Posted 2015-09-09 6:04 PM Subject: Barrel racing and aged horse
Elite Veteran
Posts: 614
What does everybody do to keep their aged barrel horse happy, sound and racing competively. I have a 18 year old that doesn't have any real problem. Hocks if anything but I can tell he gets sore and sometimes quits at his 3rd barrel now.
Posted 2015-09-10 10:34 PM Subject: RE: Barrel racing and aged horse
Elite Veteran
Posts: 682 Location: Northwest
IMO I think keeping them in shape is super important. After that, good joint care and feed program. Platinum performance really helps the older, competitive horse stay at the top of their game. Not over running them but that depends on the individual horse too. Lastly keeping them as comfortable as possible, BOT, PHT, Soft rides etc. again depending on what each horse needs. Honestly my old horse gets the royal treatment but he has earned it (and continues to earn it) 100x over.
Posted 2015-09-11 5:21 PM Subject: RE: Barrel racing and aged horse
The best bad guy on the internet
Posts: 3519 Location: Arizona
I have a 20 year old mare that I am still running. Keeping them in great shape is very important like the other poster posted. Spending time to make sure they are properly warmed up before a race. Don't over run them. I use a BOT sheet, and hock boots for my mare. If they are still liking their job, I don't see why you can't keep competing on them.
Posted 2015-09-12 12:20 AM Subject: RE: Barrel racing and aged horse
Expert
Posts: 1586 Location: west of East Texas
I'm running a 25yo mare and I think it's genetics mostly. I don't do anything special for her. She's running much the same times as she ran 7 or 8 years ago. I'm also a firm believer in letting them be horses. She grazes in a 50 acre pasture with a 'herd' of 7 and they are always on the move. The vet looks her over twice a year. The chiro always tells me she doesn't need any adjustment. She's never had anything injected. She qualifed for the ANHA shootout in the 4D last weekend. Locally she a 3D finisher.
Posted 2015-09-12 10:33 AM Subject: RE: Barrel racing and aged horse
Veteran
Posts: 227 Location: Heart of Texas
LIVE2RUN - 2015-09-11 5:21 PM
I have a 20 year old mare that I am still running. Keeping them in great shape is very important like the other poster posted. Spending time to make sure they are properly warmed up before a race. Don't over run them. I use a BOT sheet, and hock boots for my mare. If they are still liking their job, I don't see why you can't keep competing on them.
This and I also use Stressline on his joints before a race and if I notice any sorenes. Helps alot. This alone got my old man .5 faster. I highly recommend this. It goes a long way and it won't break the bank. Worth every penny. Go to stresslineequine.com and check it out. Butch is amazing.
Barrel racing and aged horse
