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I have an Appaloosa gelding whose left stifle would also lock up.  I was 
told by my vet and by my trainer both that walking up hills would help to 
tighten that joint up.

I really was opposed to blistering and causing him pain, and tried the slow 
hill work.  It worked very well.  As for not being an endurance prospect, I 
disagree personally.  I found that with my guy, the more exercise he got, 
the fewer problems he had with that stifle.  I mean, at least where I live, 
any type of training ride (LSD) is slow hill work.  He is limited by his 
bulkiness and ability to cool, not by his stifle problem.

He makes a great limited distance horse and probably with enough 
conditioning could do conservative 50's.  Although he doesn't burn up the 
trail, he is sure footed, steady, and the most willing horse I have ever 
had.

He is currently in a therapeutic riding program and not getting much real 
exercise.  His stifle has once again started to lock up occasionally.  It 
doesn't last long, just a quick hitch in his gait, but I am a firm believer 
that the exercise is what kept him sound and comfortable in that stifle.

OH, on another note. . . I also had an equine acupuncturist work on that 
stifle joint and that seemed to really improve the tone in that joint.  I 
only had to have two treatments.  That might be one other avenue to 
consider.

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