18/02/2026
Arthritis... Disaster? Common? Normal? A problem or nothing to worry about?
Arthritis is common, very common, but how much should we be considering it?
As with humans arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the joints; the joint surfaces are damaged and new bone growth occurs in a rough uneven way, this affects the joint movement and causes inflammation and discomfort.
Signs, as a degenerative disease the first signs of OA can be subtle, but depending on the position of bone changes can develop to significant lameness. It is often bilateral, which means both limbs are effected, both hocks, or fetlocks etc, this means lameness can be tricky to spot and often poor performance is the first sign; knocking poles, slowing down, changes in temperament. Physically there can be warmth and swelling in the affected joints and sometimes even palpable bone changes. Other signs can be away from the affected joints, as one area becomes sore and stiff the horse compensates and alters their way of going, this can cause tightness, restriction and pain through other areas, commonly the back, SI and shoulder region.
When does it occur? OA can occur at any age, young horses tend to one (or a pair) or joints affected, older horses may have a more global effect with most joints having some degree of boney changes within them. Obviously with everything all horse vary! Any joint in the horse can be affected, legs, necks, backs etc
Why? There are multiple factors that can put horses at higher risk of developing OA, or developing it at a younger age; genetic predisposition, diet, confirmation, workload, age of starting work, surfaces and management, some things can be helped, some are out of our control.
Diagnostics, as a physio I will observe the horse move, looking for changes in how the horse moves it's limbs and flexes it's joints, I will then gentle feel how each joint moves as independently as possible and check for any heat or swelling.
If I suspect OA I can refer to the vet, they will then carry out further investigation which may include x-rays and nerve blocks to determine the location.
Treatment, OA cannot be cured, but it can be managed to some extent and the progression can be slowed. There are multiple veterinary options aimed directly into the affected joints, such a steroids, or they may decide global pain relief is more appropriate, this is something that you have to follow veterinary guidance on.
As a physio I can help my maintaining mobility both through the affected joints and through the rest of the horse. Loosening off the muscular compensations and encouraging correct movement is crucial for comfort. Appropriate levels of exercise can help maintain joint mobility and muscle mass, too much exercise will result in pain and discomfort.
Is a diagnosis the end of a horses ridden life? No, not always.
There are many horses happily working with some degree of OA, but this is individual to the animal, if the OA is minimal and caught early treatment can be very effective and you wouldn't know a horse is effected. Or it may be that a horse is comfortable up until a certain level of work, or that it cannot jump or school but could do short hacks, in fact often they benefit from some work as it maintains muscle volume and mobility. Some may require being on maintenance pain relief, or some may have to retire, it is individual to each animal. But what we shouldn't do is ignore it.
If you have any suspicions your horse isn't quite as comfortable as they should be the best thing you can do is talk to your vet or physio, our aim is always to keep horses happy, healthy and able to enjoy life with you.
Ignoring signs of discomfort does not make them go away. Early diagnosis makes treatment and management much more effective.
This is a very brief overview, it's a huge topic, please feel free to ask me, your vet or do your own research.
Imagine from sportshorses.vet
