Arthritis is a common affliction among horses, and it’s especially common in aging horses or those who have heavily competed during their careers. Riding an arthritic horse can be beneficial for the horse, since gentle exercise can help to control and lessen the effects of arthritis. But there are some special considerations you’ll want to make when riding a horse with arthritis.

Work Closely With Your Vet

Before proceeding to ride a horse who you suspect has arthritis, work closely with your vet to find out exactly how severe the arthritis is. Many horses will benefit from regular exercise, but your vet may have additional recommendations that can make your horse more comfortable, such as a daily joint supplement, massage therapy, or joint injections.

Warm Up Slowly

Once you have the ok from your vet to ride your horse, you will want to accommodate your horse’s specific needs. Horses with arthritis will benefit from a long, gradual warm-up. Once you saddle your horse, walking him around the property or the ring for a few minutes can help to warm up his muscles before introducing your weight to the saddle. When you do mount up, continue to walk and encourage your horse to travel on a long rein, stretching out as much as he would like. You will likely be able to feel your horse’s stiffness decrease as he warms up; use these signals to recognize when he is ready to get to work.

Avoid High-Impact Activities

While riding and physical activity can help your arthritic horse, high-impact activities like jumping and barrel racing may aggravate his condition. Instead, try to find a happy medium. Exploring a new discipline may be fun for both you and your horse. Trail riding and equine agility can also be great low-impact activities. If you’re unsure of what activities might be too much for your horse, discuss your plans and concerns with your vet.

Concentrate on the Cool Down

Just as important as warming your horse up slowly is cooling him out gradually. Any horse put away quickly after a workout will be stiff and sore the next day; these effects will be exacerbated in a horse who has arthritis. Leave plenty of time to cool your horse out after a ride. Encourage him to stretch out again, and monitor him for any signs of stiffness or soreness. A post-ride massage, stretch, and liniment application can all help to keep your horse feeling good.

Listen To Your Horse

Above all else, listen to what your horse’s body is telling you. Arthritis flares and subsides, so your horse will not feel the same for every ride. On some days you may need to alter your ride or forego it altogether. If you stay attentive to your horse, you can keep him comfortable and happy during rides.

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Original Source: http://blog.classic-equine.com/2014/06/riding-the-arthritic-horse/