Stiff as a board :(

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Geezakiss

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I have a 19 year old mare with arthritis in both hocks. She's on full livery and for the past few weeks we've have no turnout, none whatsoever! Finding other full livery close by is not proving easy. Over the past fortnight especially she is feeling really stiff and uncomfortable. I am trying ride her as much as possible doing lots of stretching exercises. Can anyone recommend other ways of keeping her more supple? Thanks'
 
Can you take her for in hand walks?

Is there an arena? Can she not go out into the arena for an hour or two in the day with a haynet?

Tbh I would not be amused at this, when yards impose rules like this they need to be prepared for some horses not being able to cope. This is causing your mare physical discomfort, I think you need to speak to the YO about an alternative arrangement as it is detrimental to your horses health.
 
I have an arthritic horse and he is in all the time at the moment due to flooded fields. I find magnetic boots really help and he is on a turmeric based supplement. I walk him out in hand as much as possible and luckily we have a sand turnout pen that he can go in for an hour or so for a leg stretch and a roll. Roll on spring and some turnout though. Hope you find a way to help your mare as awful seeing them uncomfortable x
 
Have you spoken to the yard owner? They may not realise how badly it's effecting her perhaps?
When I used to be on a livery yard and turnout was banned I spoke to the yard owner and explained that apart from the fact I'd struggle financially with a horse in 24/7 long term and that I just wasn't comfortable doing it that my horse was physically unable to handle it.
She was really good and allowed him daily turnout in a field which had a few youngsters out all the time instead of the nice livery paddocks. Suited me perfectly.
 
Are there any retirement livery yards in your area which would take a horse which is still being ridden? Most retirement yards offer 24/7 turnout and this may work for you and your mare.
 
Have you got her on any supplements? As a short term measure bute may be the way to go just so she's comfortable until she can go out again. Is the limiting of turnout normal for the yard? If it's the first time it's happened I'd possibly hold fire on moving yards, there's been a huge amount of rain and a lot of people are having to restrict turnout and it's hard to find a good yard.
 
I would ask vet for danilon (bute) just short term but needs must. Obv speak to YO but everyone is struggling with turnout. A box at my vets is around £60 for danilon or slightly more for equipalazone (sp) but you get 100 sachets rather than 60.
 
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