Probably Won't Sleep Tonight!

TheresaW

TheresaW

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As some of you may know, my horse was diagnosed with arthritis in both hocks a couple of weeks ago. He was diagnosed last year with arthritis in one of his front legs last year as well. He isn't at all lame, but is often very stiff first thing in the morning.

After lots of thought, I have taken the decision to put him on grass livery. At the moment, all being well, he will stay out for the whole of the summer, and should he enjoy being out, I will leave him out for the winter as well. He is out with 3 others, and a 4th is joining them next month. I turned him out for the first time tonight, and he seemed quite happy. He has his own little area fenced off where he will stay for a few days until he and the others get used to one and other, and then he will be out with them. He will still be ridden at least 5 times a week as well.

I am just worried now in case it rains or something. I know I am being really stupid as he seemed as happy as anything when I left and probably couldn't care less.
 
You are doing what is best for your horse. Keep him moving and keep his joints nice and free. Horses can cope with rain easily, esp with the temp the way it is ATM. Try not to put your human wants onto your horse. He will be fine I am sure.
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I'm sure he'll be fine - being able to keep moving will be so much better for him too. I always worry if it rains when my horse is out - but only because he will roll and roll until he's plastered from head to foot in mud. I think he really enjoys it! As my OH keeps telling me they are much tougher than we think.
 
he will be fine!!.......he wont rust or shrink!!(i have to tell myself that all the time!)..............BTW have you tried him on devils relief??......its by NAF and is about £16 a bottle one bottle usually lasts 2 months! (your first bottle wont though as you use a higher dose the first 3 days to get it into his system) i used it on my mare and she really benefitted from it. it doesnt contain any bute and can be used with most prescription drugs i.e antibiotics, bute etc. i always adv my vet that mare on this before he prescribes anything (even though he recommended it!!) and have never had anything not prescribed...................WARNING do not use devils relief on a pregnant mare, i stopped my mares a week before she went to stud to be on safe side.
 
Aww thanks all of you. I know I am being silly.

Brackenhappy, haven't heard of Devils Relief, but will speak to feed merchant and see if they stock it.
 
Youre worried incase it rains?!
Lol, sorry.

I promise you his colour wont run
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I think this will be great for him.
 
My horse has fused 4th joints in both hocks plus fake ring bone in his front left fore and he is out 24/7 and has been since april.

Try not to worry its actually better to have them out then in with this sort of condition.

Just make sure you have him on a good suppliment to help him through the bad times.
 
I bet he loves it! My old boy lived out 24/7 from the age of 17 only coming in when it was torrential rain and wind. As long as they are well fed and rugged up when it is very cold or wet they do really well. When he did come in he'd drag me back out to the field the next day.

Try and sleep, he'll be having a lovely time
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Thanks everyone. I did sleep pretty well actually. Left a bit early for work this morning and popped into yard just to check on him. (Had this horrible feeling he might have broken out of his own little bit), but he was absolutely fine. He was happily mooching about without a care in the world.
 
What a lucky horsey
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It's funny is'nt it?
We sit up worrying that they are getting cold and wet whilst they are normally stuffing their faces
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My boy has arthritis in is coffin joint which flares up every so often especially on hard ground. My boy is out 24/7 in the summer and I would love to do it in the winter but he loses condition so easily
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