Older Horse, leg problem

Question
Lana, I have a throughbred/quarter cross mare that is 20 years old. My family has had her since she was 3, and a better horse you could not find. She grew up with my children and has had no real formal training. My husband is Native American and trained her in the old ways, that means just getting on and riding. This mare would do anything he asked of her as long as she could figure out what was being asked. She never bit, kicked, reared or did any of the stuff many horses do. She took to Parades, 4H and Roedo with the patience of Jobe. Well my childre grew up and moved out of the home, and I figured it was my time to ride. I started working with her and everthing was fine, and then I got sick and was laid up for a little over a year. During that time the mares front legs, by her knees got lumps on them. The farrier said that it was arthritis and he would have a harder time with her than I would. But when I started riding her, she seemed stiff and gave me a hard time. She really didn't want to do anything. This did not seem to be the same horse. Also to pick up her feet is a lot harder, she doesn't want to bend her knee. That is what it seems like. Over the last 6 months the lumps have gotten much bigger, they are on her front legs at the knee caps. They are not really soft, just spongy lumps with no heat to them, and in the paddlock they don't seem to give her any problem. I am an older lady, and not a small person. I have some weight to me. My questions are: 1. Is there anything I can do for her to help her joints? 2. Will she ever be ridable? 3. I put my granddaughter on her (she is two) and she will walk around with her without to much trouble. Will I ever be able to ride her with my weight 200lbs? 4. What kind of life is she going to have? 5. What is this called?
I am not a great rider, mostly just walking, a little troting maybe. I want to take lessons and I wanted to do it with her, but if not we are willing and able to let her live the rest of her life with us. She was such a good mare to put up with us and our demands.
Thank You for your time,
Susan

Answer
Hi Susan;

1) There are many arthritis suppliments available on the market that might relieve some of the inflammation, pain and stiffness for her.  Basically, it's a try and see which one/s will be most effective for her.

2)  Maybe, maybe not.  Exercise is good for arthritic individuals, but too much and that creates too much pain.

3)  I don't know.  It might be a good idea to have a vet come and exam the extent of the arthritis.

4)  The same kind of life any other arthritic individual will have.  Some good days, some not so good days.  Depends on all sorts of factors like; supplimentation, exercise, weather, if it continues to get worse etc..

5)  Sounds like arthritis.

Have a vet come and exam her.  Then he/she can tell you exactly what you're dealing with and give you some options for courses of treatment.

It's quite likely that you're going to have to change your plans for riding and getting lessons on her.  If supplimentation works, then you might be able to get away with trail riding her lightly.  

Best wishes!  She sounds like she was a wonderful horse for your family.  If she's not able to fulfill your dream, I'm sure you can find another soul like her.

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt