Winter chills can lead to stiffness

Winter can bring about issues for our horses which can be forced upon as management routines are altered due to worsening weather. Colder weather results in increased stiffness and a reluctance to move and combined with enforced stabling due to wintry conditions results in feeling every little ache and pain as they cannot move effectively in a small area, especially when turnout and exercise may be limited due to field conditions, unfortunately it’s not just us as riders who can feel like we are stiffening up as the days get shorter.

So what can we do to help our horses and ponies make it through the winter in comfort?  Ideally looking to keep them moving as much as possible is important.  If you can turnout, then keeping them out as much as possible is ideal, however this is not always possible when land is limited or the weather is very bad however it’s best to try to aim for some turnout every day. Keeping exercise regular and steady is best practice, aware of how the horse is coping with it is important. Keeping the horse appropriately rugged up is essential, if kept warm they are less likely to feel the cold and finally avoiding carrying excess weight will also help ease the load on joints.

Is there anything nutritionally that can help? There are many products out there aimed at the mobility market, but what ingredients should you be looking for to provide support for hard working joints?

Glucosamine HCl is a glycoprotein present in joints and is an essential, natural component of ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid, the liquid shock absorber which lubricates and cushions the joints during movement.

Methyl sulphonyl methane, or MSM, is a readily available source of organic sulphur, a key component of connective tissue, which is important for cartilage and joint support.  MSM works in synchrony with glucosamine to help contribute to the overall joint health, including mobility, flexibility and range of motion for comfortable movement.  MSM also possesses antioxidant properties.

Omega 3 Oils are essential fatty acids which cannot be manufactured by the equine so must be supplied by the diet, play a useful role in both supporting the immune system and healthy joint function.

Vitamin C is a key antioxidant within the equine body with a usual focus on the respiratory system, however, it has been identified as the principal non enzymatic antioxidant component of the synovial fluid, therefore beneficial in a joint supplement.

Looking for a product which combines these ingredients backed up by research is going to be helpful.

Horslyx Mobility Balancer can be used to help maintain healthy joints in all horses, of all ages and breeds, whether for a performance horse that requires support for hard working joints, or as an aid for older horses that may have suffered from wear and tear over the years.  The combination of glucosamine HCl, MSM, Vitamin C and the Omega 3 fatty acids support healthy joint function and provide optimum joint support alongside a high specification balancer package.  Research conducted at The University of Central Lancashire with Horslyx Mobility Balancer has demonstrated improved stride length of horses suffering with stiff joints demonstrating that the combinations of products within Horslyx Mobility Balancer offers a practical solution in maintaining normal healthy joint function.

Mobility Balancer is available in 650g, 5kg and 15kg