The majority of horses will need joint support at some point in their lives, and heavily worked horses are virtually guaranteed to need support even earlier. However, with all the joint supplement options available it’s difficult to make a choice. As a general guide, upper level athletes and horses working on hard ground or over difficult terrain are good candidates for a more extensive approach to joint support. Any horse known to be prone to joint issues or one that does not respond to the basic joint nutrients should also take a more targeted approach.

Bone, whose framework is connective tissue, can lose density around joints. Ligaments, tendons and synovial membranes play critical roles in maintaining the stability of joints by controlling their motion. Inflammation is a normal part of day to day tissue maintenance. It is the clean-up crew that removes old or damaged cells and participates in tissue remodeling and strengthening. A healthy joint has the tools it needs to keep a balance between the forces of breakdown and repair.

However, normal weight bearing and exercise generates free radicals which in turn can trigger a damaging inflammatory response in connective tissue. The following key nutrients provide hard working joints with added support to maintain healthy, strong structure and function.

• Dietary antioxidants can assist in the management of a healthy inflammatory response. Quercetin, Resveratrol, fruits and berries,Boswellia herb, Golden Rod and Cat’s Claw, and Vitamin C are good antioxidant options. 
• Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is the basic substance of all types of connective tissue. Research has shown that hydrolyzed collagen supplements can strengthen bone and strengthen the amount of stress the tissues can withstand while being stretched or pulled.
• Egg shell membrane is a thin translucent membrane attached to the inner surface of (chicken) egg shells. It is composed of 25% collagen as well as Hyaluronic Acid, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and other connective tissue proteins to support joint health and movement.
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural form of sulfur that supports the reduction of free radical formation and the stress that can take a toll on joints.

Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya, formulates and manufactures leading edge products that support joint and bone health.

Arthroxigen For horses of all ages for support of acute or chronically stressed joints. Maximum potency Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and Hyaluronic Acid combine with Collagen, Eggshell Membrane, MSM, potent herbs and unsurpassed antioxidant support for full spectrum joint and connective tissue support. Also available in a “Competition Ready” (CR) formula that is Devil’s Claw-free.

Lubrigen This go-to joint foundation formula contains generous doses of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid and MSM. Provides additional joint and connective tissue support from key amino acids, vitamins and potent antioxidant herbs.

Devil’s Claw Plus Devil’s Claw is world-renowned as the premier herb with potent ability that supports healthy joints and muscle tissue to promote free and easy movement. It combines with the time honored North American herbal Yucca, Boswellia and Resveratrol for cartilage and connective tissue support. Also supplies potent antioxidant support from Vitamin C and Grape Seed Extract. 

Phytoquench Grasses and grains lose their natural antioxidant capacity with storage. Replace these tissue and immunity preserving antioxidants with Phyto-Quench. Also includes powerful bioflavonoid rich ingredients to promote a healthy inflammatory response.

Dr. Eleanor Kellon, staff veterinary specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition, is an established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, and a founding member and leader of the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) group, whose mission is to improve the welfare of horses with metabolic disorders via integration of research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal. www.ecirhorse.org. Uckele Health & Nutrition is an innovation-driven health company committed to being on the leading edge of nutritional science and technology for over 50 years. Uckele takes pride in formulating and manufacturing a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements incorporating the latest nutritional advances for equine athletes and companion animals to help achieve optimal health. For more information visit www.uckele.com.