very sluggish older mare

Question
I have a 20 year old Arab Quarterhorse cross.  She has always been on the lazy side.  But now she seems that she is VERY sluggish.  She walks slow, lower lip hanging like she's sleepy.  She has no energy.   I've had her since she was 3.  So this lack of energy is more than I am used to with her.  She is an easy keeper while the grass is in, and so is not getting a lot of grain.  She is plump, and that is mostly on grass as she is only getting a pound of grain a day, in addition to joint supplements and Source.  A friend said that it may be because she is not getting the vitamins and minerals she needs.  It may be true, but with this mare, she has been on a handful of grain in the past, and only grass and has not had this lack of energy.  I am just wondering what may be other reasons for her lack of energy.  She is out as much as possible.  Right now, we've had great weather, so they come in to eat and then go back out.  When she comes in, she eats, then goes to the door and hangs her head.  Its as if she is tired, and doesn't want to go back out.  Thanks so much in advance for your help.


Answer
Hi Allison,

Thank you for your question.  I manage a University barn where 50 horses have arrived over the last 2 days.  A lot of them are off the track so this question is refreshing in that it is the EXACT opposite of what I've been asked lately :-)

There could be a couple of things going on with her that could cause her to slow down.  Let's go over a few and perhaps we can find one that fits, and that we can work on.

One thing that holds true in aging horses is that their systems become less efficient with age, and their bodies have trouble using as much of what they eat. Every horse's digestive system ages at a different rate, so some horses need to eat like seniors at the age of 20 while others are youngsters at 30. Normally if their systems are inefficient, they begin to lose body condition which does not appear to be the case with your horse.

Your friend makes a valid point in suggesting a mineral/vitamin supplement and replacing her other grain (since she has lots of condition) with this new supplement would be a good idea.  Not sure what the weather has been  like where you are, but when there is a lot of rain the forages become very dilute and contain less mineral.

Another suggestion that I would make, and that kind of extends beyond my expertise, is to have your horse's blood tested for an iron deficiency.  Granted, I have seen a lot of RBC tests done and horses determined to be anemic when they weren't but the symptons you describe sound like an anemic horse (or person).

There are substances found in hay and grain that can cause anemia, or as suggested by your friend, perhaps there is not enough iron in the forages.  Remember that the horse's body stores RBCs and taking a sample from a relaxed horse may show low levels.  If the horse gets moving and functioning (or scared) the spleen contracts and extra RBCs are released into the blood stream.  So if you have her tested, get her slightly riled before the vet arrives...lol...and I would strongly urge you to have her tested.

If you have eliminated any condition that may be causing her sluggishness, I would normally suggest a feed with starch in it to get her energy back.  Straight oats may work, or a sweet feed where steam flaked (or extruded) corn is used.

Please let me know what your decision is, and if you need any more help please let me know.

Thanks, Corlena