fungal diseases: trichophytosis (ringworm);
• parasitic: oxyurosis, psoroptosis, breeding disease.

Vaccination

Veterinary rules provide for certification of sports, circus, and theater horses, which must be vaccinated:

• for horse flu - every 6 months;
• for lichen and anthrax – once a year.

Horses are also examined every six months for FAP, infectious anemia, and breeding disease.

It should be understood that no vaccine provides a 100% guarantee that an animal will not contract a viral infection.

There is no guarantee that there will be no complications after vaccinations, such as allergic reactions and exacerbations of chronic diseases. Local and general reactions to vaccination are possible: lethargy, fever, rashes, colic, etc.

In any case, after vaccination the animal should rest for several days. Work and training after vaccination begin in a gentle manner.

Dental examination

Teeth are the first thing people pay attention to when buying a horse; their condition indicates its age and health. It has been proven that those individuals whose owners pay due attention to the health of their teeth live on average 10 years longer.

A horse's teeth wear out over time, by about a third by the age of 20. However, this applies more to those who live in the wild.

Pets often need periodic (once every 6-12 months) filing of teeth, which grow back without having time to wear out. This is due to the food they receive. They are not as coarse as in the wild and are easier to digest.

Molars (6, 7, 8 teeth) are often displaced, which makes chewing hard food painful.

If the teeth are unhealthy, the horse will not be able to chew food well, resulting in:

• intestinal colic;
• malnutrition;
• weight loss;
• performance characteristics;
• and ultimately, reducing its lifespan.

Therefore, regular examination of your horse's teeth and gums is very important, especially as he ages.

It is complicated by the fact that the animal’s oral cavity is elongated, and it is not so easy to examine the molars. To do this, they use a special device - a dental retractor, which fixes his mouth in a slightly open position for examination and treatment.

Today, special intraoral cameras have been invented that make it possible to determine the initial stage of the disease and the presence of abnormalities in equine teeth and gums, which is impossible during a routine examination.

Parasite Control

Today, the main scourge of an adult horse is tapeworms and small strongylids, while young horses are most often plagued by roundworms.

Helminths cause colic, decreased immunity, diarrhea and deterioration in appearance. Unfortunately, helminths are observed to develop resistance to the anthelmintic drugs used.

At the same time, horses develop sufficient immunity to most helminths, with which they actually live their entire lives; the main thing in caring for a horse is to control the degree of helminth infestation.

To do this, horse feces are examined for helminth eggs 9-16 weeks after deworming. If the number of worm eggs exceeds the norm, repeat deworming is carried out.