Horse 24/7 outside and still stiff legs?
Last year we already talked about stiff legs. Naturally, the most mentioned response was that the solution is to not stable a horse, but to put it outside 24/7 with a shelter. And for most horses with stiff legs, this is indeed the best solution. But from some responses it appeared that this is not always the solution. Horses that do not come inside can still develop stiff legs. What can you do to ensure that a horse with 24/7 free movement no longer gets stiff legs? Read the tips further in this blog!
Nettle
Others
4 January '22 • 2 min reading time
What are stiff legs?
Due to reduced blood circulation, fluid accumulates in the legs. This causes the legs to swell and the horses to become stiff. This often occurs due to prolonged standing in a small environment, such as in a stable. Movement helps to get the blood circulation going again and the fluid to drain. This is why you see that as soon as horses come out of the stable, the stiff legs quickly disappear through movement. Stiff legs usually occur only in the hind legs, but they can also occur in the front legs.
But my horse is already outside 24/7!
Unfortunately, there are horses that develop stiff legs even when they are outside 24/7 and have plenty of opportunities to move freely. Even then, horses can develop stiff legs. Often these horses have a disturbed circulation and/or damages in the leg that cause fluid to continue to accumulate. And even though horses are outside 24/7, this does not mean that they are actually moving. There are horses that stand near the feeding area and do not walk much, and these horses can still develop stiff legs.
For horses with a disrupted circulation or damages in the leg, movement is extra important and these horses need to be further encouraged to move. Here are some tips to stimulate movement in 24/7 outdoor horses:
- Multiple feeding areas spread throughout the area
- Water trough placed away from feeding areas
- Spread branches around the paddock (e.g. willow branches)
- Apply passive physio: tree trunks, slow feeders at different heights, different surfaces, hill in the paddock etc.
- Sufficient paddock mates to cuddle, play, etc.
- Possibly walk the horse for at least 30 minutes daily on a lead
Herbs can also help in supporting stiff legs
Sometimes movement alone is not enough to get rid of stiff legs. Especially when the ground is frozen in the winter, horses may move less. Support with herbs can certainly help in such cases. Cleavers and nettle are known for their diuretic properties. If horses are sensitive to stiff legs, you can support them with these herbs. However, make sure to schedule a break week every 6-8 weeks when using herbs!
If you choose to give nettle, opt for liquid nettle tincture. This has a more powerful effect than dried nettle.
More movement is the keyword
Horses with stiff legs especially need more movement. 24/7 housing is ideal, but even then some horses need to be stimulated to move more. Standing for 24/7 in an area of, for example, 30m2 still poses a risk of stiff legs. It's about actual movement, stimulate this by giving the horse challenges and enrichments as described above. This promotes blood circulation and prevents fluid buildup. You can complement this with herbs like nettle and cleavers for extra support.