Advice needed please - elderly arthritic cob - what is the best way to manage him?

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sue_ellen

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So my new cob friend is coming on Friday (I hope, after all the recent dramas)!
He is 22, and still happy to be ridden. He has been an RDA pony for the last 12 years and is coming to me for some rest and relaxation and his forever home.
He does have a few issues, however. The main one is arthritis in all four legs, but not too severe apparently, but it is causing him to be stiff, but not lame. He is currently on one Bute a day and Cortaflex. Is there a similar supplement which is cheaper, but just as effective, or am I better to stick to what he's on, what supplements do other people use for joints?
He is also a little bit porky, but he cant be worked in the school or lunged. Would it help to soak his hay? I am hoping to be hacking gently, not too much to start with, but hopefully will be able to build it up.
And finally, his feet. He hasn't had shoes on for 12 years as he has only really worked in a school, and in my heart of hearts I really dont want to put shoes on him as his feet look lovely. However, I know that the general opinion on the yard will be to at least put front shoes on him, as the roads round our yard arent proper tarmac and are just loose chippings which are quite sharp.
So, what to do? All opinions/advice gratefully recieved. I want to be prepared and have all my supplements etc bought and my thoughts organised ready for when he arrives!
Thanks for reading!!
 
IMHO the best thing you can do for an arthritic is have them live out 24/7 on poor grazing (so they don't balloon!) as standing in can cause stiffness, that and light regular exercise...

As for shoes, try him without and see what happens - I have one who has never been shod and would go anywhere with no problems - he could well be the same.
 
I've just started my arthritic cob on cortaflex as it is the only one the vet recomended. If that is what works I wouldn't change it for yours. Though have heard mag superflex is similar? Regarding.g shoes, take it easy and see how he goes. If he gets sore rethink.
 
Okay I've said this many times but for my old lad it worked. He was on 1 Danilon a day and Maxaflex. There was a huge improvement to the point I rode him several times a week when the vet had previously said retire him.
 
My old arthritic mare is on bosweilia, and I have seen a huge improvement! Also try not to stable at all if possible and get the weight off him, it normally helps to have as little weight in the joints as possible
 
Thanks everyone, just need a bit of reassurance really, dont want to get it wrong.
Paris1, its a very nice thing you have said, he needs a new home and he has earned it, I think, working so hard and doing so much for young people who benefit a lot from riding lovely safe horses like him, I just couldnt say no, and if I dont get much riding I will still enjoy having him and looking after him and making his twilight years as lovely as possible.
 
Cortaflex may seem expensive, but you only use a tiny amount. My arthritic mare (23) is turned out most of the year, and if she does ever come in at night she has her stabble door open and use of an enclosed covered yard so she can mooch.

Soaking hay is good as is mixing it 1/2 and 1/2 with oat straw (if you can get it). I too would play it by ear with regards his feet. One school of thought is that the flexion that a barefooot hoof gives improves blood circulation. If he starts to struggle try front shoes or boots. Good luck - oldies have a lot to give
 
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