Caring for Young Horse Joints

Caring for Young Horse Joints

Author: The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care May 9, 2025 Duration: 58:55

Maintaining healthy joints in young horses lays the groundwork for long-term soundness and performance. Proper nutrition supports optimal skeletal health and development, while age-appropriate conditioning helps build a resilient musculoskeletal system. Regular checkups give your veterinarian a chance to diagnose and treat joint disease early, helping slow the progression of osteoarthritis and minimize associated pain. During this Ask TheHorse Live podcast, an equine surgeon answers listener questions about young horse joint care.

This podcast is brought to you by Dechra.

About the Expert:

Charlotte Barton, BVetMed, MS, Dipl. ACVS-LA, earned her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London and, after completing two internships in the U.S., undertook a surgery residency at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. After residency Barton stayed on at CSU as a postdoctoral fellow and her research interests include cartilage repair techniques and gene therapy.


Ever find yourself puzzling over a subtle change in your horse's behavior or wishing you had a clearer understanding of that latest veterinary study? Ask The Horse brings those conversations directly to you, transforming complex equine health topics into accessible, actionable knowledge. Each episode features recorded live sessions where seasoned horse owners pose their real-world questions to a rotating panel of top veterinarians and specialists. You'll hear discussions that range from everyday hoof care and nutrition management to explanations of emerging therapies and diagnostic techniques. The format captures the spontaneous, insightful dialogue that happens when curious minds meet expert experience, all without the filter of a script. This podcast, presented by The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care, serves as a trusted resource for anyone invested in the wellbeing of their horse, whether you're a weekend trail rider or a competitive professional. It’s like having a front-row seat to a continuous learning community, where the shared goal is simply better care. Tune in to gain a deeper confidence in your decisions and to hear the nuanced, practical advice that can make a tangible difference in your daily routine with horses.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 150

Ask The Horse
Podcast Episodes
Treating Equine Lameness With Biologics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:56
Regenerative medicine is giving us new options for treating horses with joint disease and other injuries. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Weston Warnock, of Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, and Dr.…
Laminitis: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
Laminitis is an extremely painful and often deadly hoof disease in horses with several causes. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services, and Dr. Nic…
Feeding Recreational Horses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:21
How do you feed recreational riding horses to meet their nutritional and digestive needs without causing weight gain? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews equine nutritionists Abby Keegan, MS, PAS, of Carg…
Feeding Performance Horses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:04
Is your horse getting the nutrition he needs to reach his athletic potential? Are you looking to build his topline or increase his stamina? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Marty Adams, of Cargill…
The Benefits of Massage for Your Horse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:02
Massage can promote relaxation, support your horse’s muscles, and improve his performance. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Michele Haman, owner of Equi-Librium Therapy, LLC, and veterinarian Dr. Gina…
Bits, Bridles, and Equine Welfare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:45
Your horse’s head, face, and mouth comprise sensitive nerves, bone, and soft tissue. While many of us focus on saddle fit, bridles and bits often get overlooked as a cause of discomfort. Bits can cause mouth pain and inj…
Calming Horses: Education and Options [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:05
From learning theory and counterconditioning to supplements and pharmaceutical options, we’ll take a look at ways to safely help nervous, high-strung, and energetic horses relax. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she…
Forage-First Diets for Horses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:47
Equine nutritionists and veterinarians agree: Forage should be the cornerstone of the equine diet. Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Dr. Laurie Lawrence, of the University of Kentucky, and Dr. Stephen D…
Equine Essentials: The Importance of Vitamin E [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:04
Few horses are lucky enough to have constant, year-round access to fresh, green grass, which provides the best natural source of vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant supports muscle and nerve health. Is your horse gettin…
Creating Better Horse Pastures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:47
Do you manage a pastures for your horses? Join our host, Michelle Anderson, as she interviews Krishona Martinson, PhD, MS, of the University of Minnesota Equine Extension Program. You’ll learn about grass health, mainten…