Joint supplements are the most popular type of supplement given to horses. That may be because we all want our horses to be comfortable doing their job and to be able to do that job for as long as possible. However, whether you’re a horse or a human, eventually joint discomfort catches up to all of us. This is just one reason experts recommend that today is the right day to start caring for your horse’s joints.

Why start now?

Some horse owners think that only horses competing at the highest levels – racing, three-day eventing, endurance riding, reining – or who are already seniors need the support of an oral joint supplement. However, a team of researchers looked at a herd of wild horses in New Zealand and saw age-related changes in their joints¹. This was true even for the horses less than five years of age. The researchers suggested that if young, wild horses could develop classic signs of wear and tear to joint tissues like cartilage, the additional stress put on domestic horses by riding and training may speed up this process.

The Research Behind Joint Ingredients

Equine joint supplements are intended to promote and preserve normal, healthy joint tissues. The best products do this through strategic combinations and appropriate levels of key ingredients shown by research to work. One product that stands apart from the others is Absorbine’s Flex+Max Joint Health Supplement. Flex+Max has the NASC quality seal, passing rigorous standards for their facility and process. The ingredients in Flex+Max are what make this supplements so effective.

• Glucosamine, 10,000mg – One of the most studied ingredients in joint supplements², it’s the basic building block of cartilage. The thinking is that when cartilage needs to rebuild, repair, and restore as part of its normal recovery process, make sure the joint has plenty of its main structural component on hand.

• Chondroitin Sulfate, 1,200mg – Considered to be the “partner” of glucosamine because these two ingredients work better together than separately³, the experts at Absorbine chose low molecular weight CS for enhanced bioavailability. That means it’s more fully absorbed by the horse’s system so that more ends up where it’s needed – inside the joint⁴.

• Hyaluronic Acid, 150mg – HA is a major component of the fluid within joints that helps provide smooth, friction-free movement and shock absorption. Research shows that joints require more of this lubricating compound during times of excess stress⁵.

• MSM 5,000mg – A recent study in jumpers demonstrated the ability of methylsulfonylmethane to act as an antioxidant, especially during heavy exercise when oxidative stress is high⁶.

• Boswellia – This herb has been used for centuries to support comfortable joints. Modern medicine has been able to point to a number of active compounds in its sap that block the enzymes that lead to excess inflammation⁷.

• Flaxseed – One of the best plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids, adding flaxseed to an already comprehensive formula provides yet another ingredient to combat higher than normal levels of stress and inflammation associated with exercise and age⁸.

• Fenugreek – Finally, no supplement can have a positive impact on joint health unless the horse eats it. Once again, the specialists at Absorbine looked to the research and identified the number one flavor horses prefer in taste tests: fenugreek⁹. Some people think it has the scent of vanilla while to others, the aroma is more like maple syrup. The bottom line is that a small amount of this flavorful herb encourages even the pickiest eaters.

Starting your horse on a joint supplement early provides long term and preventative support for their joints. Using a supplement like Flex+Max will help to preserve healthy joint tissues keeping your horse comfortable longer.