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Performance horses put a lot of strain on their legs as they run, jump, spin, pull carriages, or perform sliding stops from a full gallop. Even the most placid trail-riding horses are asked to carry a saddle and rider for several hours. Though they may never go faster than a slow jog, this extra weight produces wear and tear on joint structures over the years.

To keep your horse’s joints in the best condition for a long riding career, follow these tips to preserve health and prevent discomfort or lameness.

  • Good nutrition is a key to overall health in horses. Especially in young horses, feeding for smooth, gradual growth will help in the development of strong bones and healthy cartilage.
  • Slow, steady training is important in keeping horses sound. Begin with short, easy exercise periods and increase the length and intensity of workouts over a period of several months. This type of conditioning allows the horse’s muscles, bones, heart, and lungs to adapt to the demands of performance. There is less chance of joint injury if the horse has the fitness level to perform without developing undue fatigue.
  • Allow time for reconditioning after a layoff. If the horse is out of work for more than a few weeks, back off on the level of exercise when riding resumes. This is especially important if the horse is recovering from an injury or illness.
  • Keep horses at an optimum weight. Obesity increases the stress on joint structures, eventually leading to unsoundness in some horses.
  • Watch for early signs of joint problems such as heat, swelling, or lameness. If joint issues are diagnosed and treated in their initial stages, the chance for healing is enhanced and further damage may be avoided.
  • Keep horses on a regular schedule of hoof care. Trimming and resetting of shoes will keep the horse balanced, avoiding unnecessary strain. Corrective trimming and shoeing can also help young horses overcome conformation faults that put extra stress on knees, hocks, and fetlocks.
  • Limit work on hard surfaces. Extreme concussion can damage joint cartilage, so riders should try to avoid long periods of galloping or jumping on hard, dry ground. For horses that are frequently ridden on pavement, such as in parades, padded boots can absorb some of the shock that is transmitted up the horse’s legs with each step.
  • Joint supplements like Synovate HA and KER-Flex (or Glucos-A-Flex in Australia) from Kentucky Equine Research can support joint health and extend the active years for many horses. Synovate HA delivers sodium hyaluronate, a structural component of joint cartilage and synovial fluid. KER-Flex (available in the U.S.) contains glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate and is designed to assist in maintenance of joint integrity. It may also slow the progression of arthritic changes in older horses.
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