Can older horses go deaf?

[donna]

My horse is out with 20+ year old Dales gelding, and when I go to the field, both run op to me whinnying(pure love-nothing to do with the food!!). However I have noticed recently that the older horse doesn't always notice me when it is dark. He only reacts when he sees my youngster heading my way.
Last night it was really dark, my horse was near the gate waiting and I spent nearly 1/2 an hour walking round the field calling the other one (15 acres, and on a hill!) I was so worried, my torch had just given up too. I eventually found him not far from the gate, totally oblivious. When I got closer he looked up, whinnied and came trotting up.
I have looked in his ears which are very hairy, but nothing obvious so can they go deaf with age, and does it cause a problem-apart from for worried carers tramping round field in the dark, yelling!?
He is retired, and is absolutely fine, apart from this.

[gizzypop]

Yes I think they can I looked after an old guy for a few years and he would come running up if he saw me but if he was looking the other way and I shouted my head off even if he was close he wouldn't lift his head. I also started to notice he couldn't hear traffic coming from behind him.

So I think yes older horses can go deaf

[fin]

And younger ones can develop very selective hearing

[beany1]

yes an old boy (45 yrs believe it or not!) near me was as deaf as a post and always stood at the far end of the field!

[thistle]

Could you put refective strips on his rug or headcollar, or if he is naked plait some into his mane and tail.

[annahindley]

You can buy lights for dogs that are weather proof. You could put one of those on so you could find him! My dog has a very funcky red-white-blue flashing sequence - I can see her for miles!

[donna]

I had thought of getting him reflective thingys but I don't like to leave headcollars on.
Thistle-like the idea of plaiting something into his mane-that might work.
Gizzypop-funny you mention the traffic-this horse has always been bombproof, but has recently started being jumpy in traffic-I didn't put 2 and 2 together, but your post has made me think-would be an explanation.

[gizzypop]

Donna be very careful if you think he may be missing the traffic. The problem I found was if something came passed with a trailer. He would know (most of the time!) if I kept my leg on that something was coming, but as it passed he would think it had gone and sometime swing the back end out. Bit scary if its towing a caravan!!

[Boony]

Just a thought but have you tried clapping your hands when you go to feed ? i know this works with dogs that are partially deaf as the sharper sound is somehow easier for them to hear hopefully the old boy will hear this and obviously get the idea eventually. Theres a farmer near me who breeds shires and when he calls them in all he dos is clap his hands and asif by majic lol they all come thundering up the fields quite a sight i might add looks fantastic all these mares and foals galloping along, nothong to do with your quandry though but it might work,

[donna]

I did wonder about a signal-flashing the torch or something, because he does come when he notices me. I read somewhere(perfect manners?)about someone sounding a car horn and the horses all came running because they knew they were getting food. Didn't know about clapping (although as my youngster is out it will have to be a signal to both, and as we do occaisional local shows she might go mad if everyone starts clapping, thinking they all have food!!!)

[Boony]

Ahh yes wouldnt that be a hoot i can see the headlines now " horse show feeding frenzy " lol the other thing you might try if you can get one is an old bicycle bell (mugging peeps on bikes next ) anyway good luck xx

[springtide]

Hi, I manage a livery yard and there is an old boy there he is 37 and we pratically have to wave out in the field to get him to come in for lunch. On the other hand i have a 33 year old boy who is blind as a bat bless him !

[Boony]

Hi Springtide long time no see how r you ?