Whether your four-legged friend competes in Eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping or if he is simply a fun hack or leisure horse joint care is essential for all equines. Our horse's joints are crucial structures facilitating movement and absorbing impact and the joint naturally suffers wear and tear over the years so therefore must be supported.
Taking good care of your equine's joints can ensure your horse or pony remains comfortable, happy in their work helping to prevent the risk of pain or injuries alongside prolonging their ridden career.
Symptoms of joint discomfort includes such as; stiffness, reluctance to exercise, heat or swelling around a joint, lameness and obvious pain upon movement or flexion of a joint. If you suspect that your horse is struggling with joint pain it is always wise to call your veterinarian in order to properly diagnose the root cause of the problem and the decide the choice of treatment but there are plenty preventative steps you can take to keep joint issues at bay!
Scientific Nutritional Products Five Top Tips for Helping to Prevent Joint Problems
1.) A sufficient time warming up and cooling down pre and post exercise is fundamental in avoiding joint problems. Doing this correctly will keep your horse’s joints supple and therefore minimise the possibility of any damage occurring. Regular exercise is wise but ensure if you do have an equine with a joint problem be sure to avoid any hard work or excessive strain.
2.) If you are competing or hacking out be aware of the ground condition as hard ground or rough terrain which your equine is not accustomed to will place more stress and strain on the joints. After a long, strenuous ride or a competition allow your horse a day off in order for your equine to rest and recover properly reducing any chance of problems.
3.) There really isn't a truer sentiment than 'no foot no horse' so keep your horse's hooves well trimmed and balanced in order to limit the risk of joint problems.
4.) If you are currently in the process of buying a new horse check your potential purchase for his conformation as this is key to reducing the danger of future joint problems. The better a horse’s conformation, the more balanced they will be and therefore less impact will be placed on the joints. If a horse displays bad conformation their joint problems will be worsened as more pressure will be placed on compensating joints which will eventually cause more wear and tear.
5.) Supply a joint supplement in the diet! Horse Joint Right Supreme designed and produced by Scientific Nutritional Products can have a positive effect on Horse Joint mobility. The supplement incorporates optimum levels of Glucosamine for Horses, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid and MSM, all of which help to build equine cartilage, ligaments, tendons and develop synovial fluid alongside helping to cushion and lubricate the joints.
This product also contains Green Lipped Mussel (also known as Perna Canaliculus). It is well known for its soothing qualities on joints and works by encouraging synovial fluid production to lubricate and cushion the joints which is essential for the maintenance of joint cartilage and connective tissue therefore optimising joint function.
A range of supplements are available from Scientific Nutritional Products, including Horse Joint Right Supreme. They also manufacture a Dog Joint Supplement - Glucosamine for Dogs Canine Joint Right. For more information about the supplement range or to keep up with our educational blog by visit the website at www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk.
