When Does A Horse Retire?

Retirement can become necessary at any age, through an injury, which has caused long-term damage, an incurable veterinary condition or severe behavioural problems. Some animals are born with very difficult problems and this means that they can never work and are retired in the very beginning. If the horse is in good health and does not have behavioural problems, the natural signs of old age indicate the right time for retirement. Older horses also become more prone to disease and injuries that can affect their ability to work. The person who works with the horse should be sensitive to the changes and energy levels in the horses' behaviour and some times a gradual retirement can be applied, where the horse progressively reduces working hours. There are special stables that take care of retired horses and charge for their services. At these retirement homes the horses are cared for normally, but do not work. The alternative to retiring home, especially if the horse is in very bad health, is for the veterinary to put the animal to sleep.

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