Happy Hooves, Healthy Smiles: Supporting Ryerss Farm’s Senior Horses

At Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, summer breathes a fresh sense of vitality into our sprawling pastures. The fields are lush, the sun casts a golden warmth on our herd, and our beloved retirees peacefully live out their golden years with the dignity and comfort they deserve. Yet, beyond the idyllic scene of swishing tails and contented grazing, the most crucial aspects of equine wellness happen quietly–in the diligent routines of our barn aisles and under the vigilant eyes of our dedicated team.

This month, we’re focusing on two essential and often overlooked pillars of senior horse care: dental and hoof health.

Hoof Care: The Unsung Importance of a “Horse Pedicure”

A horse’s hooves are its foundation. They grow continuously and require expert trimming every 6 to 8 weeks—something we affectionately call a “horse pedicure.” Even in retirement, this care is essential. Without it, our residents can develop painful conditions that impact their comfort and mobility.

June’s increased soil moisture and longer turnout times are excellent for our herd’s mental health, but they also bring challenges like softened hooves, thrush, and overgrowth. That’s why our skilled farriers visit regularly to provide:

• Trimming and balancing to support joint and posture health

• Monitoring for signs of laminitis and white line disease

• Treatment for cracks, bruising, and other hoof issues

For residents with arthritis, past injuries, or chronic lameness, we tailor hoof care to keep them pain-free and active.

For just $50, you can donate a “horse pedicure” to one of our beloved horses or give two horses the gift of comfort for $90.

Dental Care: More Than Just a Pretty Smile

Like their hooves, horses' teeth never stop growing, making yearly dental checkups vital, especially for seniors. As horses age, their teeth can wear down unevenly, change shape, and even fall out. These issues can lead to significant difficulty chewing, weight loss, and overall discomfort if left unchecked.

At Ryerss Farm, our veterinary team performs thorough oral exams on each horse regularly. During these checkups, horses are meticulously checked for:

• Sharp points (a process known as “floating”)

• Irregular movement of the lower jaw

• Tooth loss & related feeding challenges

• Gum disease & abscesses

• Excess salivation

• Chewing imbalances that affect digestion

To catch these issues early, our horses are carefully observed for indicators like dropping feed, quidding (chewing and spitting out hay), and changes in behavior. 

For $75, you can give the gift of a healthy smile by sponsoring a dental visit.

Sponsor a Ryerss Resident Today!

Looking for a rewarding way to support Ryerss Farm? Our Sponsor a Horse Program is a fantastic and fun opportunity to support a cherished Ryerss resident directly! For $500 a year, you can sponsor one of our residents, covering their essential care and supplies. 

Visit the farm any day from 10 AM to 4 PM to meet our herd and choose a resident who speaks to your heart, or read about them online. Once you’ve selected a resident, you can sponsor a resident online or fill out our sponsorship form and mail it in with your donation.

Other Ways to Make a Difference

There are many other ways you can ensure our residents receive the highest-quality care in their retirement.

• Donate to sustain the farm.

• Gift essentials from our Amazon and Chewy wish lists.

• Designate a gift to the Ryerss Farm Endowment Fund in your estate plans.

• Join our gift shop volunteer team to share Ryerss Farm's incredible legacy with visitors.