As horse owners and enthusiasts, we want nothing more than our four-legged friends to live a happy and healthy life, and therefore it is essential to prioritise their bone, joint and hoof health. Just like humans, horses rely on strong bones, flexible joints, and healthy hooves to support their bodies and engage in various athletic activities. These aspects are crucial for their overall wellbeing, athletic performance and longevity, so let’s explore them a little deeper:   

Bone Health 

Your horse's bones provide the framework and support for their entire body. Strong and healthy bones are essential for their overall wellbeing and athletic performance.

• Healthy bones give your horse the ability to carry their weight and withstand the forces exerted during movement, such as galloping, jumping or turning. Well-maintained bones ensure a solid foundation for all their physical activities.

• Strong bones are less prone to fractures and injuries. Proper bone density and strength reduce the risk of fractures, which can be painful and lead to lengthy recovery periods. Maintaining bone health helps safeguard your horse against potential injuries.

Joint Health

Joints are where two or more bones meet and allow movement. Maintaining healthy joints is essential for your horse's mobility, comfort, and long-term performance.

• Healthy joints provide smooth and effortless movement, allowing your horse to perform activities comfortably. Smooth joints reduce friction between bones, enabling fluid motions without discomfort or stiffness.

• Joints act as shock absorbers, cushioning the impact generated by activities such as trotting, cantering, and jumping. Well-functioning joints distribute forces evenly, protecting the bones from excessive stress and minimising the risk of injury.

• Healthy joints enable your horse to move freely with a full range of motion. Flexibility is essential for performing complex maneuvers, executing precise jumps, and maintaining overall agility.

Hoof Health

Your horse's hooves are crucial for support, stability, and mobility. Healthy hooves contribute to their overall wellbeing, soundness, and performance.

• Healthy hooves distribute your horse's weight evenly, reducing strain on specific areas and preventing imbalances. This is essential for their overall comfort and minimising the risk of lameness.

• Just like joints, hooves also act as natural shock absorbers, reducing the impact on your horse's joints, bones, and soft tissues. Proper hoof health helps protect these vital structures from excessive stress and potential injuries.

• Well-maintained hooves provide good traction, allowing your horse to grip the ground effectively. Adequate traction enhances their stability, agility, and confidence.

• Healthy hooves act as protection, shielding sensitive internal structures from potential injuries and infections. By maintaining hoof health, you are providing your horse with essential protection against external elements and maintaining their overall wellbeing.

To support your horse's bone, joint, and hoof health, ensure you’re following these steps: 

• Provide a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and proteins. Proper nutrition supports optimal bone and hoof growth and maintenance.

• Engage your horse in regular exercise, appropriate to their fitness level. Controlled exercise supports bone density, joint mobility, and hoof strength.

• Ensure your horse’s hooves are kept clean and are regularly trimmed. Avoid prolonged periods in wet and muddy surroundings to help maintain their structural integrity. 

• Schedule routine check-ups with your veterinarian and farrier to monitor your horse's overall health, identify any potential issues, and receive guidance specific to your horse's needs.

As you can tell, bone, joint and hoof health are vital for your horse's overall wellbeing, comfort, and performance. As well as the above steps, your veterinarian may also recommend incorporating relevant supplements into your horse's feed, and our EquaCare Joint, Bone & Hoof Powder may prove suitable. 

Specifically developed for the racing and breeding industry, our EquaCare Joint, Bone & Hoof Powder formulation is APVMA approved, and specifically formulated with ingredients essential to improving the health and strength of joints, bones and hooves. It simultaneously enhances movement and mobility and helps to maintain the elasticity and resilience of joint cartilage. 

The Powder is a concentrated formulation that cuts out a lot of the fillers found in similar products. This means your horse is getting more of what they need, less of what they don’t and your wallet gets a helping hand in the process.

 Every horse is unique, and factors like breed, genetics, and individual health conditions can affect their overall wellbeing. If you have any concerns or queries about your horse, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian who can provide tailored advice and guidance.

The EquaCare Custom Mix Joint, Bone And Hoof Powder is available in 5kg bulk tubs, SHOP HERE. 

***

To find out more about EquaCare, and products and services we offer, please explore our website, get in touch and follow us on social media - Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Thanks for visiting!