Types of Horse Joint Supplements

Joints are a major body part that aids in mobility of a horse and owners need to constantly keep checking for joint related problems. Degenerative diseases and arthritis can hamper the abilities of even the best of performance horses. Of course mobility will also vary from one breed to another but no matter what breed of animal of you have, supplements are vital in order to maintain flexibility. Horse joint supplements can help keep your beloved animals healthy and performing at their optimum.

Various joint supplements work in different ways to keep equine joints healthy. The most popular supplements in this regard are Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate Acid, Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, Shark Cartilage, Perna Mussel, Boswellia, Bromelain and Devils Claw. Some horse joint supplements also come as a variation of these ingredients or as a combination of various basic supplements. Each of these supplements, work in a unique way to take care of an underlying mobility issue or joint related deficiency.

Glucosamine, for instance, keeps the joints lubricated and stimulates glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that help in formation of joint tissue and cartilage. Natural production of glucosamine in the body may be inhibited because of the constant pressure of riding discipline or even with age. When the natural glucosamine production is halted, the cartilage can no longer act as the shock absorber that it is supposed to act like for a joint and this lack causes pain and stiffness in joints. If this persists for long, the horses may suffer from various deformity and they lose their ability of smooth and flexible motion.

Other horse joint supplements work in a similar fashion to take care of joint ailments. Chondroitin Sulfate actually improves the functionality of Glucosamine while also taking care of bone healing and bone and cartilage nutrition. Hyaluronic acid itself is the simplest GAG (glycosaminoglycan) found in connective tissue. Proper nutrient delivery is impossible without this component. MSM is a form of organic sulphur and an important supplement for horses that go through intense training programs. MSM supports joint lubrications and aids in improvement of all kind of body tissue.

Cartilage extracts like shark and perna mussel also contain GAGs and they both carry glucosamine which aids in joint lubrication and proper nutrition of cartilage. Horses may sometimes need only pain supplements like Boswellia, Bromelain and Devils Claw because while these have no other major impact on horse joint, they do improve shock absorption and improve the viscosity of joint fluid. In addition to these common supplements, horse joint supplements come as a combination of one of two ingredients as an easy joint liquid or joint suppleness powder.