I agree with Sandy. I am thinking about what my 12 year old mare is going to be like when she retires. I feed a vitamin and "flexion" supplement as part of the diet, hoping that it will help maintain her health and comfort long after she stops going on rides. Maybe it won't help, but I feel I'm asking a lot, so I should at least try. In a similar way, I worm her regularly to prevent long term health complications. I don't consider this an attempt to outperform anyone on any particular ride. (I also take Calcium, and glucosamine, hoping that I'll have strong bones, and useable joints when I'm in my Senior years, and maybe I'll be outriding some of my competition!
) Beth