About This Project

Horses in their "golden years" are really difficult to manage. They tend to lose weight (and teeth), have a hard time staying warm, and struggle with chronic issues like Cushings and arthritis. Does the gut microbiome play a role in the decline of our older horse friends? Could gut microbiome differences point to probiotic solutions to keep old horses going strong? This project seeks support (and samples) to answer these questions.

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What is the context of this research?

Horses are unique "pets" because they are athletes, work partners, and companions. We form lasting attachments to our equine friends, and keep them well into old age. Due to improved management practices, it is common today to find horses active even into their 30s, but age does take a toll. Old horses have more dental issues, more sensitivity to environmental stress, are prone to chronic issues (arthritis), and have difficulty keeping weight.

This project seeks to identify differences in the gut microbiomes of aged horses (compared with younger counterparts) that could provide solutions to age related health issues, and help our older horses live in greater health and comfort.

This study is the first in a series of focused Equine Microbiome Project investigations.

What is the significance of this project?

While the numbers of horses over 30 yo continues to rise, only a few, limited studies have investigated how the microbiomes of this group differs from younger horses. Identifying differences in the bacteria populating the guts of old horses could point to specific functions or species that are missing or out of balance. These insights could point to specific probiotic candidates to improve digestive efficiency or immune function in older horses, helping them to maintain weight and enjoy healthier, happier "golden years".

What are the goals of the project?

As part of the Equine Microbiome Project, this study is the first in a series to focus on a specific group of horses with unique nutritional and management needs.

The goal of this project are to compare the gut microbiomes of old horses (>30 yo) with those of younger age groups. We seek financial support as well as samples from healthy older horses.