Age, Discipline or Breed: All Are at Risk for Arthritis

When it comes to arthritis, all horses, no matter what age, breed or discipline they train in, are at risk. Through extensive training and competition, the constant pressures sustained over time wear down the protective cartilage, most commonly in the legs. The question is not whether a horse will develop arthritis, but when.

Common equine disciplines include dressage, jumping, racing, cross country and cutting. Each showcases the horse’s athletic ability and can be very demanding on ligaments, joints and tendons during extensive training or performance. That is not to say a horse early in its years is at lower risk of developing arthritis than a horse later in its career. At any age a horse can be affected, and statistics show that 60% of all equine lameness can be caused by osteoarthritis, which can limit the horse’s ability to perform and lead to early retirement if not managed properly (USDA, 2000; Caron, 2003).

So is any one discipline at higher risk? All disciplines carry roughly the same risk of osteoarthritis, but each is more strenuous on specific structures than the others. Dressage, for example, showcases the horse’s natural athleticism and gymnastic development, and its injuries tend to center on the hocks and knees (Dyson, 2016). A cutting horse, because of the constant stop-and-turn motion, can develop injuries in the lower limbs and back as well as the legs (Western Performance Horse Injuries and Problems, 2004). One thing to keep in mind: every discipline puts significant strain on the weight-bearing legs, which should be monitored carefully for swelling, stiffness and discomfort. If you notice your horse is already lame, the arthritis could be advancing (Meszoly, 2020).

It is important to start easing the inflammation as soon as you notice the signs so that your horse can continue to live comfortably and perform at any level. Alpha2EQ® delivers the horse’s own anti-inflammatory molecule, alpha-2-macroglobulin, to the joint, where it has been shown to trap and remove the enzymes that degrade cartilage and to bind pro-inflammatory cytokines. Whether your horse is at the beginning of its career or close to retirement, talk with your veterinarian early.