What joint supplement should you use?

[dropcap style=”font-size: 70px; color: #052b51; font-family: ‘Droid Serif’, Arial, sans-serif;”] S [/dropcap]unny Park has found a fantastic new joint & performance supplement that all the ‘big boys’ and competitive show jumpers in the yard are now on. We’re seeing fantastic results & thought we’d share a bit more information about why supplementation is so important. We’d also like to tell you a bit more about the new EXCEL WITH FULVIC supplement!

 

An effective joint supplement for the competitive horse is a necessity. There are no two ways about it. If you visit Google and type in something as simple as “joint supplements for horses”, before you are bombarded with products you are bombarded with veterinary research declaring the importance of supplementation to protect your horse’s joints.

The bottom line is horse joint supplements work. In Dr Eleanor Kellon’s Horse Joint Supplements Guide she references the formal studies that back this claim up.

So we know a good supplement is important, but there are a multitude of different powders, potions and possible options currently on the market. How do you choose?

Speak to your vet.

There’s a reason they charge as much as they do. Vets study for many years and, believe it or not, know their stuff. Ask for their advice and suggestions.

Check the ingredients.

Compare the ingredients to the FEI’s list of banned substances. If anything in the supplement’s ingredients is on the banned list it’s a no go. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t competing in the big heights and “don’t get drug tested.” There’s a reason a compound is banned – try stay away from illegal substances.

Research shows that a good joint supplement should contain these three ingredients: Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM.

Some people choose to supplement with Glucosamine and MSM only. Both are extremely effective, however many veterinarians argue that recent research shows Glucosamine and Chondroitin are far more effective when utilised together as opposed to single compounds. MSM is also an effective anti-inflammatory which helps in muscle and joint recovery after work outs.

Find out what works for your horse.

Some horses respond differently to particular supplements. However, keep in mind that it takes two to three months to see results when feeding a powdered supplement.

At Sunny Park Stables we use Fulvic:

Nicola has always supplemented her horses and was introduced to a new supplement on the South African market. Excel with Fulvic is a fully legal supplement containing Fulvic Acid, Calcium, Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin.

Because Fulvic acid is added to the mix, the supplement not only offers bone, joint & connective tissues support as well as anti-inflammatory benefits but the Fulvic acid also boosts digestion, immunity and offers a quicker recovery time.

The saying goes that a horse only has so many jumps in him – by offering him the necessary joint, muscle and tendon support you add to those jumps.

Tomorrow’s work out is only as good as today’s recovery.

Fulvic is also great for horses with progressive arthritis, tendon injuries and to repair and heal cartilage.

The supplement is available in the Tack ‘n Shack store. If you aren’t a Sunny Parker Nicola is also able to deliver to all major shows and arrange delivery to yards in Gauteng. If you need more information drop Nicola or Jan an email and they can send you the scientific material.

Did we mention how cost effective this stuff is? R1596 for 5kg… available in 1kg and 2kg containers as well.