Draft horses have a shorter life expectancy as compared to the other usual smaller horses. Draft horses usually live for 18 or 19 years, with 20 years of maximum life expectancy. The Belgian drafts usually live long enough to enjoy their 20's. One reason why draft horse breeds have shorter lives is due to recurrent congenital anomalies such as collagenopathies and other pathologies such as cataract formation in early life. Proper veterinary care is a prerequisite to a longer and healthier life however, the feed has an important role to play in determining the age and health of a draft horse. With adequate supplements and high-yield quality hay grain, draft horses may be saved from various ailments.