I recently adopted an 11 year old 18.2 hand Percheron gelding. He has severe osteoarthritis in the hock, resulting in intermittent lameness and ended his carriage career. He is very social and friendly, but has a mild nervousness and can be a bit spooky. He is lean, not overweight at all, no crest, with no laminitis issues. What would be the best supplement to take the edge off of him? Magnesium, B Vitamins, Herbs, etc? Thanks so much!

Where are you from? TN

How did you locate this forum? Ongoing

Hello Cindy,

Congratulations on your new horse!!

Most behavioral issues are due to a borderline deficiency of magnesium and B vitamins. I highly recommend starting with MMX. Use two scoops per day for his size.

You should notice a difference within 3 weeks. If so, you've hit the nail on the head. If not, the issue is not magnesium and B vitamins and we can look at another solution.

Best wishes for the new year,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

I am also wondering, at 11 years old, with his severe osteoarthritis (as diagnosed by vets) what would be the best joint supplement to begin him on? He has had a fracture in both the fetlock and hock, that have healed I am told, and guessing the OA is a result of that? He is inconsistently lame in his right hind, and I want to keep him as comfortable as possible. Thank you :)

Where are you from? TN

How did you locate this forum? Ongoing

Hi Cindy,

I'm sorry to hear about his past injuries ... he is very lucky to have found you!

Go with Actiflex Powder or Liquid to start. Give him 3 ounces per day (divided between meals, preferably) for 10 days. See how he does and you can lower his amount to a maintenance level of 2 ounces per day (higher than on the label due to his size). If he does better on the 3 ounces/day, go back to this level as a daily dose.

I have had wonderful results with this product, including for my own horse (he had an old stifle injury). So, start here and keep me posted. We can also add or change, but with joint supplements it is often trial and error 'till we get the right one.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Cindy Daigre

I am also wondering, at 11 years old, with his severe osteoarthritis (as diagnosed by vets) what would be the best joint supplement to begin him on? He has had a fracture in both the fetlock and hock, that have healed I am told, and guessing the OA is a result of that? He is inconsistently lame in his right hind, and I want to keep him as comfortable as possible. Thank you

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO