Owning a horse that is expected to perform well in the sport of your choice is a responsibility that falls directly on your shoulders. Whether the horse is used primarily for pleasure riding or has been trained to excel in the equine sport of your choice, keeping him in good health is essential. Horses are powerful animals that use every muscle in their body when asked to carry a rider over varying terrain or pull carriage while competing. Most horses are able to meet these demands without difficulty if they have had the proper training and conditioning to do so.
Over the course of their lifetime, many horses eventually develop arthritis in their joints simply from the wear and tear of average use. You have likely taken precautions to avoid any practices that could cause joint damage to your horse, but injuries do happen and aging can also bring on the development of arthritis. Since you have invested both time and expense in your valuable horse, there will eventually come a time when you will want to add horse supplements to his diet. There are many supplements from which to choose, so seeking the advice of your veterinarian is usually the best option.
Choosing the right supplement that will best relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis in your horse will allow you to enjoy him longer than if you gave him no supplements at all. Horses are similar to people in how their joints and muscles work, so a pain relieving supplement allows them to move normally with less pain and stiffness. Some supplements work better than others with cheaper products typically being less effective. Bearing this in mind, you will want to follow your veterinarians recommendation and also do some research on your own.
Horses were created with joints and muscles to withstand high levels of activity, but specific performance demands such as show jumping, combined driving and dressage can overwork certain areas. Even if your horse is used simply as a pleasure mount without high physical demands, he will probably be affected by age related arthritis in his later years. Many horses are very usable well into their twenties, but you should provide extra care and a lighter riding schedule for your faithful companion as he nears the end of the trail.