Devil's Claw for Spavin?

[Christmas Crumpet]

Am bringing my TB back into work after a year off with spavin and back issues. He trots up 100% and vet very pleased with him.

However, he is out 24 7 at the moment and so isn't stiff. He also isn't doing a huge amount of work.

He will be hunting this season and I want to make sure he is as comfortable as possible. He is already on Newmarket Joint Supplement and I wondered whether Devil's Claw might also be useful. I'd rather he was on a natural supplement as opposed to giving him a lot of bute if he is a bit stiff and sore.

Can anyone recommend Devil's Claw or is there something else that might work better?

 

[Flicker]

I have heard Devils Claw can help, but like other herbal remedies, it is a 'help' rather than a 'cure'.
My advice would be to listen to both your horse and your vet. If there is any doubt that your horse will not handle the rigours of hunting, then don't do it, rather than masking it with supplements and / or bute.
When my mare was diagnosed with spavin, the vet advised against jumping or doing anything too strenuous. This was to preserve longevity - his reasoning was that I would have a useful horse for far longer if I took it easy with her now, rather than hammering her for a couple of years and then being left with an expensive field ornament. She is in a new home now, being used as a light hack and loving life.
Being out a lot can also help, but my mare was stabled a lot in winter with me and apart from a bit of stiffness when warming up, she didn't seem to suffer any adverse effects.