If you’re reading this, chances are you have a special horse (or two) in your life and are curious about enrichment — how to make their world more stimulating, playful, and fulfilling. My goal is to bring those two worlds together: your love for your horses and the concept of enrichment. With the right ideas, you can make their daily lives more interesting, movement-rich, and deeply worth living.

Like humans, horses are living longer than ever. Typically, older horses will live into their twenties and often into their thirties. It’s natural to worry about your horse’s health into the golden years. Studies report that 70 percent of horses aged 20 years or older have some type of health issue requiring modifications in management practices and veterinary care. Let’s examine the six key issues your older horse might face, and tips to help you keep your horse feeling comfortable during those senior years.

Before you even start clipping, good tool care should be your top priority. Whether you’re giving your horse a full body clip or simply neatening up, sharp, clean, and well-lubricated blades will produce smoother results and help your equipment last longer. Take a moment to inspect the clippers and cords for any wear or damage before switching them on.

Clipping is one of those jobs that many horse owners despise — it’s messy, time consuming, and too often can be stressful for both horse and owner. But you don’t have to dread clipping your horse. If you know how to use the clippers correctly and keep the horse calm and relaxed throughout the experience, you can end up with a horse that looks like he’s been to the groomers, rather than just having survived a fight with a lawnmower.