how best to work an arthritic horse?

[NeddyUp]

Can any one give advice on how best to work an ex eventer TB who is artheritic have spoke to vet and he says its best to keep her in light work as she is stiffening if left - (not same mare as one with lumps) Any ideas more then welcome

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

My boy is 22/23 and getting a bit stiff. Just gentle work with lots of careful warm up and cool down. Bit of school work, bit of hacking - I try to do lots of what he enjoys. With Sunny, I find that after some initial stiffness and a little resistance (I'm NOT doing that Mum) he loosens up and starts enjoying himself. Never too much because you could easily strain a muscle/tendon. Talk to the vets about gentle exercise on a very low level of bute/danilon. You won't hurt her riding on say 1 sachet of bute coz it's about like a human taking an aspirin. She'll let you know what's too much for her. Good luck x

 

[hellybelly6]

As per BoF

 

[Fransurrey]

I would also add to minimise concussion wherever you can, using alternative shoes, boots or even nothing if possible. I feed Apple Cider Vinegar to my old arthritic (he's not ridden, though!), as it's said to help prevent accumulation of immune complexes in the joints. As a biochemist, not sure how much I believe of that, but I feed it anyway!

 

[Chex]

I took Chex back shoes off, that helped a lot. I don't ride if the ground is solid, or if its too squidgy, and avoid going faster than a slow walk on roads lol. He's generally fine after 10 mins of walking so I don't do any faster than that until I know he's feeling ok, and avoid schooling. He's on a good supplement, and if he's having a bad few days then he gets some Danilon. He's 26.