1. How Old Is Your Horse?
Your horse’s age plays a key role in determining the best joint supplement. For young horses, it’s never too soon to start joint support. The best time to start a joint supplement is actually before your horse starts to show signs of joint discomfort. Let us explain! Waiting until you see signs of discomfort can mean degradation of your horse's joints has already occurred. Arthritic changes are permanent and progressive, meaning once it starts, it will continue. It’s also important to protect young, athletic horse’s joints from injury. Starting early is key and typically easier (and cheaper) than trying to treat joint discomfort later on.
As horses age, their joints naturally experience more wear and tear. If your horse is showing signs of stiffness and discomfort as he gets older, a senior-specific joint supplement may be a great option. Look for ingredients like MSM and Yucca to help keep older horses comfortable. Tailoring joint support to your horse’s age ensures they stay mobile and comfortable throughout their life.
2. What’s Their Workload Like?
Understanding your horse’s workload is key when selecting a joint supplement, as physical stress can impact joint health. Horses under heavy strain from riding, training, or competition may experience more joint damage than their body can repair, leading to cartilage wear and an increased risk of arthritis. Higher activity levels require more support, so horses in demanding work often benefit from stronger joint support. Ingredients that support cartilage integrity, combat inflammation, and lubricate joints can help maintain joint health over time.
3. Know Your Ingredients
When evaluating joint supplements, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient. Here are some common components and how they benefit your horse:
- Glucosamine: A key building block of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine is essential for the production of new cartilage. It also helps inhibit enzymes and free radicals that damage cartilage.
- Chondroitin Sulfate: This ingredient supports cartilage production and helps prevent breakdown, contributing to a healthy inflammatory response and overall joint comfort.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM is a natural source of sulfur, essential for maintaining collagen, cartilage, hooves, hair, and joint fluid. It also helps the body produce its own internal antioxidants, supporting a natural anti-inflammatory response.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): HA plays a key role in maintaining joint fluid viscosity and protecting joint cells. It’s especially beneficial during periods of intense joint stress and activity.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an antioxidant that plays a role in helping combat harmful free radicals. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the tissues of the body and also important in the production of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments.
4. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Research shows that combining ingredients often yields better results than using a single ingredient. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin are most effective when used together. These two compounds should form the foundation of any joint supplement, with additional ingredients enhancing overall support.
5. Not All Joint Supplements Are Created Equal
With so many joint supplements available, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your horse. Many products on the market make unrealistic claims, often using terms like “cure” or “prevent” without scientific backing. While testimonials from other horse owners can be helpful, relying on them alone, without any supporting scientific data, does not guarantee the supplement’s effectiveness.
To make an informed choice, opt for supplements from reputable companies with a track record of quality. Look for a guaranteed analysis on the label, which will provide a breakdown of the active ingredients and their concentrations, and ensure the product has a lot number and expiration date. The NASC seal is a good indicator that the company follows strict quality control practices, adheres to good manufacturing standards, and ensures the safety and effectiveness of its products. While price is important, it’s crucial to avoid cheaper products that lack transparency or quality control. Always do your research to support your horse’s joint health with a reliable, effective supplement.
If your horse is showing signs of joint discomfort, it may be time to add targeted nutrition to their regimen to improve both comfort and performance. Explore our comprehensive line of joint support supplements for horses.
For more information about MVP supplements, contact our team today at 833-809-4848.