Question

I own two mares, a 16-year-old and a 20-year-old. I ride 500 miles each riding season, so they are well-used. I also have a second 20-year-old mare I rescued six years ago with crooked legs from the knee down, and she has developed arthritis. Can you help me with a supplement program to keep the other two sound and healthy for as long as possible?

Answer

Glucosamine, chondroitin, sodium hyaluronate, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are known to promote joint health. The best method to provide these nutrients to your horse is through targeted supplementation that complements a balanced diet.

KER Targeted Nutrition offers three products designed to keep joints healthy.

• KER-Flex contains high-quality glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) and chondroitin sulfate. While KER•Flex is available in the U.S., horse owners in Australia should look for Glucos-A-Flex, also a rich source of glucosamine hydrochloride.

• Synovate HA is a liquid form of sodium hyaluronate that is bioavailable to the horse. Synovate HA is available in both the U.S. and Australia.

• EO-3 is a marine-derived source of EPA and DHA, both of which are more biologically potent than plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA). EO-3 is available in both the U.S. and Australia.

Because your one older mare is suffering from osteoarthritis, I would recommend KER-Flex (0.5 oz/day) or Glucos-A-Flex (30 g/day) and Synovate HA (0.5-1 oz/day) to provide total joint support. In addition to providing oral joint support, make sure your mare maintains an ideal body weight (not too heavy), as extra weight can needlessly stress joints.

In a research study at KER, exercised horses supplemented with Synovate HA had greater stride length than unsupplemented horses. If stiffness and joint motility are the problem, then supplementing with Synovate HA would be recommended at 1 oz/day.

EO-3 can also help reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that EPA and DHA benefit joints through their anti-inflammatory properties. Supplementing with EO-3 helps to provide a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be fed in combination with the other two joint-support products. Several joint supplements include methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) as an ingredient, as it is thought to have anti-inflammatory benefits, but the mode of action for this is still unclear.

Offering a daily source of sodium hyaluronate (Synovate HA) or marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids (EO-3) provides a constant supply of protective compounds that will help to keep your active horses working comfortably.