Do you think he really needs a joint supplement?

[Gorgeous George]

As above really, my livery has recently gone up and I’ve moved house and taken on a bigger mortgage so things are a little tight and I’m trying to save some money. I am thinking about only having one lesson a month (instead of 2) and I am wondering if George really does need his joint supplement?

He is on aviform’s suppleaze as a preventative, he doesn’t have any mobility or joint problems that I am aware of (touch wood), so of course I have no idea if the supplement actually does anything as I wouldn’t expect to see any difference in his way of going. The reason I give him a joint supplement is because he is a big horse (16.3 shire x) and he has windgalls (never caused him a problem – touch wood again), so I’m concerned there may already be some joint damage there.

He is probably classed as being in light work, ridden 5 times a week, does schooling, hacking and jumping. Probably jumps 2 or 3 times a month (3ft max) and we go to local unaff shows at most once a month (will be less now as def a way to save money!)

Just people’s thoughts really –thanks.

 

[flyingfeet]

Most supplements are snake oil and you really don't need them if your horse has a healthy diet

I feed mine micronised linseed, which would cover joints, but I really feed as it makes them shiney. Probably a waste of money, but at least its £20 for 25kg!!

 

[skewsnpies]

There has been a paper released by the GMC stating that there is now no evidence to suggest that joint supplements such as glucosamine are of any benefit in humans so its possibly going to be the same for animals.
My old mare always had cider vinegar for her joints and it is relatively cheap compared to the big branded supplements on the market - might be an alternative for you to try. She was never lame as such and had no signs of arthritis but it made me feel like i was at least helping prevent anything

 

[quirky]

I give mine turmeric that works out at pennies a month after reading a research paper from Nottingham Trent Uni equine department.

 

[em_johners]

Hiya,

I am doing a survey on equine joint supplementation and the public's experience with using them for my dissertation. I think this is a very important area in need of research. There are hundreds of products currently in the market and I want to highlight the products that do work from the products that don't. Then try to isolate the specific ingredients from your results, to work out why the products that do work do!

If guys have any experiences at all with joint supplements, I would be super greatful, if you could complete my quick survey. You will be helping to remove products that don't work from the market.

To complete my Survey please go to the following website:
http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/renders...x7m9nttt860195

Thankyou,

Emily Johnson Bsc(hons) Equine Science