Senior Flex (Meal)

Glucosamine is the building block of chondroitin sulfate, a specific type of polysulfide glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a small but complex molecule that plays an important role in the production and protection of joints. Glucosamine plays multiple roles within joint function and health. It helps increase the production of new GAGs and therefore new cartilage, has also been shown to help inhibit free radicals and enzymes that break down cartilage. 

MSM: (Methylsulfonylmethane) Assists body to produce its own internal antioxidants which helps support natural inflammatory response by providing protection against oxidative stress. It is a great source of sulfur, which plays an important role in maintaining the health of collagen, cartilage, hooves, hair and joint fluid.

Chondroitin Sulfate works synergistically with glucosamine in the production of new cartilage and inhibits the effects of various enzymes that breakdown cartilage. It also helps to support a natural inflammatory response lending to overall joint health and comfort.

Yucca is an herb native to North and Central America used by ancient and modern civilizations to address musculoskeletal discomfort. Active ingredients have been isolated from Yucca that have shown to have antioxidant properties to help support natural inflammatory response.

Ester-C® (calcium ascorbate) is a unique patented ascorbate complex bound with calcium carbonate. Ester- C® is naturally processed in purified water without the use of alcohol or acetone solvents. This makes Ester-C® a more readily available, readily absorbed form of vitamin C. 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. Ester-C® has up to 4X more metabolic activity than standard vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Vitamin A is well known for its role in supporting healthy vision, immune function, and skin/coat. However, it is also needed for respiratory health, reproduction, soft tissue and normal skeletal development in young growing horses and exercising horses that are remodeling bone.

Vitamin D (Calciferol) plays an indirect role in bone growth and maintenance by managing the levels of calcium (Ca) in the body. It assists in the absorption of Ca from the intestine, the movement of Ca into and out of bone, and the amount of Ca excreted by the kidneys.

Vitamin E is considered the most important antioxidant and works closely with selenium to protect the body from the oxidative stress of exercise and illness. Found in high amounts in fresh pasture, levels begin to decay the moment pasture is cut for hay. That is why any horse that does not have access to grass, regardless of its activity level or health, would be a candidate for vitamin E supplementation. Horses are not very efficient in storing vitamin E and deficiency may be accelerated if the diet is deficient in selenium.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that help promote healthy digestive function and support a healthy immune system. Often referred to as ‘good bugs’ they help break down ingredients/contents that the body normally can't, and help inhibit ‘bad bugs’ from growing.

I want to start my older gelding on a joint support. What is the difference between the Senior-Flex and the Senior Flex H/A?

MVP: Senior-Flex is a great product to start your senior horse on by providing tried and true joint support ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. It also provides probiotics for digestive support. Senior-Flex H/A is a good choice if your senior horse needs a more advanced level of joint support. Senior-Flex H/A has the same ideal formula as Senior-Flex with a higher level of MSM and added Hyaluronic Acid for additional support.

At what age is a horse considered a senior??  My 17 yr old quarter horse is not at all stiff or has any signs of discomfort, but a friend has suggested that I should put him on this product before he starts showing any wear and tear. We ride once or twice a week. 

MVP: Although there is no rule regarding when a horse becomes a senior, many horse owners use age 15 as a general guide. Just like in people, horses age differently depending on their physical condition and several other factors. As many senior horses experience stiffness and discomfort associated with aging, it’s a great idea to start your older horse on a supplement now to help keep his joints healthy.

What would the dose be for a 500 lb mini?

MVP: For miniature horses and ponies 500lbs and under, we recommend a half of a scoop (1/2 oz) daily.