Your horse is older. You’ve noticed that he has a bit of stiffness and takes about 15 minutes to warm up. You’d like to start him on a supplement to help with the aches and pains of arthritis and stiffness. You don’t want to give him “bute” because he’s had ulcers in the past. Maybe try Devil’s Claw?
◆︎ What is it:
Devil’s Claw, a plant originally cultivated in Africa, has been used for centuries for pain relief. Recent studies show that its main support functions are to reduce pain and reduce inflammatory cytokines levels.
◆︎ In what circumstances could devil’s claw be appropriate?
☛ Osteoarthritis: Devil’s claw could be a good choice of a supplement for horses with early arthritis, especially for an older horse.
☛ Joint support for exercise: Many types of work put excessive strain on the horse’s joints. This may be suitable for horses that are in heavy work to decrease inflammation. This may also be suitable for horses in light work, to keep them comfortable for riding.
☛ Muscle support for exercise: Devil’s claw may be suitable for cases in which your horse has muscle soreness due to increasing the amount of work.
☛ Muscle support for compensation: At times, a horse may have a leg, joint or hoof issue and favor that leg. The opposite leg then becomes the supporting leg. The muscles of that supporting leg may become sore from compensation.
◆︎ Examples of horses that have benefitted from devil’s claw supplementation:
♥ Rocky, a horse at our barn is in his 20’s and is a lesson horse for beginner riders. He loves his job and the kids love him. He’s stiff in his back right hock and sometimes doesn’t want to pick up the canter. Devil’s claw has been supportive for him to maintain flexibility for his lessons.
♥ Buddy is used for trail riding on the weekends. Although the trails are flat, he moves so much better for his rider since he’s been on devil’s claw.
♥ Spirit has a bad hock and lives in the pasture. He has compensatory pain from favoring his bad hock. Although devil’s claw hasn’t had an effect on the hock itself, it has made Spirit’s quality of life better.
◆︎ How does this compare to what we know with humans?
Devil’s claw has been studied extensively in humans. The studies show that devil’s claw is effective in arthritis of the knee and hip. It is also effective in relieving muscle and back pain. The mechanisms of action include reduction in pro- inflammatory cytokines, reduction of pain precursors, and inhibition of pain pathways.
◆︎ What does the science say?
Devil’s claw has been used for years in horses. Despite a wealth of published research of devil’s claw in humans, there has not been as much published with regard to horses as you would expect.
➡ In 2019, a paper was published that measure the active ingredient, harpagoside, after oral administration to horses. It reported:
> Time to the peak blood concentration was 1 hour.
> The ½ life was 2 ½ hours.
> It could be detected in the blood more than 4 hours later.
> It could be detected in the urine 24 hours later.
Of course, the effect on inflammation is much longer than that. This is because it inhibits enzymes that create inflammatory cytokines. This is important if you are entering a sanctioned ride or show. Recommended withdrawal time is 2-3 days, or at the advice of the governing body or your veterinarian.
➡ A study published in 1994 reported on the efficacy of devil’s claw. In that study, 10 horses with hock arthritis were supplemented with devil’s claw. An additional 10 horses with hock arthritis were given phenylbutazone. After three months, the observers determined that the horses given devil’s claw “showed significantly better locomotion scores” compared to the “bute” group.
While this study was promising, it has significant limitations. The study was small. The observers who judged the locomotion scores knew which horses had the devil’s claw and which ones had the “bute”. The locomotion scores were subjectively judged. These limitations allow a potential bias to occur.
➡ Anecdotally, there are many reports of devil’s claw supporting a horse’s comfort level due to osteoarthritis. There are also many instances in which devil’s claw does not sufficiently combat the pain. Your veterinarian can advise you if additional relief is needed.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay, MSc. 2025