Warmup and shoeing

also keeps longeing and tight turns or circles to a minimum while under saddle.
Lico is a big believer in joint supplements containing gluco samine to aid in cartilage repair. However his overall strategies whether the horse is a hunter a jumper or an equitation mount vary depending on the individual its age and its workload. Once a horse is around 7 years old and starting to jump bigger fences he says they may start receiving intramuscular injections of polysulfated glycosaminoglycans PSGAGs systemic therapy designed to manage arthritis or joint pain.
Injections that can help
Intraarticular injections are another matter however. Joint injections are something that can greatly help to decrease inflammation and improve the joint environment but they are something that Im not very quick to do Lico says referring to the injection of cortisteroids hyaluronic acid HA or PSGAGS directly into the joint. I save this treatment for the horse that is usually 12 years old or older and could use the added assistance when recommended by my veterinarian.
As for equipment Lico uses protective boots and bandages when riding longeing turning out and shipping. He opts for polo wraps in front when working a horse on the flat he says while he uses ankle boots on the hind legs to protect the fetlock joints while schooling dressage movements.
Bell boots when fitted properly do well to protect the heel of the horse he commented. When training or showing over fences my preference is a breathable open front boot that fits well in front and an ankle boot behind. Ill also use a quarter bell boot to protect the heel.
Licos favorite jointrelated therapies include icing a horses legs for 20 minutes after jumping or working hard on the flat to reduce swelling and inflammation. He says he also likes to standingwrap his horses after a hard workout.
Tip top trail work
Even if your horse never sets foot in the show ring youll want to do what you can to protect his joint health. Following trails for example can stress a horses joints given the hills and un even terrain you might encounter. Just ask Julie Goodnight a well known multidisciplinary trainer and clinician based in Poncha S prings Colorado.
Like with any riding sport the more arduous the effort the more wear and tear it has on a horses joints she says. I live in the high mountains of Colorado where trail riding can be