Joints and Soundness

There are countless different commercially available products all claiming to have amazing abilities to resolve your horses' lameness problems. So it is worth looking at each component individually to assess their usefulness. Of the oral anti-arthritic products marketed there are really only three (glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM) that can be completely justified for use in treating degenerative joint disease in horses.

It is a mistake to assume that a product which contains more component compounds is better. Although many commercial products do contain additional compounds such as vitamin C and manganese there is little evidence to suggest that they are beneficial in the treatment of joint disease and if your horse already has a nutritionally balanced diet it is unnecessary to supplement with these extra components. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are virtually completely absent from a horse's 'normal' diet, thus making them an important addition to an already balanced diet.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Glucosamine (HCL) is an amino sugar used as a building block to form tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid (joint lubrication), all important for cushioning of the joint. It stimulates the production of enzymes, which inhibit the destruction of beneficial nutrients, inhibit inflammation, reverse joint damage, and stimulates the repair of damaged and deteriorated joint tissue.

Glucosamine is a natural substance whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in countless scientific studies. It has been said to be superior to conventional joint treatments as it does not merely mask pain but instead works on a cellular level treating the origin and actual cause of the problem.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a natural source of essential amino acids that the body needs to boost cartilage synthesis, inhibiting the enzymes that destroy cartilage molecules and thereby promoting cellular nourishment. This facilitates the creation of watery spaces within cartilage, giving it back its elacticity. By restoring fluid to the cartilage, Chondroitin supports the repairing action of Glucosamine, working at a cellular level to alleviate the actual cause of joint pain and stiffness.

MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane)

MSM is a natural form of bio available sulphur, a trace mineral that is an essential component of connective tissue, muscles, joint fluid, and cartilage. The sulphur found within MSM is needed for the proper repair and maintenance of collagen, such as that found within the connective tissue of healthy joints. It has also been found to have powerful anti- inflammatory and pain relieving properties, and is often partnered with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to boost their connective tissue strengthening actions.

Each of these compounds is a synergist, which means that when administered together they boost each others effects, providing a more powerful joint supplement.

What levels should joint components be fed at in order to be effective?

In order for your joint supplement to be fully effective it is vital that you feed your horse with the correct dosages. The body of scientific literature indicates that most effective treatment is given by a product that provides adequately high levels of the active compounds per kg of body weight.

To put it into context, the optimum daily dose rate for a 60-80kg human would be:
2000mg Glucosamine
2000mg MSM
1000mg Chondroitin

A horse, being obviously much heavier, should be administered a daily dose of at least the following:
10,000mg/10g Glucosamine
10,000mg/10g MSM
4000mg/4g Chondroitin
(based on a 500kg horse)

Levels that are substantially lower than this will give reduced benefits, and minimal dose rates are likely to be completely ineffective especially in horses that are competing or working hard.

Why should your horse take joint supplements?

The most common cause of lameness in horses according to vets and equine therapists is joint pain.
Any form of exercise, especially over a prolonged period, causes micro-damage to muscle and bone.
For the horse, a heavy work load or competition is essentially traumatic and physiologically unnatural, causing joint damage.
Specialisation in a particular discipline causes the same muscles & joints to be used repeatedly, causing damage beyond natural repair (similar to repetitive strain syndrome in humans).
Advancing age, as well as exercise, can lead to a breakdown in the natural regeneration process, where damage starts to out weigh repair, resulting in joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, arthritis and other joint problems. By feeding a joint supplement you are helping to rebalance this process allowing you horse to stay more comfortable for longer and helping to prevent further joint damage.

For your horse to be able to perform to his full potential it is vital that his joints are given the best possible care. The most effective way to do this is by feeding a joint supplement that boosts the natural joint repairing substances in the body. Riaflex products are the therapists' solution to repairing, rebuilding and preventing joint damage - we make no extravagant claims nor do we market anything that Kate does not have complete confidence in as a therapist. Your horse's health and working career is paramount which is why Riaflex products have been formulated with this as their utmost priority.

How long does it take for my joint supplement to work?

This varies from horse to horse and is also affected by your horses situation. In most horses, if fed at the correct dosage, the effect of Riaflex products is noticed after about two to four weeks of administration. In some cases your horse will enjoy a significant reduction in joint pain and you may notice this in reduced signs of lameness. In all cases there is a significant internal change quietly working away. You will notice your arthritic friend becoming happier and a little easier in doing what he has always done, the hard working youngster and competition horse becoming less likely to damage or degrade his weight bearing joints and the horse who has had arthroscopic surgery is likely to heal in a better fashion.

Why are riaflex products any different?

Riaflex products are formulated by an equine therapist, ensuring that only components that are of significant benefit are included. This guarantees that you are not paying extra cost for unnecessary ingredients. You can also be safe in the knowledge that our products are provided with therapy grade dosage levels ensuring maximum impact and the best possible care for your horses' joints.