It’s crucial to maintain healthy joint function in horses because their weight bearing joints get little relief from constant pressure.
The areas most commonly affected by joint stiffness in horses are the knee joint, front fetlocks, hocks and coffin joints which can be uncomfortable for your horse when the joint is flexed. It’s important to maintain healthy joint function in horses to enable them to enjoy their life to the full and for their joints to function properly.
Horses often develop stiff joints as they age, but younger and growing animals can also have joint stiffness. Performance horses in particular can put a lot of strain on their legs as they run, jump, spin or pull carriages.
Common signs your horse has joint stiffness include:
- Your horse may appear stiff and awkward initially and improving as they warm up.
- Your horse may have a reluctance to perform certain movements.
- Your horse may experience stiffness after sleeping or prolonged standing.
As their owner, you will be able to recognise a change in behaviour and activity level. To help to maintain healthy joint function in horses, here are some positive things you can do.
Regular exercise
Introduce regular exercise tailored to your horse. Exercise increases joint fluid circulation and tones the muscles. Fitter horses have thicker and healthier cartilage covering their joints.
Maintain a healthy weight
Overweight horses require more attention to their joint health. Excess weight can add more stress to your horse’s joints as well as increase wear-and-tear. Consult your vet who can advise a suitable diet for your horse’s needs to help maintain a healthy weight.
Key nutrients
Glucosamine HCL and Chondroitin Sulphate are essential to maintain healthy joints. A natural alternative can be found in Boswellia Extract, which supports the natural systems that control inflammation and aids mobility, flexibility and supports joint structure.
Stretching exercises
Always make a habit of doing stretching exercises with your horse along with a good warm up before any exercise. This will help to increase blood flow and warm up and soften muscles and ligaments.
Shoeing
Be sure to keep your horse well shod, as well balanced feet will help to reduce the stress on lower limb joints. Your farrier will be able to help to ensure that your horse’s shoes are comfortable and a good fit.
Reduce concussion
To help maintain healthy joint function in horses, it is recommended to try and avoid work on hard ground as this will reduce concussion to the joints and help to maintain optimum joint mobility.
Nutritional joint supplement
Take advantage of the benefits of a high strength, natural and fast acting joint support product such as Nutraquin+ to help rebuild joint cartilage and maintain optimum joint health. Giving your horse Nutraquin+ will not only aid mobility, it will also soothe stiff joints.
If you’re worried about your horse’s joint health, you should speak to your vet who will be able to advise the best course of action and provide support. Ask your vet about Nutraquin+, our fast acting natural joint health product. Nutraquin+ is specifically formulated to maintain healthy joint function with the added advantages of Boswellia Extract, which supports the natural systems that control inflammation.