FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2026; 16(5); 813; doi: 10.3390/ani16050813

Geriatric Horses in Germany: Approaches to Nutrition, Housing and Overall Care.

Abstract: Changes in horse management and use mean that a growing number of horses are now kept into older age, while age-specific management practices for these animals remain insufficiently documented. This cross-sectional online survey aimed to describe the housing, feeding, activity, behaviour and care routines of horses aged 20 years and older in Germany, based on 923 questionnaires completed by horse owners about their senior horses. Most horses maintained regular tactile social contact (87.4%, = 805), and over half were still ridden or driven (61.6%, = 566). However, the proportion of horses in active riding or driving use declined strongly with age, from 78% in 20-24-year-old horses to 57% in those aged 25-29 years and 34% in horses aged 30 years or older ( < 0.0001). Daily grooming likewise decreased with age, falling from 58% in the youngest age group to 40% in the oldest, while weekly grooming became more common (20-24 vs. ≥30 years: < 0.0001; 25-29 vs. ≥30 years: = 0.0017). Behavioural patterns were largely stable, although the proportion of horses reported to have lost social rank within the herd increased from 25% in 20-24-year-old horses to 41% in horses aged 30 years or older (20-24 vs. 25-29 years: = 0.0050; 20-24 vs. ≥30 years: = 0.0002). Feeding practices also showed pronounced age-related differences: the use of long-fibered dry roughage declined from 90% in the youngest group to 69% in the oldest, whereas the use of pre-chopped dry roughage increased from 21% to 73% (both < 0.0001). The provision of mineral and vitamin supplements likewise decreased with age, from 51% of horses in the youngest group to 35% in the oldest ( = 0.0026). These findings indicate consistent differences between age groups in owner-reported management practices and highlight the importance of considering age when evaluating how older horses are managed.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2026-03-05 PubMed ID: 41829021PubMed Central: PMC12984791DOI: 10.3390/ani16050813Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study surveyed owners of geriatric horses (aged 20 years and older) in Germany to understand how the nutrition, housing, activity, behavior, and overall care of these senior horses vary with age.
  • The research identifies changes in management practices and horse behavior as horses grow older, emphasizing the need for age-specific care.

Research Purpose and Methodology

  • The study was conducted via a cross-sectional online survey targeting horse owners in Germany.
  • A total of 923 questionnaires were completed, providing data on horses aged 20 years and above.
  • The key areas examined were housing conditions, feeding routines, activity levels, behavioral changes, and general care.

Findings on Social Contact and Activity

  • Most senior horses (87.4%) continued to have regular tactile social contact with other horses, indicating maintained social interactions despite age.
  • Over half of the horses (61.6%) remained in active use, either ridden or driven, but this activity declined significantly with age:
    • 78% of horses aged 20-24 were actively used.
    • 57% of those aged 25-29 remained active.
    • Only 34% of horses aged 30 or older were still riding or driving.

Grooming and Care Patterns

  • Daily grooming decreased as horses aged:
    • 58% of younger seniors (20-24 years) received daily grooming.
    • 40% of the oldest group (≥30 years) received daily grooming.
  • Weekly grooming became more common with advancing age, suggesting a shift in care routine frequency.

Behavioral Changes

  • Behavior patterns were generally stable, but social rank changes became more frequent:
    • 25% of horses aged 20-24 had lost social rank within their herd.
    • 41% of horses aged 30 or older were reported to have lost rank.

Feeding and Nutrition Adjustments

  • Feeding practices showed significant age-related changes:
    • The proportion of horses fed long-fibered dry roughage decreased with age (from 90% in young seniors to 69% in the oldest group).
    • Conversely, pre-chopped dry roughage feeding increased from 21% to 73% as age increased, likely reflecting adjustments for dental or digestive challenges.
    • The provision of mineral and vitamin supplements decreased from 51% in younger seniors to 35% in the oldest horses.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The study reveals consistent differences in management and care practices across different senior age groups of horses.
  • There is a clear trend toward adapting nutrition and care as horses grow older, reflecting their changing physical and social needs.
  • The findings highlight the importance for horse owners, veterinarians, and caretakers to consider age-specific approaches to housing, feeding, and overall management to optimize welfare in geriatric horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Czerner AC, Lindner A, Zeyner A, Wensch-Dorendorf M, Gehlen H. (2026). Geriatric Horses in Germany: Approaches to Nutrition, Housing and Overall Care. Animals (Basel), 16(5), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16050813

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 5
PII: 813

Researcher Affiliations

Czerner, Antonia C
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Department, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Lindner, Arno
  • Verein zur Förderung der Forschung im Pferdesport e.V., c/o Dr. Arno Lindner, Heinrich-Roettgen-Str. 20, 52428 Juelich, Germany.
Zeyner, Annette
  • Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Straße 11, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
Wensch-Dorendorf, Monika
  • Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Theodor-Lieser-Straße 11, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
Gehlen, Heidrun
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Department, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany.

Grant Funding

  • Open Access Funding / Freie Universität Berlin

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

This article includes 37 references
  1. Fédération Equestre Nationale FN. Jahresbericht 2018 der Deutschen Reiterlichen Vereinigung und des Deutschen Olympiade-Komitee für Reiterei (DOKR). 2024.
  2. Ireland JL, Clegg PD, McGowan CM, McKane SA, Pinchbeck GL. A cross-sectional study of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom. Part 1: Demographics and management practices.. Equine Vet. J. 2011;43:30–36.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00145.xpubmed: 21143631google scholar: lookup
  3. Ireland JL, Clegg PD, McGowan CM, McKane SA, Pinchbeck GL. A cross-sectional study of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom. Part 2: Health care and disease.. Equine Vet. J. 2011;43:37–44.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00142.xpubmed: 21143632google scholar: lookup
  4. McGowan TW, Pinchbeck G, Phillips CJC, Perkins N, Hodgson DR, McGowan CM. A survey of aged horses in Queensland, Australia. Part 1: Management and preventive health care.. Aust. Vet. J. 2010;88:420–427.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00637.xpubmed: 20958281google scholar: lookup
  5. McGowan TW, Pinchbeck G, Phillips CJC, Perkins N, Hodgson DR, McGowan CM. A survey of aged horses in Queensland, Australia. Part 2: Clinical signs and owners’ perceptions of health and welfare.. Aust. Vet. J. 2010;88:465–471.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00638.xpubmed: 21091457google scholar: lookup
  6. Brosnahan MM, Paradis MR. Assessment of clinical characteristics, management practices, and activities of geriatric horses.. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2003;223:99–103.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2003.223.99pubmed: 12839072google scholar: lookup
  7. Brosnahan MM, Paradis MR. Demographic and clinical characteristics of geriatric horses: 467 cases (1989–1999). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2003;223:93–98.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2003.223.93pubmed: 12839071google scholar: lookup
  8. United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services National Animal Health Monitoring System. Equine 2015: Changes in the U.S. Equine Industry, 1998−2015.. 2017.
  9. Herbst AC, Coleman MC, Macon EL, Harris PA, Adams AA. Demographics and Health of U.S. Senior Horses Used in Competitions.. Equine Vet. J. 2024;57:1044–1052.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14438pubmed: 39533744google scholar: lookup
  10. Smith R, Pinchbeck G, McGowan C, Ireland J, Perkins E. Challenges for the Veterinary Profession: A Grounded Theory Study of Veterinarians’ Experiences of Caring for Older Horses.. Equine Vet. J. 2025;57:1053–1064.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14444pmc: PMC12135744pubmed: 39604101google scholar: lookup
  11. Hotchkiss JW, Reid SWJ, Christley RM. A Survey of Horse Owners in Great Britain Regarding Horses in Their Care. Part 1: Horse Demographic Characteristics and Management.. Equine Vet. J. 2007;39:294–300.
    doi: 10.2746/042516407X177538pubmed: 17722719google scholar: lookup
  12. Ralston SL, Squires EL, Nockels CF. Digestion in the Aged Horse.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 1989;9:203–205.
    doi: 10.1016/S0737-0806(89)80052-8google scholar: lookup
  13. Ralston SL. Clinical Nutrition of Adult Horses.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 1990;6:339–354.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30545-Xpubmed: 2202496google scholar: lookup
  14. AWIN. AWIN Welfare Assessment Protocol for Horses.. .
  15. Janczarek I, Gazda I, Barłowska J, Kurnik J, Łuszczyński J. Social Isolation of Horses vs. Support Provided by a Human.. Animals 2025;15:1649.
    doi: 10.3390/ani15111649pmc: PMC12153905pubmed: 40509115google scholar: lookup
  16. Gehlen H, Lilge S, Merle R, Steinborn S. Einfluss des Pferdealters auf die Wahl der Haltung, des Managements und der Dienstleistungsansprüche von Pferdebesitzern.. Berl. Münch. Tierärztl. Wochenschr. 2021;134:1–7.
  17. Kelemen Z, Grimm H, Vogl C, Long M, Cavalleri JMV, Auer U, Jenner F. Equine Activity Time Budgets: The Effect of Housing and Management Conditions on Geriatric Horses and Horses with Chronic Orthopaedic Disease.. Animals 2021;11:1867.
    doi: 10.3390/ani11071867pmc: PMC8300227pubmed: 34201584google scholar: lookup
  18. Lamanna M, Buonaiuto G, Colleluori R, Raspa F, Valle E, Cavallini D. Time-activity budget in horses and ponies: A systematic review and meta-analysis on feeding dynamics and management implications.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2025;154:105684.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105684pubmed: 40912378google scholar: lookup
  19. Brinkmann L, Gerken M, Riek A. Effect of long-term feed restriction on the health status and welfare of a robust horse breed, the Shetland pony (Equus ferus caballus). Res. Vet. Sci. 2013;94:826–831.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.10.010pubmed: 23141417google scholar: lookup
  20. Jovanović V, Vučinić M, Voslarova E, Nenadović K. Welfare Assessment of Stabled Horses in Five Equestrian Disciplines.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2024;143:105203.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105203pubmed: 39343326google scholar: lookup
  21. Phelipon R, Hennes N, Ruet A, Bret-Morel A, Górecka-Bruzda A, Lansade L. Forage, Freedom of Movement, and Social Interactions Remain Essential Fundamentals for the Welfare of High-Level Sport Horses.. Front. Vet. Sci. 2024;11:1504116.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1504116pmc: PMC11615640pubmed: 39634765google scholar: lookup
  22. Gueguen L, Lerch N, Grandgeorge M, Hausberger M. Testing individual variations of horses’ tactile reactivity: When, where, how?. Naturwissenschaften 2022;109:41.
    doi: 10.1007/s00114-022-01811-ypubmed: 35951112google scholar: lookup
  23. Wonghanchao T, Sanigavatee K, Poochipakorn C, Huangsaksri O, Chanda M. Dynamic Adaptation of Heart Rate and Autonomic Regulation During Training and Recovery Periods in Response to a 12-Week Structured Exercise Programme in Untrained Adult and Geriatric Horses.. Animals 2025;15:1122.
    doi: 10.3390/ani15081122pmc: PMC12024113pubmed: 40281956google scholar: lookup
  24. McKeever KH. Exercise Physiology of the Older Horse.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 2002;18:469–490.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(02)00029-9pubmed: 12516929google scholar: lookup
  25. Hildebrandt F, Büttner K, Krieter J, Czycholl I. The Behavior of Horses Stabled in a Large Group at Essential Resources (Watering Point and Lying Halls). J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2022;118:104106.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104106pubmed: 35970450google scholar: lookup
  26. Burattini B, Fenner K, Anzulewicz A, Romness N, McKenzie J, Wilson B, McGreevy P. Age-Related Changes in the Behaviour of Domestic Horses as Reported by Owners.. Animals 2020;10:2321.
    doi: 10.3390/ani10122321pmc: PMC7762420pubmed: 33297447google scholar: lookup
  27. Greppi M, Bordin C, Raspa F, Maccone E, Harris P, Ellis AD, Cavallini D, Bergero D, Valle E. Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices.. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 2024;108:1393–1404.
    doi: 10.1111/jpn.13977pubmed: 38704815google scholar: lookup
  28. Lowder MQ, Mueller POE. Dental Disease in Geriatric Horses.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 1998;14:365–380.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30203-1pubmed: 9742669google scholar: lookup
  29. Cavallini D, Penazzi L, Valle E, Raspa F, Bergero D, Formigoni A, Fusaro I. When changing the hay makes a difference: A series of case reports.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2022;113:103940.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103940pubmed: 35341909google scholar: lookup
  30. Jarvis N, Paradis MR, Harris P. Nutrition Considerations for the Aged Horse.. Equine Vet. Educ. 2019;31:102–110.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12749google scholar: lookup
  31. Raspa F, Chessa S, Bergero D, Sacchi P, Ferrocino I, Cocolin L, Corvaglia MR, Moretti R, Cavallini D, Valle E. Microbiota characterization throughout the digestive tract of horses fed a high-fiber vs. a high-starch diet.. Front. Vet. Sci. 2024;11:1386135.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1386135pmc: PMC11130486pubmed: 38807937google scholar: lookup
  32. Mösseler A. Equine Oldies but Goldies—Grundlagen der Fütterung alter Pferde.. Tierärztliche Umschau. Pferd Nutztier. 2020;4:14–21.
  33. Jarvis N, McKenzie HC 3rd. Nutritional Considerations When Dealing with an Underweight Adult or Senior Horse.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 2021;37:89–110.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.12.003pubmed: 33820611google scholar: lookup
  34. Vermorel M, Vernet J, Martin-Rosset W. Digestive and Energy Utilisation of Two Diets by Ponies and Horses.. Livest. Prod. Sci. 1997;51:13–19.
    doi: 10.1016/s0301-6226(97)00108-5google scholar: lookup
  35. Bordin C, Raspa F, Greppi M, Harris P, Ellis AD, Roggero A, Palestrini C, Cavallini D, Bergero D, Valle E. Pony feeding management: The role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping.. Front. Vet. Sci. 2024;11:1332207.
    pmc: PMC11046934pubmed: 38681853
  36. Potter SJ, Bamford NJ, Baskerville CL, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Comparison of Feed Digestibility between Ponies, Standardbreds and Andalusian Horses Fed Three Different Diets.. Vet. Sci. 2022;9:15.
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci9010015pmc: PMC8778529pubmed: 35051099google scholar: lookup
  37. Siciliano PD. Nutrition and Feeding of the Geriatric Horse.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 2002;18:491–508.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(02)00028-7pubmed: 12516930google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,928 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.