Supplements for older horses: what’s on the market?

Older horses will often feel life’s challenges, such as decreased grazing quality and restricted movement, the most so it’s important to make sure they’re getting everything they need. While you can get supplements to support specific areas of your horse’s wellbeing, such as joint supplements or digestive supplements, some companies also make supplements for older horses that are formulated to support their all-round health.

These veteran supplements often contain ingredients that are known to support the joints and digestive system, so that they are working as efficiently and comfortably as possible. Some also include ingredients that aim to help maintain the hormonal balance. There are such a wide range of veteran-specific supplements that it’s important to consider what you’re looking to gain from one before you make a purchasing decision.

If you compete with your older horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.

Supplements for older horses: what are your options?

Here is a selection of the best supplements for older horses that are currently available below in our alphabetical list, which includes the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…

NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.

Blue Chip Super Concentrated Senior Balancer

This feed balancer includes CushinCombo, which is a combination of chaste tree berry, antioxidants and omega oils, as well as a complete joint supplement, containing glucosamine and rosa canina.

Dodson & Horrell Mobility

This dried blend of herbs will support your horses muscles and joints. It includes comfrey leaf, dandelion and nettle, which work to help support normal cell renewal and general joint and bone health. Celery seed, burdock root and devil’s claw root are also added for ease of movement.

Equiform Nutrition Excel Cush-ex

This liquid supplement provides support for the ageing competition horse. It contains milk thistle and chaste berry to provide nutritional support for the pituitary gland and liver, helping the body to keep the effects of old age at bay.

EquiLife Vitex4 Equids Plus

This contains Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), which helps to support the horse’s hormonal balance by assisting the normal functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Equine Products Equine OAP

A total-spectrum complementary feed for older horses that provides vitamins, minerals, trace elements, probiotics, prebiotics and a protein source for maintenance of general health and vitality.

Feedmark Veteranaid

This is described as the ideal tonic for older horses who require additional nutritional support to bring back their sparkle. It provides powerful herbs selected for their beneficial and supportive effects on the immune, circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Global Herbs Veteran Plus

This supplement is designed to help support older horses when they lose the spark of youth. The key herbs, such as winter cherry, help to support digestion and immune function. It helps to maintain peak body condition, mobility and energy levels.

NAF In The Pink Senior

This supplement provides the older horse with the support he needs to stay active and feeling young. It helps balance the diet and the digestive system, which enables the horse to maximise the value of his feed intake. It also supplies antioxidant ingredients to flush excess free radicals and provides nutrients to support joint health.

Science Supplements WellHorse Veteran

This supplement contains every important nutrient your veteran horse requires and meets the NRC (National Research Council) and BASF (Animal Nutrition) recommendations for vitamins, microminerals and macrominerals to keep your older horse as active as ever. It also supports joint, respiratory and digestive health, muscle function, the immune system and coat and skin condition.

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