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Which English discipline for my 5 yr old arthritic mare?

1K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  hellothere 
#1 ·
Hi everyone!
So basically I have an arthritic 5 yr old QH mare. We used to do basic English, some trail, but most recently we did dressage. She is currently not sound for riding. If she is able to ride again, would we be able to enter into the dressage world again, or might that be too physically demanding for a young horse with this issue? I could do trail riding again. While I enjoy the challenge of an intense dressage ride, I don't want to push my horse to the point of her being uncomfortable. But I know arthritic horses benefit from physical activity?

BY THE WAY: if you want to read the story of my mare and her arthritis, which may help you get a better feel for how you want to answer my question, the link is: http://www.horseforum.com/horse-health/dont-know-what-do-my-arthritic-148360/

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING & GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
 
#2 ·
Arthritis in a 5 year old is a pretty good indication that she'll only ever be suitable for very light riding.

A career as a trail horse may be her best option.

She'll also be better in regular, steady, light work - like 30 - 45 minutes daily, without intervals where she isn't ridden. This type of work actually keeps them limber and moving and slows the progress of the arthritis.

Ring work, or any work that involves circles or turns, is probably not going to be best for her.

There are a lot of maintence options available for arthritic horses - oral supplements, oral meds and injectables such as Legend, Adequan and Cosequin.

24 hour turn out, *light* steady work, maintenence and cross your fingers.
 
#3 ·
Even with trails, you will have to be conscious of her arthritis. Depending upon the joints affected, different terrain may bother her. For example, my old guy has a tough time on hills. We now have to zig zag (like tacking with a sailboat) up and down. He pretty much does it on his own, but you have to listen and allow her that freedom-to do it comfortably. I do not ask for any steep hills at all. But-he still loved to get out-or did before I free leased him to a therapy program. He loves that job. That might be something else for you to look at.
 
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