Supporting Senior Joints

Soundness issues are recognized as the number one reason why working horses retire, downgrade their work level, or, sadly, have to be euthanized. Therefore, if we want our horses to remain sound and stay active well into their teens and beyond, then joint care will be high on our list of priorities for overall health.

We're often asked at what age should owners be thinking about senior joint care in their horses and ponies, but it's a difficult question to answer. Ageing is complex and multi-modal, and certainly will affect different animals in very different ways. Workload, breed, body condition, and a history of previous joint conditions can all impact your horse's soundness and joint care.

For those performance horses and elite equine athletes, we would advise feeding for senior joints throughout their 'senior career,' which may be as early as eight years onwards. Equally, for those with a history of injury or joint stress, it is best to assume that your horse's joints have aged earlier due to that history and supplement accordingly. Finally, for those in their mid to late teens and twenties, they are at an age where the challenges of veteran horses are recognized, and it is appropriate to consider upgrading their daily joint care to 'senior management' for supporting joint health.

Therefore, whether your horse is a ten-year-old Grade A showjumper or a 19-year-old hacking companion, Five Star Superflex Senior is recommended as our best choice for them to maintain overall health.

Superflex Senior is a unique formulation providing a high specification of the key joint support nutrients, working in synergy with Omega 3 fatty acids and naturally sourced antioxidants to support healthy, flexible joints in hardworking horses and ponies still leading active lives. This joint supplement can aid in reducing inflammation, supporting range of motion, and alleviating aching joints, contributing to improved quality of life.

Always ask your vet to assess any soundness concerns with hardworking, senior joints and to provide guidance on physical activity and exercises, as well as recommendations for managing body weight, maintaining muscle mass, and addressing any excess weight that may impact the horse's muscles and joints. By prioritizing joint care and overall health, horse owners can help their elderly loved ones, equine companions, and older adults enjoy an active and fulfilling life for years to come.