Expert Horse Health & Wellbeing Advice

Osteoarthritis in horses: definition, causes and risk factors

by Valerie De Clerck on Jul 01 2026

Osteoarthritis means permanent cartilage damage, not just joint inflammation, and it can't be reversed once it starts. This article explains the two mechanisms behind it, which horses are at greatest risk, and the early signs worth a vet visit.

Horse walking over poles — exercise and movement support joint health in horses with osteoarthritis

Expert Horse Health & Wellbeing Advice

6 Signs of Osteoarthritis in Horses (And What to Do About Them)

by Valerie De Clerck on Jul 01 2026

Osteoarthritis in horses rarely starts with obvious lameness, so it's often missed early. This article covers six signs to watch for, from a stiff gait and reluctance to roll to resistance under saddle and difficulty chewing.

Expert Horse Health & Wellbeing Advice

Arthritis in Horses: causes, symptoms and treatments.

by Valerie De Clerck on Aug 22 2024

Osteoarthritis breaks down joint cartilage gradually and cannot be cured, but early signs like stiffness after rest are easy to catch and the condition can be managed well for years.

Expert Horse Health & Wellbeing Advice

How to treat osteoarthritis in horses: exercise, medication and management

by Valerie De Clerck on Sep 21 2023

Resting a horse completely after an osteoarthritis diagnosis usually does more harm than good, since joints need movement to stay healthy. This article covers getting the diagnosis right, controlling inflammation without overusing NSAIDs, and the exercise, weight, and environment changes that protect a horse's remaining cartilage long term.

Expert Horse Health & Wellbeing Advice

Equine laminitis: definition and causes

by Valerie De Clerck on Sep 21 2023

Laminitis is a painful, often preventable hoof condition with several distinct triggers, from metabolic disease and pasture fructan to excess weight and long-term corticosteroids. Here is what actually drives it and how vets assess the risk.