Arthritis vs Lunging

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Witchy

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Hiya, When I had my boy vet checked he said that he seemed slightly arthritic in his back legs. I would like to lunge him/loose school him in our round pen just so I can work on voice commands, his manners and our relationship.

Does anybody else lunge an arthritic horse? How long for and what do you do specifically exercise-wise?
 
I think it should be ok as long don't do too much. Keep a big circle so he isn't having to bring his hind legs too far underneath himself and just make sure you do short sessions. If you have a round pen I'd imagine it's quite big and so shouldn't be too much strain on his joints
 
Before my boy was retired he had mild arthritus in his hocks so when i lunged him i did it on a very large circle to ease the pressure on his joints and i never did more than 20mins. Exercise wise it was my job to keep him supple so i did at least two changes of rein every ten mins and lots of transitions.
 
Sorry, didn't really answer your question!

They say that 20/30 mins lungeing is the equivalent of 1 hour decent riding. I'd stick to walk and trot as cantering on a circle will put more strain on the joints. Make sure you have a good warm up. If possible and if the vet doesn't think it will cause more damage, maybe once he's used to it and can manage it you could do some pole work. I have been led to believe that working over poles encourages them to lift their legs more (obviously) and flex the joints so may help, but it depends on how bad his arthritis is and I would check with your vet first
 
No - the worse thing to do is to lunge an arthritic horse the small circle is too much pressure on the joint. You shouldnt really be schooling unless you can school on laregish circles.

There are plenty of inhand exercises you can do to work on voice commands, and also you can use voice commands when ridden.

If you havent already done so, put him on a joint supplement as well.
 
i never lunged my atrhitic guy - long l you want to.ine instead! you can do straight lines so put less pressure on joints and work on everything
 
my boy has arthritis in his hocks and i was told by the orthopedic surgeon at edinburgh vet hospital to lunge him at least once per week in the passoa as this will strenghen the muscles and keep him supple. I have continued to do this for the last 3 tears and haven't looked back since
 
No way should you lunge a horse with Arthritis it will only cause the horse additional pain and discomfort. Keep the horse going by taking it out on nice gentle hacks.
 
My mare has arthritis in her knees and I absolutely wouldn't lunge her. i just don't think it would be fir on her. I'm reluctant even to take her in the school, as I think the constant corners and circles will put too much strain on her joints.
 
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