Hi all, was looking to see what everyone does to help horses with arthritis stay comfortable and happy, i know the obvious (cosequin, equioxx, injections, etc) im talking moreso lifestyle changes you did to help, any sort of extra stuff you may use therapy wise, etc… thanks!
I added rubber mats in the shelter ad Just outside it, there is a step and I think he’s more confortable landing on the mat. During very wet/cold days I keep him stalled because in these days his arthriris is worse. Aside from his ciclic therapy I keep him on MSM and Movicur (a plant based supplement). I hand walk him as often as possibile even if he can move around because his lot is not very big. He is also 32 so he eats a lot of different foods to keep him in good shape
Motion is Lotion.
So keep them moving even when chilly.
Extra blanketing for body and joints.
BOT wraps and products to conserve body heat.
Experiment with joint supplements. Some work for a while then not, so switch.
Learn to read your horse, they usually tell you how they feel.
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Turnout, turnout, turnout. 24-7 if possible.
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As much turnout as possible. My horse is older now and arthritic (average for his age and workload), and he’s happier having a deeper bedded stall in addition to lots of turnout. I also keep him as warm as possible (when it’s blanket season) and when it’s cold I always ride in a thick quarter sheet. Basically keeping him warm and moving is key!
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Agree with @asterix – turn out 24/7. I have 3 of my 4 with arthritis issues. We do all we can medically–nothing left to try. But two of the boys are rideable–a little bute now and then.
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As much turnout as makes sense for the animal- which may mean that on particularly cold or damp days, they’re inside. If they have to be in overnight, think about whether they can get up and down easily in their stalls, and see if it helps to bank the walls. If they’re still riding sound, longer warmups, and more walking in their daily routines. Blanket earlier and more heavily- if neck arthritis is a problem, consider hoods, which make a big difference for my horse (measured by range of motion when he comes in from the field.) Back on Track or magnetic products to help retain body heat, especially for legs. Carrot stretches daily! And Surpass. We go through a lot of Surpass from December through March.
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Turnout, PEMF, regular exercise schedule (even if its not at all intense)
I feel like my guy finally as the perfect set-up. He has hock arthritis. He’s got a little over an acre that he shares with a horse he gets along very well with. They have two stalls that they can come and go from whenever they please. The stalls are 12X12, bedded and soft. Each stall also has about a 10 ft. overhang in front of it (tack/feed room separates the stalls and their “porches.” It’s ideal. He has the comforts of a nice stall and the freedom to move as much (or as little) as he wants.
I also do a lot of walking when I ride. Lots and lots of walking. We don’t really “work” or “school” anymore since we stopped showing, so just walking around the farm paths and trails in the woods and doing some light w/t/c in a big field is best. No little circles. No deep footing.
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That’s my set up as well. I don’t ride either of mine (they are fully retired), but that’s how I manage my boys. (Along with equioxx).
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This sounds ideal. When I win the lottery and build a little farmette, this is exactly the setup I want, down to the front porch.
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Synovial fluid production in joints requires movement and compression. As said above, this movement-compression cycle is best accomplished naturally, by moving around for hours and hours while grazing.
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