Nutrition for Senior Horses: Supporting Muscle and Joint Health

Horses are living longer, healthier lives than ever — and with good care, many stay active well into their twenties. But a horse's needs change as it ages. From around 15 to 18, most horses start to lose muscle and topline, their joints feel the years of work, and they don't get quite as much out of their feed. The good news: a few sensible adjustments to feeding and supplementation can keep a senior horse strong, comfortable and thriving.

How ageing changes a horse's needs

Older horses digest protein and fibre less efficiently, so even on the same diet they can start to drop condition and muscle. Teeth wear down, which makes chewing long forage harder. Joints that have done years of work need more support. The aim with a senior is not to feed more, but to feed smarter — better-quality protein, easy-to-chew forage, and targeted support where it's needed.

Protein and muscle: tackling topline loss

That sunken topline and loss of muscle over the back is usually about protein quality, not quantity. Senior horses benefit from feeds and supplements rich in quality amino acids. TRM Maxi-Top, a concentrated source of branched-chain amino acids, helps maintain and rebuild muscle mass — useful for older horses losing condition over the topline and hindquarters.

Joints and mobility

Years of work take their toll on joints, and stiffness is one of the most common reasons older horses slow down. A daily joint supplement helps maintain cartilage and comfort. TRM Stride (glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM) or the fast-absorbing liquid Stride HA with added hyaluronic acid are both good options — see the full joint range to match your horse.

Digestion: getting more from every feed

Because older horses extract fewer nutrients from their feed, supporting the gut pays off. A hindgut supplement like TRM Synbiovit, with live yeast and prebiotics, improves fibre digestion so your horse gets more from the forage it eats.

Condition and coat

If a senior is struggling to hold weight, adding calories through oil is a gentle, non-heating way to help. Curragh Carron Oil adds condition and brings out coat shine without the fizz that extra grain can cause.

A simple senior checklist

• Get teeth checked at least once a year so your horse can chew properly.
• Prioritise soft, easy-to-chew forage; soak if chewing is hard.
• Feed quality protein for muscle, not just more grain.
• Support joints and the gut daily.
• Monitor weight and body condition regularly, and involve your vet in any sudden change.

With small, consistent adjustments, most horses can stay happy and active well into their senior years.