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Post by knightack on Mar 28, 2011 6:31:48 GMT
I normally have my horses on some type of joint supplement, even if it is merely for peace of mind.
I have read quite a bit that the effectiveness of joint supplements as a preventative is often debated.
Obviously, we are all money conscious these days, and getting rid of the unnecessary spending helps(not saying that supplements are unnecessary).
Later I get him Boots even don’t know if it helps or not.
I haven't had “Horse Travelling Boots 42210J/F” on a supplement since I bought him in September at WelcomeGet.
If he were at home, doing 1/2 the work he is currently doing....he would be on my old farm . My trainer is one that doesn't believe in it as a preventative, but obviously if I show up with his horse. she'll have the guys feed it to him.
He has been in full time training going on 6 1/2 months now.
He is shod every 5 weeks, and I am happy with how the current farrier is doing him. He suggested me that I get a boot for him. I can see he’s doing well now.
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Post by scattymare on Mar 28, 2011 7:44:02 GMT
I'm not sure about supplements either. Whilst I know some people have had great results as an aid when there is a problem, who knows if they help prevent a problem.
Boots however I think can be useful. By the sounds of your post your horse is in specific training. I always use boots when jumping (and Ed is a chunky Welsh so probably enough feather to protect her!) but I feel they help protect against any knocks. Also if your horse is doing intense flatwork then a good support boot will offer support and protection.
What training is your horse in?
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Post by brigadier on Mar 28, 2011 18:09:47 GMT
I sit on the fence over supplements for joints, certainly as a preventative measure I wouldnt use them but would if there was a problem. I do feed bog standard sunflower oil and garlic plus seaweed as additives to feed but thats more for skin and shine etc.
As for boots I believe the horse should support itself and built up to work to do this- as such I dont use for light hacking but I always use for training, schooling and jumping/fast work as a strike injury can be such a drawback and if asking the horse to exert itself out of the ordinary then protection is better than vets bills!
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Post by rainbow on Mar 28, 2011 20:04:43 GMT
I am the same in i use boots for jumping.
My friend is using cider vinegar oil as it is good for joints and vet vits EquiFlex they both seem to do well with his Arthritus in his stifle.
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Post by spotti on Mar 29, 2011 10:00:53 GMT
Not sure about as a preventative, but we have Glucosamine and Devil's Claw Root to help with bone spavin on hocks and various other niggly things that will one day be arthritis. Ever since Faith has been on these things she's been loads better! She's no longer stiff when she comes out of her stable and is a lot more willing to turn, bend and stretch now. I keep wondering whether to take her off them for a month or so to see what effect the supplements actually have (i.e. does she deteriorate without them?), but she's at a point now where she's actually sound and happy so I'd rather not set her back again. I think if you wanted a general preventative then various oils are supposed to be good for joints - cod liver oil etc - perhaps you could try one of those instead? If it does nothing or your horse seems to deteriorate you can always put him back on what he's currently having  |
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Post by maximum on Mar 29, 2011 20:17:51 GMT
I don't use Cod liver oil as I don't believe its natural for a horse who is a herbivore to be eating fish products and so I feed linseed oil - not so much for the joints but for a slow release energy feed.
I read an article ( maybe even from a link on here?) about how they had tested the effect of cod liver oil , gluosomine and chondroitin and there was no noticable inprovement in the group who had them compared to the group who had placebo's.
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Post by ernieburt on Mar 29, 2011 21:00:23 GMT
I have an oldie (19) and feed him top spec senior balancer it has a joint suppliment built in to it. He has never had a problem but I find this to be a great balancer and is expensive but as you don't need anything else adding (other than haylage/hay) works out reasonable about £1 a day.
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Post by solomon on Mar 29, 2011 21:26:24 GMT
Vet put Pete on Cosequin in October, too scared to stop as loading dose, first four weeks costs a small fortune. Only about £20 a month now to keep him on it. Think he is better, but he was never too bad before we started it. I know he had a hard life before I got him so happy to try preventative measures.
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Post by zara on Mar 29, 2011 21:49:28 GMT
Aj has DJD in his hocks and he is on Naf Superflex. I'm sure it does help but daren't stop it to see if there is a difference. i used to have him on Devil's Claw too but was advised by Naf nutritionist not to give it him all the time and only in acute pain situations. I stopped it some time ago and haven't noticed any deterioration Zx
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for so much hard work we thank ye!!
