{"id":59105,"date":"2026-09-02T12:18:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T12:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/?p=59105"},"modified":"2026-09-02T12:59:02","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T12:59:02","slug":"mobility-in-older-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/2026\/09\/02\/mobility-in-older-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Mobility in Older Horses: How a Holistic Approach Can Help Keep Your Veteran Horse Moving Comfortably"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-02T12:18:15+00:00\">September 2, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-59123 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/Blog-Post-Cover-Letter-2-1024x576.webp\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/Blog-Post-Cover-Letter-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/Blog-Post-Cover-Letter-2-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/Blog-Post-Cover-Letter-2-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/Blog-Post-Cover-Letter-2-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/Blog-Post-Cover-Letter-2-2048x1152.webp 2048w, https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/09\/Blog-Post-Cover-Letter-2-599x337.webp 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#69726f\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Understanding Mobility Challenges in Older Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As horses age, a variety of natural changes can influence how comfortably and freely they move. Ageing can affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, circulation, and recovery processes, all of which play an important role in maintaining mobility and overall wellbeing. Older horses may gradually lose muscle mass and strength, experience reduced flexibility, and take longer to recover following exercise or daily activity. These changes can contribute to stiffness, a shortened stride, reduced willingness to work, or difficulty performing movements that were once effortless. <sup>(1)<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Previous injuries can also become more noticeable with age. Areas of the body that have experienced strain or trauma throughout a horse&#8217;s life may be less resilient over time, potentially affecting comfort and movement. In addition, changes within connective tissues and joints can reduce range of motion, while slower tissue repair and recovery may make it more challenging for older horses to maintain the same level of activity as they did in their younger years. <sup>(1)<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Recognising the Early Signs of Reduced Mobility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reduced mobility rarely appears overnight. In many cases, horses exhibit subtle changes in movement, behaviour, or performance before more obvious problems become apparent. Recognising these early signs can help owners make timely adjustments to management, exercise routines, and supportive care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the most common early indicators of reduced mobility include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stiffness when first moving after rest or time in the stable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking longer to warm up during exercise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A shortened stride or reduced freedom of movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reluctance to perform movements that were previously easy, such as transitions, turning, or working on a bend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced impulsion or willingness to move forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased stumbling or loss of coordination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty lying down, rolling, or getting up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slower recovery following exercise or physical activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because horses are naturally stoic animals, they often compensate for discomfort, meaning behavioural or performance changes may be noticed before obvious lameness develops. Owners who regularly monitor their horse&#8217;s movement and attitude towards work are often best placed to identify these subtle changes early. <sup>(2)<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What Is Microcurrent Therapy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microcurrent therapy is a non-invasive technology that delivers tiny electrical currents like the body&#8217;s own natural bioelectrical signals. These signals help cells communicate and carry out essential functions throughout the body. Research suggests that microcurrent stimulation may support cellular activity, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, protein synthesis, and tissue repair processes. By working with the body&#8217;s natural electrical systems, microcurrent therapy is used to support recovery, mobility, and overall wellbeing. <sup>(3)<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How <a href=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/product-category\/arcequine-shop\/\" data-type=\"product_cat\" data-id=\"23\">ArcEquine <\/a>Supports Cellular Activity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every cell in the body relies on electrical activity to communicate, maintain normal function, and respond to injury. These bioelectrical signals help regulate processes such as tissue repair, protein synthesis, circulation, and cellular metabolism. <a href=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/product-category\/arcequine-shop\/\" data-type=\"product_cat\" data-id=\"23\">ArcEquine <\/a>delivers low-level microcurrent stimulation that mimics the naturally occurring electrical currents found within the body. By working alongside these natural bioelectrical pathways, microcurrent therapy is thought to support cellular activity and help optimise the conditions required for recovery and tissue maintenance. <sup>(4)<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most widely cited studies on microcurrent therapy demonstrated that specific microcurrent levels increased cellular ATP production, amino acid transport, and protein synthesis. ATP is the primary source of energy for cells and is essential for every biological process, including muscle function, tissue repair, and maintaining healthy cellular activity. As horses age, the efficiency of cellular repair and recovery processes can decline. Supporting normal cellular function and energy production may therefore be an important part of maintaining mobility, comfort, and overall wellbeing. While microcurrent therapy is not a cure for age-related conditions, it is designed to support the body&#8217;s natural recovery mechanisms by working at a cellular level. <sup>(4)<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While ageing can affect mobility through changes in muscle condition, flexibility, and recovery, <a href=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/product-category\/arcequine-shop\/\" data-type=\"product_cat\" data-id=\"23\">ArcEquine&#8217;s <\/a>microcurrent therapy is designed to support the body&#8217;s natural cellular processes. Research suggests that microcurrent stimulation may enhance ATP production and support tissue repair mechanisms, helping to support recovery, comfort, and mobility as part of a comprehensive approach to senior horse care. <sup>(5)<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:71px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/faqs\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"481\">Frequently Asked Questions <\/a><\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:71px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Case Studies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/case-studies\/p-knowles\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/case-studies\/p-knowles\/\">P. Knowles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I purchased a replacement Arc Equine in 2021 having purchased the original in 2015. Eddie, my \u201cbeastie bestie\u201d, pride and joy etc. have been together for over 19 years. After an active partnership Eventing, Show Jumping, Hunter Trialing and doing Dressage if we had to Ed (and I) were starting to creak in 2014. The Arc Equine, used for a week once a month, has kept Ed, now aged 29, able to move freely and, despite his years, become a Veteran Dressage Diva in his dotage. After his week\u2019s Arc Equine treatment per month he moves more freely, is more comfortable and it takes less time to loosen him up. I was sceptical at first but am now a total convert because the results speak for themselves. I really should use it on myself too\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading has-icon has-icon-right\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">References<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ross MW, Dyson SJ. Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2011.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dyson S. Can subtle lameness and poor performance be recognised and diagnosed accurately? Equine Veterinary Education. 2013;25(7):339-343.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jonik S, Rothka AJ, Cherin N. Investigating the therapeutic efficacy of microcurrent therapy: a narrative review. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease. 2025;16:20406223251361677.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheng. The effects of electric currents on ATP generation, protein synthesis, and membrane transport of rat skin. Clinical orthopaedics and related research [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2026 Aug 27];(171). Available from: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7140077\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7140077\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jonik S, Rothka AJ, Cherin N. Investigating the therapeutic efficacy of microcurrent therapy: A narrative review. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease. 2025 Aug;16.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding Mobility Challenges in Older Horses As horses age, a variety of natural changes can influence how comfortably and freely they move. Ageing can affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, circulation, and recovery processes, all of which play an important role in maintaining mobility and overall wellbeing. Older horses may gradually lose muscle mass and strength, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3324,"featured_media":59108,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[140,141],"class_list":["post-59105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-mobility","tag-veteran-horse"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59105","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3324"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59105"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59105\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59124,"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59105\/revisions\/59124"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arcmicrotech.com\/arcequine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}