How To Support Joint Health in Your Horse

Do these things to keep your horse’s joints stable and pain-free.

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As horses run, jump, or carry a rider for hours, their legs (especially their joints) are put through a lot of strain. Over time, all of these stresses can cause wear and tear, leading to pain, discomfort, and even lameness. In order to prevent this and maintain the health of your horse, here are a few things that Open Nutrition recommends you keep in mind. 

 

Balanced Nutrition Is Vital

Horses need balanced diets to stay healthy and active. Good nutrition should start as early as possible. Feeding your young horse a balanced diet with proper calcium and phosphorus while their joint cartilages are still forming will ensure that they develop strong, healthy bones and joints. In addition to feeding the horse good quality hay, joint supplements like Pro Joint supplements for horses from Open Nutrition USA will do your horse a world of good. 

 

Maintain A Slow & Steady Training Regimen

Gradual training will ensure that the bones, muscles, lungs, and heart of your horse are conditioned to keep up with the demands of training. One common mistake in horse training is to subject your horse to a regimen that overstresses it. While some training regimens may be suitable for older horses, younger horses with developing joints will be traumatized by such regimens. You must ensure that you’re not overworking your horse. You should also allow time for reconditioning when training resumes if your horse does not work or train for a while due to an illness or injury. 

 

Hoof Care Is Important

A regular and consistent schedule of hoof care can help protect your horse’s joint. Resetting the horseshoe, trimming the hooves, and other forms of care safeguard your horse’s balance and prevent strain. Hoof care also prevents conformation issues in young horses.  

 

Limit Work Done On Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces are unkind to joints. Avoid subjecting your horse to long periods of running and jumping on hard, dry ground. If your horse must be ridden on concrete pavement and other hard surfaces, consider using padded boots.

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