Retiring horse with arthritis - WWYD

[elloelloello]

DD’s pony has struggled with arthritis this winter and a set of xrays shows it’s quite severe so we’ve decided to retire her.

Our 2 options are

live out 24/7 - really lovely field, well drained, no field shelter and no access to a stable at all but plenty of hedges/trees, etc

Stay on livery - all year round turn out but will keep her stable

Had a chat with our vet who suggested that living out would give her freedom to move around whenever she needed to, but I’m not keen on the idea of her out 24/7.

She’s 21, she loves her stable, loves the routine of going in at night and out in the mornings, the hustle and bustle of the other horses, if the weather is horrendous she’s warm and dry. She’s never really lived fully out 24/7

Last summer she refused to come in a few times but by the 4/5th day she was knackered and needed a night in her stable to recover

I just kind of feel that she’s been amazing for the last 5 years, she didn’t have the greatest life before she came to us so I would prefer to keep her on livery but she’ll be in more than she’ll be out and won’t have the freedom to move around that she’d have if she lived out

Fields with proper shelters/retirement livery is like hens teeth round here so not an option

So, WWYD?

Thanks!

What kind of pony is she? TB/ show pony type might need to be stabled more than a native? If she was out 24/7 would things like laminitus become an issue?

She’s a cob

Never had issues with laminitis

Thanks!

She is a horse. She will cope with being out as long as company and a fair rug absolutely fine. Standing in a stable is the worst thing for stiffening up with arthritis.

Thanks for the clarification, in that case I’d be turning her out.

Thanks!

I know that living out is the best thing for her but I can’t quite get my head around it - rain, wind, etc! Got to give myself a talking to

Our current yard is crap for grass livery, the fields are utter shite, part of the reason why I want to keep her on livery.

I think I might have found another option this afternoon which actually sounds like a good compromise - they’re really a private yard, but their fields are a million times better and they currently have a mare on retirement under the same circumstances. They could companion up, live out most of the time but she’d still have a stable if she needed the odd night in

If I could find a field with a proper field shelter I’d be happy, I just don’t like the idea of having absolutely nowhere inside

That sounds ideal OP. Grass livery is great until something happens and you need a box for medical treatment etc.

24/7 turnout all the way. She'll get used to the new routine. Modern rugs are amazing, not like the old Jute and New Zealand days

100% 24/7 - give her the most natural life possible.

Out 24/7 but with option of box should she be unwell or injured. Don't worry about cold and wet, with rugs and hedging she'll be fine. Much more natural for them to be out 🙂

I agree about having a stable when it's needed. Ours are out as much as they want to be, 24/7 most of the year, but some nights, especially in driving rain and wind they love a night in a stable.

Thanks all!

I’m going to see the private yard this afternoon.

I would be a million times happier knowing there’s a stable available if she needs it.

Last summer, by the 4/5th day out she was wrecked so needed a night in . She’s also never lived fully out as far as I know.

The only issue is having 2 horses across 2 livery yards which will be fun

If you had more turn out at your current yard I'd say keep that. But being in the majority of the time will be very bad for her. Another vote for out as much as possible. They do adapt to their change in route eventually!

I've got an old girl with bad arthritis in her knees. Without doubt she is better being kept in at night when the weather is shit. The cold and damp affects her old bones the same as mine!

She has turn out every single day, no matter what the weather, though. She is happy to go out, but very ready to come back in. She likes her creature comforts - and also seems to sleep better when she's in.

In winter I rub liniment into her knees and put some medicinal ceramic knee boots on. One thing that has massively helped her has been an red light ( infra-red) therapy session every other day over the winter. She is cantering around like an 18yo ( she's 29!)

Thanks all!

I’ve found a really lovely place for her now. Still on livery but they have another arthritic retiree so they’re going to companion up.

She’ll be out as much as possible but will have a stable if she needs it.

The also have a space for any new pony we may get

Hacking is all off road and pretty good so DD may even sneak in the odd ride in the summer if pony is feeling up to it

We’re moving her this week so fingers crossed it all goes ok

Perfect