Stiffness Gettin To Me?

[ShortyRider9303]

I have a 25 year thoroughbred mare. She is really stiff in the front end. Sometimes she refuses to move if I try and lead her with a rider on her back. I have seen her running in the field when I let her loose. We are planning to put her on medication. Do you think it will help? The medicine will be for older horses and stiffness. Do you guys use anything on older horses if you have any? Do you know any types of warming up that might help her out?

[magicalmac]

Hi ShortyRider9303 I have an older horse hes 28 and has slight stiffness, but in his case the stiffness is in his hind legs. Hes a little pottery first thing but loosens up once hes warmed up and I find lots of regular gentle work suits him better than too much rest. I feed him NAF easy action herbs, apple cider vinegar and corn oil. Hes been on this combination since the summer and seems to be a lot looser in his action.

[coss]

hi, i have a 30 yo arab mare who is a bit stiff in front (and generally all over really ;)) i feed her soya oil and have done for a while. it seems to have helped and has stopped a few clicks etc. it also helps keep weight on her now she's that much older. as magicalmac says, regular gentle work is great help rather than leaving in the field to their own devices.
as far as warm up/suppling goes. i find 10 minutes of walk doing circles and spirals really helps but maybe that is more for the back end(?)