Horses are naturally made to be slightly active all day. When the heart pumps harder during this movement, the circulation in the legs also improves. This is partly due to the hoof mechanism: the expansion of the hoof with each step, pumping the blood through the lower leg and hoof.

What are stable legs?

By 'stable legs' we mean: fluid in the lower legs because the horse stands in the stable for a longer period of time. When a horse stands still for a long time, the circulation in the legs decreases. The flow of blood and lymphatic fluid stagnates, causing fluid to accumulate. The hind legs are more sensitive to these fluid accumulations because a horse can 'lock' them when standing still. The front legs are always slightly in motion and therefore are less likely to swell.

Is it really stable legs?

Stable legs are usually seen in both hind legs. With stable legs, the legs are not warm. In themselves, stable legs are not dangerous or problematic, your horse might just be a bit stiff at first. But beware! If only one leg is swollen or if the legs are warm and painful, there may be another issue. Virus infections can also cause swollen, warm, and painful legs. Heart problems can cause four swollen legs. If one leg is swollen, the cause is probably inflammation due to a wound, which causes Einschuss or an injury to that leg. If your horse has warm and painful legs, always consult a specialist.

Movement is crucial!

Standing still for a long time is not natural for horses and can cause swollen legs. Do not keep your horse in the stable for too long, even in winter. Free movement is super important for the health of your horse, both physically and mentally. Older horses generally have poorer circulation, making them more prone to stable legs. You can prevent stable legs by keeping your horse moving. Even for a horse that already has stable legs, movement is the solution. By getting the blood circulation and lymphatic system going, the legs will quickly become thinner again. But what if, during winter – especially during the holidays – your horse is forced to stay in the stable more often? Because the paddock is wet, or because there are fireworks outside?

Here are six useful tips:

Tip 1 – Several times a day out

A minimum of 8 hours of free movement in a paddock/meadow is always preferable. Even better is a paddock paradise where a horse can choose whether to be outside or in its shelter. If your horse can only be outside for a short time during the dark days, it is a good idea to take him out of his stable for an extra round. Even if it's just for a walk in the arena or around the yard. If he is outside in the morning, goes for a walk in the afternoon, and is ridden by you in the evening, that can make a big difference. A horse walker may also be a solution if available, but this is never preferable. You can also create a schedule with stable mates to take turns taking each other's horse out. A snack walk is also a very fun and good idea.

Tip 2 – Look at the protein in the feed

Horses that consume a lot of (low-quality) protein sometimes also develop swollen legs. It is not scientifically proven, but many horse owners notice that roughage from heavily fertilized land, such as silage intended for cows, causes these problems. Horses that are growing or need to develop muscles benefit from high-quality protein, which contains many essential amino acids. However, horses that do not have an increased protein requirement can get overloaded kidneys from protein-rich food. A horse sensitive to stable legs often does better on rough-stemmed hay than on pre-cut silage. Perhaps it is worth trying for your horse?

Tip 3 - Lymphatic drainage

Prevention is always better than cure. Have you heard of manual lymphatic drainage? This is a special massage technique that directly affects the lymphatic system. This increases the excretion of waste products, improves overall immunity, and aids in recovery. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system such as fluid balance, blood circulation, breathing, and organ functions. It is advisable for every horse to receive several lymphatic drainage treatments annually, but especially in winter to prevent stable legs. Look in the MLD register for a therapist near you.

Tip 4 – Give few extras

Sweets, bread, and other treats can unnecessarily burden your horse's digestive system and cause additional waste products. This burdens the liver and kidneys and can also lead to fluid in the legs. A horse that regularly has stable legs is better off without (sugar-rich) treats.

Tip 5 - Eliminate grains and sugars from the diet

Grains in concentrate feed are converted to glucose in the body. This does not benefit many processes in the body. In addition, carbohydrate sources (grains) disrupt the pH balance in the body and make the body more acidic. Phytic acid from grains, on the other hand, robs minerals, causing the body to have a greater need for minerals. If your horse is sensitive to stable legs, make sure to eliminate grains and sugars from the diet.

Tip 6 – Nettle and cleavers

There are several herbs that support circulation and the drainage of fluid from the lymphatic vessels. Nettle is an example, preferably in concentrated form as fresh and dried nettle are not constantly of good quality. Did you know that you can also make an extra water bowl with liquid nettle? This way, your horse can take nettle as needed. Cleavers are also known for their diuretic effects. Give your horse some extra herbs in winter to keep its legs nice and thin.

Tip 7 – No bandages

Some horses with chronic stable legs wear bandages at night. These work like compression stockings. Not everyone is in favor of this option because it is literally a 'quick fix' that does not address the root cause of the swollen legs. More (free) movement and diuretic herbs are preferred.

Tip 8 – A little detox

Because the fluid in your horse's legs can also be a sign of a buildup of waste products, it may be useful to give a low dose of a cleansing treatment to horses that quickly develop swollen legs in winter. Detox supports the kidneys and liver and helps to excrete waste products faster. However, if a horse is sensitive to muscle or laminitis, do not do a detox. During a detox, waste products are released, which can be too much for horses prone to laminitis.

Conclusion:

You can prevent stable legs by giving your horse a lot of (free) movement. Unfortunately, prolonged time in the stable increases the risk of stable legs. Herbs like nettle and cleavers can help drain fluid better, but lots of movement is still the best option against stable legs. Therefore, find ways to minimize your horse's time in the stable. Can your horse stay outside longer? Do you have time to go for a walk? Are there stable mates who can take your horse for a walk every now and then? The less time in the stable, the closer to nature. Always watch out for grains and sugars in food and have a preventive lymphatic drainage treatment given annually by a specialist.