The Scoop on Equine
Joint Supplements

As horseback riders and equine caretakers, we want to make our horses feel their best. When it comes to joint health, we often we look at periodic treatments and activity-based improvements as a solution over feed-through supplements. Whether you're looking for a joint supplement to support a hard-working performance horse or an older horse that gets achy and stiff, finding the right supplement amongst a vast sea of options can be overwhelming. To help you in your search, we have broken down the ingredients commonly used in equine joint supplements. We will also address a few diet considerations and answer some frequently asked questions about joint supplements, so you can feel better equipped to help your horse thrive!

Before jumping straight to a diet change, it is important to understand how your horse's body works on its own—without supplementation. Based on activity level, genetic predisposition, maintenance, and more, your horse could react differently than other horses in response to certain feeds and supplements. Listed below are important factors we encourage you to consider discussing with your veterinarian, as they all can impact your horse's body condition:

• Diet and Feed Quality: Your horse's diet is something you've already thought about if you're considering a supplement, but it's a good topic to discuss with your vet. It is important to make sure your horse is getting the appropriate nutrients they need for their age and workload. You should also consider the quality of feed your horse is consuming. Similar to quality, the type of feed can affect your horse's body condition. Different hay and grain types offer varying amounts of nutrients, and your vet can direct you to something missing (or in excess) in their diet.
• Gastric Ulcers: Stomach ulcers may affect 60% or more of performance horses, but even non-performance horses and foals are susceptible. Gastric ulcers are often caused by stress, changing feed or a grain-heavy diet, and rigorous exercise. Ulcers can affect how well your horse can absorb nutrients from food and negatively impact their weight. If you have any concerns about the possible presence of ulcers in your horse, reach out to your vet. If your horse already has or is susceptible to ulcers, it's a good idea to hold off on supplement changes or incorporate them slowly.
• Worms and Parasites: Even if you regularly deworm your horse, it's a good idea to have your vet perform a fecal egg count if you are concerned about their body condition. Worms and parasites are born to be sneaky, and it's important to evict them once they've found a home! If your horse has worms or parasites, they cannot absorb nutrients efficiently and may render the supplements you're feeding them useless. For further information on deworming, we encourage you to check out our guide on The Basics of Horse Deworming!
• Dental Issues: If your horse has an issue with their teeth, they are likely unable to chew food effectively. It's highly recommended to get your horse's teeth checked annually. If you have an older horse that has lost teeth, or one with *unique* teeth, they might require a special diet; this could be anything from soaked feeds with so much liquid that it's basically soup, or chopped hay that's easier to chew.
• Age: As horses get older, they often have a harder time staying limber (despite a clean bill of health otherwise). If your horse is approaching their senior years, they may need some additional support to keep them nimble.
• Other Health Conditions: While less common, other health issues can be the cause of joint issues. If you have concerns about any unhealthy condition in your horse, you should contact your vet ASAP!

Most joint supplements feature the same main ingredients, using different amounts or accompanying ingredients. These ingredients help your horse to feel better by helping with cartilage and synovial fluid production. They do not cure joint issues, like arthritis, though they may help. Joint supplements contribute building blocks to the horse's body, so that they can take what they need to build more cushion! Below, we break down the common ingredients you will find in joint supplements and address how they are designed to interact with your horse's joints.

Glucosamine:

Glucosamine is a common ingredient in almost all joint supplements. Naturally found in the body, it supports cartilage production while also inhibiting cartilage breakdown caused by inflammation.

Chondroitin:

Chondroitin is another common ingredient in joint supplements and is often paired with glucosamine, as they have been shown to be most effective when supplemented together. Similar in action, chondroitin supports the production of cartilage while slowing breakdown and inhibiting inflammation.

MSM:

MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane, is an organic sulfur compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties within joints, while also supporting connective tissues.

Hyaluronic Acid:

Hyaluronic acid (HA) can be found in both articular cartilage and synovial fluid, acting as a natural lubricator that helps keep joints moving freely and comfortably. It is most effective when injected directly into joints, but has shown some positive impact when fed orally as well.

Yucca and Devil's Claw:

Yucca and Devil's Claw are herbal supplements thought to provide relief from joint pain with anti-inflammatory properties. However, the mechanism is not understood and there are few studies in horses.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids are an extremely versatile supplement, with benefits ranging from skin and coat health to joint support. Common sources are flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, or fish oil. Note that plants like flaxseed contain ALA (alpha-linoleic acid) that has to be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, while fish oil is a direct source of these inflammation-fighting fatty acids.

ASU (Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables):

ASU is a vegetable extract derived from avocado and soybean oil. It has been shown to reduce inflammation while also slowing the breakdown of cartilage, working well in conjunction with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Even when you understand the common ingredients in supplements, choosing one can be tricky. Here are some tips on what to look for, whether you're looking for joint support or another type of supplement for your horse:

• Choose a company that provides easily accessible information about their products, including their contact information.
• Make sure the full list of ingredients with a guaranteed analysis and feeding directions are labeled on the packaging.
• Look for an expiration date and lot number. These show that the manufacturer has a tracking system for product quality.

Q: Are joint supplements worth it? Do joint supplements work?

A: Many horse owners find that joint supplements help their horse's overall comfort and increase mobility. Depending on what your horse needs based on age, activity, and other variables, some joint supplements will have more of an effective result than others.

Q: What's the best thing to feed horses with joint issues?

A: Adding a joint supplement to your horse's diet is a great way to help them to feel their best. However, make sure the supplement you choose has one or more of the key components for joint support! Look for supplements with the ingredients we aforementioned above, and consider the nutrients your horse is receiving in their overall diet. The best joint supplement for a horse with joint problems is the one that complements their main need and diet.

Q: Are there natural ways to help my horse with their joints?

A: Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and celery are all common options that have had positive effects on equine joint health. They are not a cure for joint health issues, but they could work well in making your horse more comfortable if you're looking for a natural option outside of a joint supplement.

Q: Are there joint health options that I don't have to feed?

A: There are injectible options for joint health and comfort, like Adequan and Legend, that are given in loading doses and/or in routine doses. These injectibles are great for horses who do not or cannot get a serving of grain in their diet but still need joint help. Vets will often offer injection services if you or another experienced equestrian is unable to give the injection. Steroid injections in the troubled joint area are another option, but they should be heavily discussed with your vet.

Pellet, powder, liquid, or injection, there is a joint health helper for your horse. While there are equine nutritionists, we are not one of them; we highly suggest you consult one for additional information! The resources are out there to help us properly feed our horses, so they can function and perform at their highest. Paying attention to your horse's body condition and altering their workload or diet to match their comfort level is of the utmost importance.

While there is no perfect joint supplement, there are many options that can help your horse feel and look their best! If you have any questions regarding your specific horse's diet and health, we strongly suggest that you reach out to your vet or an equine nutritionist. For inquiries regarding supplement products, please contact our customer service by calling 1(800)620-9145 or by emailing info@ridingwarehouse.com. Happy riding!

Further Reading

We understand that you may want to do more research on horse diet/nutrition and its related conditions. That's why we compiled some great sources below, so you can take a deeper dive!

• Missippi State University on Equine Joint Supplementation
• University of Minnesota on Ingredients in Horse Joint Supplements
• Large Animal Medical Associates on Joint Maintenance
• American Association of Equine Practitioners on Gastric Ulcers