Opinions Please

[malibu211211]

Had physio out today and my boy trotted up lame (nothing unusual really as it seems to be an annoying hobby of his

) His problem is inflammation of the coffin joint, he has had 3 HA injections into the joint and is on Newmarket joint supplement.
We have narrowed it down to the hard ground (frosty or dry from the sun) Thing is half the time he goes lame when out in field

Now apart from bubble wrapping him I am a bit lost.
He is a 12 year old happy hacker who does the occasional show and the odd few dressage tests. I do not jump him as I have a tendency to fall on my head and vet has advised he only ever jumps on a surface. What I want your opinions on are...
Bute substitutes? Anyone used any good ones?
Am I being unfair to him by going through the whole getting him sound process (under vet supervision) for him to go lame again whether it be 6 months later or 6 days

Should he be retired?
Just want to do what is best for him. Riding is not important to me, I see it as an extra bonus when he is sound.
Well done if you got to the end of this

 

[Baggybreeches]

We used to use a devils claw supplement, but I think it might be banned now. I personally would try him on a Bute substitute and see how he goes, sometimes the slight discomfort of work is outweighed by the positive mental benefit of some light work!

 

[Halfpass]

Our cob has a sacroilliac problem which causes him to be slightly unlevel in both back legs. He is on naf devils relief and red cell and bouncing around like a baby. Has been on this combination for a while and it seems to really suit him. If we run out and he misses a couple of days it really shows.

 

[Jellicle]

The horse I share has mild arthritis, he has glucosamine supplement. He was on cortaflex but this is better.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

My friend TB (18yrs) is on Buteless as occasionally footy/stiff/lame - Vet has checked and just age & artritis. She thought she was going to have to retire him, but thought she would try 'Buteless' 1st. He is like a different horse and much like he was 10yrs ago, hacked out with her the other day and he spent most of the time trying to wind my horse up, and bucking every time we had had a canter and tried to stop, coz he wanted to keep going

. He much happier doing a bit, she just adjusts what she does depending on the ground, and how he feels.