Horse with Ringbone - advice needed!

D

Dixie2468

New User
Joined
6 September 2025
Messages
6
Visit site
I’ve recently taken on a new loan who was diagnosed with ringbone 4 years ago (he’s now 12), we are only doing hacking with very light schooling.
He had his fetlocks injected as treatment a couple of years ago.
I have no concerns that he’s in pain. I just want to know what steps I can do to ensure he continues being happy and healthy.
I currently feed him A&P fast fibre and Progressive Earth pro hoof supplements since he is barefoot.
In addition to this, he also needs his top line building.
This is a very new condition for me to deal with, and as said, it’s not a ‘problem’ as such since he is happy and sound. But I just want to make sure I’m doing everything I possibly can for him!
Is this the right feed?
Could I be feeding something else?
What joint supplements are worth it?
Are the magnetic bands worth it?
 
Nothing as far as I’m aware… he was out on loan prior to being with me too. Just recommend to keep him barefoot or with aluminium shoes. Just want to make sure he continues staying sound and comfy
 
Ringbone is essentially a form of arthritis so it is degenerative. Personally I'm not sure any supplements or feeds etc are going to help long term, you just need to make sure the horse remains sound whilst being worked and he is out as much as possible.
 
I always have Equstreamz on mine - magnetic bands which I highly rate. They can be used for turnout as well as stabling. I have a 10% off code if you want to pm me x
 
I had my mare in hoof boots. Scoots. They helped absorb some of the concussion when the ground was harder. Chances are you will need to top up the steroids/arthramid or whatever was used in the joints. Do you know which type and how many are affected. My mare had high and low in both fronts so wasn't cheap to maintain.
 
We had an older maxicob who had high ringbone. We found it helped to make his shoes off periodically and let him self trim, as that made him sound. Then the farrier was on strict instructions not to balance the feet and make them look pretty, but to leave them as technically unbalanced as the horse liked them. Not conventional, but he was comfortable and sound like that.

ETA he couldn't go barefoot for ridden work, but did once he was retired.
 
Weight management by that I mean that he needs to be kept slim and appropriate exercise are the two things that will keep him well for the longest time .
He will also probably ongoing veterinary interventions in the future .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top