[momo3bur]

OH, for the arthritis I have a friend who uses some kind of natural supplement for her performance horses. She says it works wonders and swears by it. I also know a lady who gives her 30 y/o mare steriod shots just in the winter when the arthritis is it's worst. You can always add glucosamine to her diet, too, but I wouldn't do it until you get her feeding regimine just right.

I'll find the name of that supplement for you.

EDIT: Ok, the name of what she uses is Devil's Claw. But you can buy SmartFlex Senior from SmartPak, which contains Devil's Claw and lots of other beneficials for senior horsies! I'm not sure how soon is appropriate to start adding any kind of supplement to her diet, especially ones that aren't necessary to survival, but I hear that works WONDERS for arthritis. Until then, I would get her completely checked by a vet to make sure the arthritis is not too debilitating. Watch her when she's at a trot, especially, and see if she favors that leg any. You can also rub her arthritic areas down with arthritis cream and wrap her knee with Vet wrap for the time being.

Another important thing that helps keep the pain away is to keep her active. It's good to let her out to pasture most of the time and even get her into a light exercise routine a few days a week. If it's really light, even everyday would be good.