Joint supplements for older horses are a good way to maintain musculoskeletal health throughout work and retirement. Ensuring condition in the structures involved with the horse’s movement and motion is imperative to longevity and health.
So, this raises the question: What should we look for in our chosen joint supplements for the older horse?
This article takes a look at a variety of questions that surround joint supplements for older horses while taking a look at 3 top products on the market.
Why Do Older Horses Need A Joint Supplement?
First, it helps to know why older horses can benefit from a supplement. As we all know, with age comes stiffer joints and an inability to bounce back from injury when compared to our younger counterparts, and it’s exactly the same case for our horses.
Older horses also more commonly suffer from joint dysfunction, whether this is due to arthritis, past injury, or ‘wear and tear’ from their time in work. The accumulating pressure on joints causes discomfort, pain, and inflammation.
Joint supplements have been researched extensively in humans, showing varied results; some claim great relief from pain and stiffness, whilst others observed limited effects. In horses, researchers have also observed differences in relief from joint pain with supplementation, depending on compounds contained in the supplement and amounts available per dose.
In older horses, the positive effects of joint supplementation include an increased range of motion, reduced inflammation, and reduced joint pain.
What To Look For In Joint Supplements For Older Horses
So, looking for active ingredients to tackle joint problems in older horses is essential to reap the benefits of joint supplements. Here we take a look at key ingredients and how they help joint health.
- Glucosamine: a naturally occurring molecule that is essential for the production of connective tissue in the horse’s body. Glucosamine for horses supports cartilage production for smooth movement of the musculoskeletal structure and protects from concussive forces.
- MSM: a core component of cartilage and other connective tissues, MSM aids joint lubrication and shock absorption, supporting Glucosamine supplementation.
- Chondroitin Sulphate: Supports the integrity of cartilage, which can often degrade with excess work and age of the horse.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): a key building block for synovial fluid, HA acts to cushion joints from impact and lubricates for smooth and comfortable movement.
- Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C protects cells from damage, fighting inflammation at its cause.
Top Joint Supplements For Older Horses
Please note: The article contains affiliate links, which means, should you choose to make a purchase following clicking on an external link we may earn a commission. With this in mind, we only recommend products we believe are of good value and are fit for purpose, from retailers we trust. Availability was relevant at the time of publication. To learn more click here.
1. NAF Superflex
Designed to help horses’ joints cope with extreme force, NAF Superflex is a supplement that combines essential compounds for excellent efficacy.
With Glucosamine Sulphate, MSM, Chondroitin Sulphate, and Hyaluronic acid, this supplement, plain and simple, supports the integrity and function of joint structures without any fancy extras. This joint supplement is perfect for the maintenance of joints which show no signs of niggles or problems.
WHERE TO BUY: You can buy NAF Superflex on VioVet.
2. Equine America CortaFlex HA
MSM and collagen make up the base for Equine America’s Cortaflex, helping joints withstand the harsh pressures of ridden work.
Supporting the function of key ingredients, Equine America has included some additional compounds into the mix, playing support to major compounds of the supplement. Aiding musculoskeletal system integrity, these added extras also help prevent damage from wear and tear. Cortaflex HA is great for those horse’s happily getting along with ridden work through their age!
WHERE TO BUY: You can buy Equine America Cortaflex on VioVet.
3. YuMove Joint Care Plus
A triple-action formula for relieving stiffness in horses. Combined, the ingredients work to support joint structure and aid mobility. Ideal for older horses or those in high levels of work.
The benefits of the YuMove Joint Care ‘Plus’ include it containing 25% more Glucosamine and MSM than the standard YuMove product. It also contains 100% more ActivEase Green Lipped Mussel, which works as a natural anti-inflammatory.
WHERE TO BUY: You can buy YuMOVE Joint Care Plus on the YuMOVE website.
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Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.