ASHKABE/SHUTTERSTOCK
Arthritis is very common in older horses, and it requires a little extra maintenance to keep arthritic horses comfortable in cold weather. Here are some things to keep in mind this winter:
■ Access to shelter is a must, but horses should be allowed as much turnout as possible. Stall confinement can worsen arthritis symptoms.
■ If you do stable your horse, provide some extra bedding for warmth and cushioning for your horse’s joints. Clean bedding will also help keep the stall dry and make it easier for your horse to get up and down.
■ Slippery footing is extra hard on arthritic horses, so watch for icy or muddy areas of the pasture. Make sure your horse doesn’t have to go through them to access forage, water, or shelter.