Understanding and Managing Mobility Issues in Horses

In this article we look at mobility issues commonly found in horses. 

Mobility issues within the equine community are extremely common, particularly with older horses and animals who have led an active lifestyle, whether a working horse or a sports horse. 

Years of physical exertion can take a toll on a horses joints, tendons, and muscles - often leading to conditions such as equine arthritis, lameness, or general stiffness.

Apart from obvious lameness and stiffness, sometimes the signs are more subtle and initially noticed by the riders due to a drop in performance, refusing jumps or changes in the horses behaviour.

Causes of Mobility Issues in Horses

Several factors contribute to the development of mobility problems within the equine community. We look at the 5 most common causes for mobility issues in horses. By understanding these causes and applying support to each factor, you can greatly reduce the risk of developing mobility issues moving forward. 

1. Age-Related Degeneration: As horses age, the wear and tear on their bodies naturally increases. Cartilage wears down, joints become less lubricated, and muscles may weaken.

2. Intense Physical Activity: Horses used in racing, show jumping, barrel-racing, dressage, or other high-impact sports often suffer from chronic strain and repetitive stress injuries.

3. Poor Conformation: Structural abnormalities or imbalances in a horse’s genetic makeup and build can lead to uneven distribution of weight and pressure, accelerating joint and tendon issues and increasing the risk of mobility issues. Poorly fitted tack can also lead to conformation issues.

4. Inadequate Hoof Care: Hoof health directly impacts a horses mobility. Poor trimming, shoeing, or neglect of the horses hooves can contribute to gait abnormalities and joint stress leading to mobility issues.

5. Injury and Trauma: Past injuries, even when healed and fully rehabilitated, can lead to future mobility problems, especially if not fully recovered properly.

Recognising Early Signs of Mobility Issues

Identifying mobility issues early can make a significant difference in the outcome if the condition. You know your horse probably better than anyone else, so in many cases you are the first (and most likely) person to recognise any early signs of issues.

The most common warning signs to watch out for include:

• Reluctance to move or perform tasks 

• Stiffness, especially after rest or when getting up

• Changes in gait, abnormal stretching or limping

• Swelling in joints or limbs

• Behavioural changes such as irritability or withdrawal

Managing and Treating Mobility Issues in Horses

As we've discussed, mobility issues are extremely common place in the equine community. Managing a horse with signs of a mobility issue and providing the best treatment plan or them will be key in reducing long term lameness.

Let's take a quick look at six of the most recommended treatments. 

1) Veterinary Assessment of the Mobility Issue

A thorough evaluation by an equine veterinarian is essential. Diagnostic imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound) can identify the source of the problem and help provide the most individual rehabilitation program. A vet will be able to work with you provide a short to long term recovery plan. In some cases, depending ion the severity of the issue, the horse will be incurable and require ongoing painkiller medications, only available on prescription via your vet. 

2) Joint Supplements, Medications and Health-related Tack to Support Mobility Issues

Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, or hyaluronic acid may help maintain joint health and are now widely used within the equine community. Many owners now look towards more of a holistic approach and use herbs and natural substances to support their horses supplement intake. Anti-inflammatories, such as bute, can reduce pain and swelling and are widely administered for mobility issues. Along with medications, health-related tack such as advanced magnetic therapy are widely endorsed to support their horses with a variety of mobility-related issues.

In a study carried out across 40 horses with mobility issues, EQU StreamZ Horse Bands showed to improve mobility levels in 90% of horses, with half of these seeing an impact within the first 7 days of use.

3) Physical Therapy and Exercise to Help Mobility Issues

Controlled, low-impact exercise keeps joints moving and muscles strong. Therapies like equine massage, equine kinesiology, acupuncture, and chiropractic care can also provide ongoing relief for mobility issues.

4) Hoof and Farrier Care

Regular and precise trimming, and corrective shoeing can improve your horses hoof balance and thus reduce strain on their joints. This can directly lead to improved mobility. 

5) Environmental Adjustments

Soft bedding, non-slip surfaces, and easy access to feed and water can reduce discomfort and prevent injury.

6) Weight Management 

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on joints and improves overall health.

Preventative Measures to Support Mobility Issues in Horses

Preventing mobility issues starts with good care and early intervention. whether a pet horse at home or a 5-star grand prix horse, ensuring they are given preventive care to support their joints is vital in ensuring a happy, sound horse.  

• Routine veterinary checkups are important

• Regular (daily if possible) checkups to their hooves
  

• Regular exercise suited to the horse’s age and condition

• High-quality nutrition

• Early treatment of minor injuries

• Ensuring they have access to health-related tack to support their ongoing wellbeing, we recommend EQU StreamZ Horse Bands, obviously!

Many owners now look to support their horses joint care with supplements, a balanced diet and an activity program to keep them fit. Now another option is available and widely respected within the equine community - advanced magnetic technology. Through many '5 star' results and word-of-mouth many owners are now looking towards a more holistic approach in providing their horses with a long-term and natural approach using these unique magnetic fields.

Conclusion

Mobility challenges in horses can be a daunting subject to experienced and new horse owners alike, but with attentive care and a proactive approach, many horses continue to live active, comfortable lives well into their senior years even with reduced mobility levels.

Whether you're managing an aging companion or a retired athletic horse, understanding the causes, signs, and treatment options is crucial to supporting their ongoing wellbeing.

We now take a quick look at EQU StreamZ advanced Magnetic Bands and the impact they have on horses. Studies carried out on 40 horses with mobility issues are used as efficacy evidence to support the claims that EQU StreamZ support a horses mobility including an independent clinical study which evaluated the mobility levels within the hock. 

Using Advanced Magnetism to Support a Horses Mobility Levels

We look back at some feedback shared with our team on how EQU StreamZ bands have supported other horses with varying mobility issues. 

Camilla Jarvis contacted us about a horse she had loaned and was looking after called Silver who was finding it hard to get up when lying down.

“I just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful magnetic bands that help my horse Silver, who needs a quiet life and my aim is to keep him sound. I have noticed a marked improvement in his ease of getting up from lying down and general mobility since he has worn his StreamZ advanced magnetic bands. We continue to hack gently at he walks and has a little trot each day to keep supple. He is generally a very happy horse and StreamZ unique approach has a part to play in this.” - Camilla Jarvis. 

Rachel Taylor contacted us about her horse Fidget who was recovering from a check ligament injury and was a long term sufferer of arthritis in her hocks. 

“I bought EQU StreamZ bands for my horse Fidget when she damaged her check ligament. In just 4-months she has gone from having a hole in her ligament to it healing completely! She is already sound and started trot work a couple of weeks ago with no issues . As an added bonus she has not required any pain killers for her ongoing hock arthritis since she came back into work and we put this down to her StreamZ advanced magnetic bands. 5 stars from us!” - Rachel Taylor

Natalie Major contacted us about her daughters pony who was showing signs of mobility issues. 

“My daughters pony Atlas seems to get very stiff and short on both his hind legs, particularly after any sort or jumping or hard work. We have had everything checked and nothing has flagged up on scans. When he rests for a few days he seems happier but unfortunately he has had to rest a lot recently! After trying a friends EQU StreamZ advanced magnetic bands for a couple of days he was so much better!! We have now purchased our own set and he’s remained sound ever since! He seems to be feeling great and because of these results almost every horse on our yard has a pair…they are amazing!“ - Natalie Major

Natalie Burdiss contacted us about her horse Merlin who has experienced a significant benefit to wearing his EQU Streamz bands. 

“Merlin wears his EQU StreamZ magnetic bands 24/7. After a lot of problems and investigations carried out by our vet Merlin was diagnosed with kissing spine and degenerative joint disease (DJD) in his hocks. He has undergone surgery for this and receives injections into his hocks to keep him sound but we know this is not the best long-term solution. We came across StreamZ bands and gave them a go. Merlin would be a great ambassador for your product as I feel your technology has contributed to his recovery massively. He is a happy and playful horse as you can see from this picture!” 

Improving your horses joint care program can be a key aspect of your horses ongoing wellbeing. Just as we experience, any limitation in joint movement leads to inflammation within the joint and the pain then associated to the swelling. 

Care about your horses joints? Why not look at EQU StreamZ magnetic bands.