Bone spavin and other forms of periarticular ossification cause progressive joint pain in horses that requires proactive management to maintain welfare and working capacity.
Horses with active bone spavin experience chronic hind limb pain that affects movement, posture, and quality of life. The characteristic stiffness after rest, which improves briefly with work before worsening again, creates a daily cycle of discomfort. Horses cannot understand why movement is painful or why resting worsens their condition. Management that reduces pain and supports appropriate exercise to encourage joint fusion serves these horses' welfare. Continuing horses in demanding work without treating underlying pain is welfare-compromising regardless of performance outcomes.