Joint supplement for young horses

[Iloveeverycat]

I read somewhere that feeding glucosamine to young horses may be beneficial and reduce the risk of joint issues later in life

does anyone know of any research into this , or feed their youngsters a joint supplement ?

Would it be a waste of money for my riding 3 year old , or good to get him started on it early ?

Interested to hear your more informed opinions as I don’t know much about this ?

 

[AdorableAlice]

I think you would be better ensuring the youngster is not over topped, not started early and worked hard as a 4/5 year old, especially if expected to grow into a big type. Giving them time and not working on artificial surfaces will help their joints more than a supplement.

That is of course, an old fashioned and non scientific view which is probably about to be proved wrong.

 

[Caol Ila]

Last I checked, the evidence in support of "preventative" joint supplements = 0. Arguably, the evidence of OTC joint supplements relieving diagnosed cases of arthritis is also dubious at best.

 

[tristar]

conformation and hereditary are a factor, in soundness, however i use my horses carefully, train slowly, but by golly sometimes i work them hard, in the moments they are feeling really well warmed up and loose in themselves

variety, lots of lunging , on the rein loose, loose jumping, trotting poles, ground work, in hand work, stretching with carrots anything and everything to move all the different muscle and joint parts in as many directions as possible, which help the overall frame support whatever you want to do with them

i use linseed, sunflower oil, some vits and mins at different times