Managing horse with stiffness issues

[alterusername]

Hello - my horse has recently been experiencing increased stiffness when stalled. I noticed that the stiffness increased when she was kept inside for the day because it was raining, but seemed to resolve with exercise and getting turned out. She has a host of soundness issues, which include but are not limited to KS and SI asymmetry, which we have managed with SI injections, shockwave, Osphos, bodywork, and consistent work 5-6 days a week. We currently event, and she is happy doing her job as a lower level packer.

Any suggestions for managing her during the winter? How beneficial could 24/7 turnout be for a horse like her? She has a follow up appointment with her vet in a few weeks. Thank you!

[Highflyer]

Generally 24/7 turnout with access to shelter is the way to go.

[DinkyDonk]

…and blankets if you’re in a cold climate with plenty of free choice grass hay to keep her furnace stoked.

[alterusername]

Thanks for the input! I won’t have the ability to move her to 24/7 turnout until spring/summer - her current boarding situation doesn’t offer this currently but may in the future, and other options in the area are limited. I live in the Midwest.

Any suggestions for management until spring?

[Groom_amp_Taxi]

Have you tried anything systemic like Adequan or Previcox?

[alterusername]

We have only done Osphos at this time. I am thinking of asking my vet about Adequan.

[joiedevie99]

Some horses do really well with Back on Track sheets.

[RiderInTheRain]

24/7 turnout is typically awesome for horses like the one you describe. My “husband horse” is a little QH mare who stocks up significantly behind and gets quite stiff if she must be stalled, but 24/7 turnout keeps her limber and happy for her job as a hunt horse. I also know several other horses who were not just stiff but really quite lame in their previous homes that have become sound and after proper conditioning are working very hard as hunt or trail horses on very rugged terrain - much harder work than at their previous homes - after they switched owners and were able to be kept all or mostly turned out.

Even if you can’t switch to 24/7 turnout in the winter is there any way you could increase the hours? In my experience, 24/7 turnout or close to it is even more beneficial in the winter as most people ride less, go for shorter rides, spend more time in the indoor arena and less out on the trail, etc. If that isn’t an option, as much gentle movement (walking) as possible in other ways such as lunging, hand walking, ponying, an additional walking ride per day, etc. will be helpful. When my QH mare had to be on stall rest for 6 weeks or so last year to prevent her tearing around the paddock or pasture while an injury healed, ~20 min hand walks or ponying twice a day wasn’t enough to prevent all the stocking up, but it did significantly reduce her stiffness. It really did seem like two walks spread out throughout the day were more beneficial to her than one long walk.

Some of my riding friends do keep their horses stalled (no turnout except the occasional run around the indoor arena while the stall is cleaned) and a few of them swear by Back On Track or other ceramic infused type blankets, boots, or wraps. A few feel that blanketing the horse very warmly during cold prevents stiffness as well. A couple of them feed joint supplements during the winter months. I don’t really see those horses often enough to have a good idea if any of those strategies are effective or not.

[alterusername]

Unfortunately I won’t be able to increase turnout time. I could see about getting her handwalked on the days I don’t ride. Her turnout in the winter will be limited with a significant amount of days where she will have a little time in the indoor.

[OneTwoMany]

Movement is your friend. As many posters suggested, hand walking, turnout and other activities that will get your mare out of her stall and moving will be beneficial. Maybe there is a kid or adult at the barn that you trust that would enjoy an extra ride. If the mare is getting very little turnout, a second ride during the day at a walk or even a small amount of trotting, might be highly beneficial. Talk to your trainer and your vet to see if she might benefit from a second (and very light) daily ride.

[caryledee]

I know a woman who took her KS horse to Advanced. She said that 24/7 turnout (in a larger size field which required her to move around) was absolutely essential in getting the horse going and keeping her pain free. You really need to try to keep her moving as much as possible. Horses with KS tend to get worse the more they sit. Paying someone to handwalk her on a daily basis would be a great idea. Moving her to a facility with 24/7 turnout during the winter would be ideal.

[zpsid91]

I have a horse with similar stiffness issues - he’s out as much as possible, with 20 minute walk warm-up’s in winter to loosen him up. We also do stretchies before we ride (specifically for his stifles), and after we ride.
I love the back on track sheets and they work well under a blanket, I also use an acupressure blanket for 15 minutes before our ride - that seems to make the biggest difference. I do use Adequan routinely, and he is on Equithrive joint supplement.

[alterusername]

Any suggestions on what to look for in a pasture board situation? Now that the weather is cooler, I’m starting her on her new Back on Track sheet and neck cover.

[caryledee]

@alterusername

Any suggestions on what to look for in a pasture board situation? Now that the weather is cooler, I’m starting her on her new Back on Track sheet and neck cover.

Look for good fencing, fields that are not overcrowded, good drainage in fields, and a barn owner that is willing to make sure horses are in the right groups instead of throwing everyone out together and hoping it works. I hope you find something that works for you!

[alterusername]

@caryledee

Look for good fencing, fields that are not overcrowded, good drainage in fields, and a barn owner that is willing to make sure horses are in the right groups instead of throwing everyone out together and hoping it works. I hope you find something that works for you!

Thank you - this is helpful. Many of the pasture board situations in my area are large herds of 15-20 horses. Do horses typically adjust well to pasture board?

[caryledee]

All mine have. I typically prefer it to stall board. It may take a few weeks for them to acclimate to it if the horse has never lived outside but most seem to be happier and healthier living out.

[BayBondGirl]

@alterusername

Any suggestions on what to look for in a pasture board situation? Now that the weather is cooler, I’m starting her on her new Back on Track sheet and neck cover.

I would ask if hind shoes are permitted; it may not affect your own shoeing situation, but if other horses are wearing them it can pose a higher risk of injury to your horse.

Check the condition of horses currently in the set up if/when you go to visit a likely location.

Does the BO provide supplementary forage during winter months if/when pasture gets low?

Expect an increase in bumps and missing hair especially for the first while Most horses are happiest in a natural group setting, but it always takes time to iron out the pecking order.