Stiff Joints?

Question

What can i do to help loosen my horse up? He is really stiff. (in saddle, or ground stuff, either works for me!)

Answer 1

i have a horse who tends to be stiff. my usual routine would be to stretch out his legs and neck before work, walk on the ground with tack on for a good 5 minutes, then walk on a loose rein in the saddle for a good 10-15 minutes, or until he started to open up his step on his own a bit. a slow warm up was always beneficial, so make sure to take your time and never rush, as that will make things worse in the long run. if your horse isn't on grass, have his vitamin e and selenium levels tested. supplementation of this is often helpful, as these help keep joints lubricated and muscles producing the necessary tissues. joint supplements are also helpful; it's best to talk to a vet about your horse's individual needs, but i've had great success with chondrogren eq. also, if your horse will tolerate it, liniment or poultice after a hard work never hurts, as well as hoof packing at night.

Answer 2

depends.... is he an old horse??
you need to find out WHY he's getting stiff before you try to fix it.

if he has arthritis, he needs supplements, or if you keep him in a stall, he will need more workouts.

im going to assume his is kept in a pasture for most of the day so he has time to roam.

one thing i would definitely do if you can afford it, is get deeper footing in your arena. this will also make him work harder, but it will stretch him out too.
you can also stretch his legs before working, if he is okay with you doing odd things.... take the lead rope (unattatched) and loop it around his front hoof while you are standing in front of him. pull it up toawrds his head. he will probably want to sniff and look at it to see what youre doing; this is fine.

he may have sprained something in his legs and you just dont know it. lunge him around a bit and make sure its not just one leg. if it is, you need to buy an aice wrap or make one. the stoer bought ones last longer though.

OR, you can just ask your trainer or instructor how to get him to extend more in his gaits. this will stretch him out.

OR you can just work him more often, it may actually be his muscles and not his joints....

good luck! :)

Answer 3

You need to warm him up. when riding him walk him for a long time first. also joint supplements help that have msm and glucosomine.