If your first pony is getting older — and if you have done a good job, it will — you may start to notice it is a little stiffer in the mornings, a bit slower to warm up, or less keen on the trot than it used to be. That is often arthritis, and it is not the end of the world. Many arthritic ponies live comfortable, useful and happy lives with the right management. The key is recognising it early, getting a proper diagnosis, and making the adjustments that keep your pony sound and content. Here is a guide for families whose pony is ageing.
What is arthritis in ponies?
Arthritis (properly called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is the progressive breakdown of cartilage — the smooth, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones inside joints. In a healthy joint, cartilage allows the bones to glide smoothly against each other, with synovial fluid acting as lubricant. In an arthritic joint, the cartilage thins and wears away, the joint fluid becomes thinner and less effective, and the bones begin to rub. This causes inflammation, pain, stiffness and eventually bony changes (spurs and remodelling) that are visible on X-rays.
It is a progressive condition — it cannot be reversed or cured. But it can be slowed, managed and compensated for, and many arthritic ponies stay comfortable and rideable for years with the right approach.
Which ponies get arthritis?
Arthritis is primarily a condition of age — most ponies over 15 have some degree of joint change, whether or not it causes symptoms. But several factors increase the risk:
- Age: the older the pony, the more wear and tear has accumulated.
- Previous injury: a joint that has been injured (a sprain, a chip fracture, an infection) is far more likely to develop arthritis later.
- Conformation: poor conformation puts uneven stress on joints, accelerating wear.
- Hard work: ponies that have done a lot of jumping, fast work or competition are more at risk.
- Obesity: extra weight puts extra stress on every joint, every step, every day.
The signs: how to recognise arthritis
Arthritis can be subtle in the early stages. The signs often develop so gradually that you do not notice until you look back and realise the pony has been changing for months. Look for:
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement — the pony looks stiff when it comes out of the stable but loosens up after 10 minutes of walking. This is the classic early sign.
- Shortened stride — the pony takes shorter steps than it used to, particularly in trot.
- Reluctance to trot or canter — under saddle or in the field, the pony avoids the faster paces.
- Difficulty with hills — stiffness is more obvious going up or down a slope.
- Behavioural changes — grumpiness, napping, bucking, reluctance to be tacked up or caught. Pain makes ponies cross.
- Swelling or thickening around joints — particularly the fetlocks, knees and hocks. This may be subtle — run your hands over the joints and compare left to right.
- Worsening in cold or wet weather — arthritic joints are stiffer in winter.
- Difficulty getting up — especially after lying down for a while.
- Weight shifts — the pony constantly shifts weight from one leg to another when standing.
If your pony is showing any of these signs, do not assume it is just "getting old" — have a vet examine it. Many arthritic ponies are written off as lazy or naughty when they are actually in pain.
Getting a diagnosis
Your vet will:
- Take a full history — when did signs start, which leg(s), what work has the pony done.
- Perform a lameness examination — watching the pony walk and trot on a hard surface and on the lunge, possibly on different surfaces.
- Use flexion tests — bending each joint for a set time, then trotting off, to reveal stiffness.
- Perform nerve blocks — injecting local anaesthetic around specific nerves to numb sections of the leg and identify exactly which joint is causing pain.
- Take X-rays of the affected joint(s) to assess the extent of bony changes. The X-ray appearance does not always match the degree of pain — some ponies with terrible-looking X-rays are quite comfortable, and vice versa.
Treatment and management options
Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed. The approach is multi-layered:
Weight management
This is the single most important thing you can do. Every extra kilo puts more force through already damaged joints. An overweight arthritic pony is in more pain and will deteriorate faster. Keep your pony at a lean, healthy body condition score. Read our good-doer guide for help.
Exercise — movement is medicine
Counter-intuitively, rest makes arthritis worse. Joints need movement to circulate synovial fluid, which nourishes the cartilage. The right approach is regular, consistent, gentle exercise — and if the pony is coming back from time off, build the work up especially slowly (see getting your pony fit):
- Daily turnout — a pony that moves around a field all day is better off than one standing in a stable.
- Short, regular rides (4–5 days a week) are better than one long ride at the weekend.
- A good, long warm-up and cool-down — let the pony loosen up before asking for trot or canter.
- Avoid hard ground — concussion worsens joint damage. Work on surfaces, grass or sand.
- Avoid excessive jumping — it puts enormous stress on the fetlocks, knees and hocks.
- Hill work in walk is excellent for building muscle without joint stress.
Oral joint supplements
Many owners report improvement with supplements, though the scientific evidence is mixed. Common options:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin — the building blocks of cartilage. May help support joint health, though absorption and efficacy are debated.
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) — a sulphur compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Widely used and generally well-regarded by owners.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (from linseed or fish oil) — natural anti-inflammatories that may help joint comfort and overall health.
- Green-lipped mussel extract — contains a mix of joint-supporting compounds. Some owners swear by it.
Supplements are not regulated like medicines, so quality varies. Buy from reputable brands, give them at least 2–3 months to show an effect, and be honest about whether they are making a difference. They are not a substitute for proper veterinary treatment.
Veterinary medications
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories): "Bute" (phenylbutazone) is the most common. Used for flare-ups or, in some cases, at a low daily dose for ongoing comfort. Long-term use requires vet supervision and regular blood tests to monitor for side effects (particularly gastric ulcers and kidney issues).
- Intra-articular injections: your vet can inject medication directly into the affected joint. Options include corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatories), hyaluronic acid (a joint lubricant), and biological therapies (IRAP, PRP — using the pony's own blood products). These can provide months of relief.
- Intravenous or intramuscular courses: products like Pentosan or Tildren may be prescribed for broader joint support.
Corrective farriery
Your farrier plays a crucial role. Balanced, well-maintained feet reduce uneven stress on joints. Some arthritic ponies benefit from specific trimming or shoeing angles — your vet and farrier should work together. Read our farrier guide for the basics.
Environmental adjustments
- Provide a deep, supportive bed — a thin bed on hard concrete is miserable for stiff joints.
- Avoid steep ramps or awkward step-overs at stable entrances.
- Ensure flat, even turnout — avoid rutted, poached fields that are hard to walk on.
- Consider a companion role — if ridden work becomes too much, an arthritic pony can still be a wonderful companion for a younger pony and a much-loved family pet.
When to retire your pony
Retirement is a difficult and emotional decision, but it is part of responsible ownership. Consider retirement when:
- Pain cannot be adequately managed — the pony is uncomfortable even with medication and management changes.
- The pony is consistently lame or uncomfortable, even at walk.
- Quality of life is compromised — the pony is depressed, reluctant to move, or not enjoying life.
- Your vet advises that continued work is causing harm.
Retirement does not mean neglect. A retired pony still needs daily care — appropriate grazing (a track system or bare paddock may be ideal for a laminitis-prone veteran), companionship, regular farriery, dentals, vet checks and appropriate rugging. Many retired ponies live long, content lives as field companions and are much loved by the families that keep them.
The older pony health check
If your pony is over 15, consider an annual "veteran check" with your vet, including:
- Blood test for PPID (Cushing's) — common in older ponies and a major laminitis risk. See our common illnesses guide.
- Blood test for EMS if the pony is a good-doer.
- Dental examination — older teeth need more frequent attention. See our dental guide.
- Lameness and joint assessment.
- Weight and body condition scoring.
- Review of vaccinations and worming.
Next steps
- If you suspect arthritis, call your vet for a lameness examination — early management slows progression.
- Keep your pony at a healthy weight — read our good-doer guide.
- Review your pony's seasonal care — older ponies need extra attention in winter.
- Make sure your insurance covers ongoing conditions if your pony is still insured.
An older pony with arthritis is not a broken pony — it is a pony that has given years of service and deserves thoughtful, comfortable care in return. With the right management, many arthritic veterans stay sound, happy and useful for far longer than owners expect. For the bigger picture on the veteran years, see how long ponies live.