It’s well known in the equestrian community that horses in work do well on joint supplements. They can increase comfort, mobility, and overall attitude. Since they feel better, they often perform better.

The goal of this post is to share information about different joint supplements, their ingredients, and what they can do for your horse. So, let’s begin.

Ingredients and what they do

Most joint supplements are based on the same basic idea. They manage inflammation in the joints and protect them from further damage. Most joint issues involve the cartilage and surrounding anatomy; horses in work/sport put much more stress on the cartilage. In turn, this damage worsens over time, creating pain and inflammation. The goal of a joint supplement is to slow down/stop the degradation of joint cartilage, and in cases where damage has already occurred, manage the inflammatory response to manage the levels of pain. Let’s take a look at the most common ingredients:

• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is the most common. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, managing pain levels and keeping the inflammation from creating more damage to the joints. It also acts as a general anti-inflammatory in the rest of the body.
• Chondroitin is also one of the common ones. Its main purpose is to protect cartilage from damage by blocking certain enzymes that damage collagen and cartilage, a shield for the joint. Some studies show it improves mobility in cases of osteoarthritis, helping improve overall comfort.
• Glucosamine is the third in the “big three”. It works in conjunction with the chondroitin or “shield” mentioned above. While the cartilage is protected, glucosamine builds on it. Creating new cartilage and strengthens what is already present. It is used to create the molecules of most collagen-containing structures, not only cartilage. This includes tendons and ligaments as well, giving them extra strength and improved recovery.

The components mentioned above can be found in most joint supplements. But there are other ingredients that can improve the effects even further.

• Undenatured Collagen Type 2 (UC-II) is a unique and rare collagen that is very bioavailable. It protects the already formed cartilage by preventing the immune system from attacking the joints. Many studies also show it reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis. By defending the cartilage, it improves the healing of the joints, improving overall comfort.
  Supplements like Apex Joint Pro Maintenance and GCS Max Joint Care utilize the above-mentioned ingredients.
• ASU (Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables) is a component that does a very similar job to MSM, but with a completely different mechanism. This means when combined, they can build on top of each other, creating a MUCH stronger effect than each can achieve on their own. But that’s not what makes it special; it is shown to rebuild cartilage, as well as defend it. The way it defends the structure is by inhibiting damaging enzymes, stopping inflammation. This makes it an incredible component for joint supplements. It can be found in supplements like Apex Joint Pro Competition and GCS Max Advanced.

When Do We Use Them

Ok now we know what they do, but when should you buy them?

Horses won’t always show they definitely need them, but that does not mean they are unnecessary. If you ride on harder ground or for longer hours, it’s always a good idea to give them as a defensive measure. They will protect the joints, but also help preserve function as age increases. Leading to happier, healthier horses in their senior years.

Speaking of senior years, almost all older horses are recommended to be on some form of joint supplement. Horses are very prone to arthritic issues, especially in their legs and joints. Support is recommended by many professionals. This is recommended even if they aren’t in work.

Product Summary

We have a wide range of joint supplements, but let us give you our recommendation for what you need!

• Apex Joint Pro Maintenance
  It’s an advanced supplement in a simple form. You get 30 sachets per bucket; one sachet is given per day. The ingredients contain: MSM, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Type 2 Collagen, Vitamin C, and Boswellia serrata.
  Boswellia is a plant that provides very strong anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Apex Joint Pro Competition
  It’s the exact same as its Maintenance variant. The one difference being it utilises ASU instead of MSM for competition purposes.
• GCS Max Joint Care
  It’s a more basic supplement, with a lot of science behind it. Containing the “Big Three” ingredients as well as Collagen Type 2 and Vitamin C. It’s very similar to Joint Pro Maintenance, but designed in a larger three-month container and is also a little cheaper.
• GCS Max Advanced
  This is a very powerful supplement mixing all ingredients mentioned, combining the power of ASU and MSM for the most powerful effect

Products Mentioned