Frequency of body work for retired horse vs in work horse (chiro/acu and massage/PEMF)

[shadesofbay3]

hi all - wanted to get opinions on the frequency of body work for my 2 horses

i have a 6 year old warmblood that i just bought that i’m having pretty frequent body work done on… he will be my show horse and he’s just coming into steady work after sitting for a bit prior to my purchase… he is currently getting chiro every 4-6 weeks, and we will potentially be adding in acupuncture. i will be adding in massage and PEMF in november which will also be on a 4-6 week rotation

i also have a retiree who is a 27 year old TB. she has a myriad of health issues due to age (cushings, DSLD, ringbone, arthritis, etc), but is spoiled rotten and as crazy as this is going to sound, i don’t want to “neglect” her when taking care of my gelding

thinking of fuuture scheduling, i was wondering how often to put her on the schedule along with my gelding. i wasn’t thinking of having her done every single time that he gets done, but wondering what other people do in similar situations. should i get her done every 2 times? every 3? i know it’s a weird question since you all don’t know either of my horses personally, but just wondering how you all treat your retirees. i just feel weird giving him all this “extra” (obviously he is in work and she isn’t), and then she gets nothing. trying to find a happy medium

thanks in advance

[Simkie]

What does she need? Like, what actually is of benefit to her? That’s where I’d start–what actually improves her quality of life.

The answer may be “none” which is fine, but if that doesn’t feel great to you, then schedule at a frequency that makes you feel good. Just recognize it’s about you, and not about her

[fordtraktor]

my 31 yo retiree gets none and is doing fantastic. Best thing you can do for yours is 24/7 turnout, and an Equioxx or two if she’s arthritic. Mine doesn’t need daily Equioxx but gets bute before the farrier comes for her knees.

[RedHorses]

Ask your chiropractor to assess. If there’s no issues, just little adjustments, once or twice a year as a check up would be enough. Or if she’s showing signs of being uncomfortable.

My 26 year old is still on the 6-8 week chiro schedule, and he gets Bemered 4-6 times a week for his heaves. He’s doing well, and I’m riding him 4-6 times a week as well. Mostly walk as we’re still building up strength after his stifle issues over the last couple of years. He needs the exercise to keep his PSSM managed.

[shadesofbay3]

mine does about 8 hours in the stall and the rest turnout … she gets her prascend and 2 equioxx daily and i also do adequan once a year… does it help, who knows. but if i can do anything else to help, and i have a practitioner out there, i’d like to do it