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Easy to use, cooling and soothing leg clay
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Equine Joint Supplements & Care in Hard Ground Conditions
The desert terrain can vary from hard and dry ground to deep, challenging sand, which can pose different risks to the bones and joints of horses in the Middle East. Maintaining the soundness of horses for the competition or racing season is a primary concern for horse owners. Riding on hard ground can lead to increased leg issues in horses, especially when they are cantering and jumping.
Common Leg Problems in Horses:
Every time a horse’s hooves strike the ground, force is transmitted up their legs. Joints in the horse’s legs, filled with fluid, act as shock absorbers to protect the skeleton from the concussive force generated during movement. Horses in the Middle East involved in endurance, racing and show jumping are experiencing these joint stresses every day. When the ground is hard, as it often is in regions in the Middle East, it absorbs less of this concussive force. As a result, a horse’s feet and legs must endure increased pressure and forces, leading to various problems, including:
Concussion & Jarring: Hard ground can increase the risk of injuries to various parts of the horse’s body, including tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, feet, and muscles, which endure heightened stress.
Concussive Laminitis: Laminitis in horses can be caused by various factors, including work on excessively hard ground, especially if the horse engages in fast work over an extended period, leading to concussive-induced laminitis. Horses with a history of concussive laminitis should discuss appropriate preventive measures with a veterinarian.
Swollen Joints: The turning and twisting movements in disciplines like dressage and jumping can exert additional pressure on the leg joints. Mild concussive effects on the joints can require them to work harder to produce enough joint fluid for proper lubrication. This may result in swelling or heat in the horse’s legs following a competition.
Sore Shins: Sore shins in horses, a common presentation of pain in the long bones due to concussive effects, are often seen in racehorses, particularly those racing at high speeds on firmer summer ground. Detecting sore shins can be challenging, and it’s essential to understand this condition in horses.
Reducing the Risk of Lameness:
There are several measures you can take to reduce the risk of bone and joint problems in your horse:
1. Cold Therapies: Cold hosing has been a longstanding practice in horse care to reduce heat and inflammation in the legs and joints. It’s effective, but the benefits are most significant within the first 10 to 20 minutes of hosing. For more convenience, consider using a product like Ice-Clay, a cooling leg clay that can help reduce swelling without extended periods of hosing.
2. Hoof Health: Horses with poor-quality hooves may be more susceptible to concussive laminitis and foot issues. Including a horse hoof supplement in your horse’s diet can be highly beneficial for their health. Our Hoof Aid Liquid and Powder contain biotin, zinc, and methionine to address deficiencies associated with poor hoof health in horses.
3. Hoof Hygiene: Proper hoof hygiene is crucial, and products like our Flexi Hoof and Heel Conditioner can help maintain moisture, promote hoof flexibility, and enhance shock absorbance, contributing to overall hoof health.
4. Joint Support: Hard, unyielding ground places extra stress on a horse’s joints. Feeding a joint supplement can provide additional nutritional support for maintaining healthy joint function. Foran Equine Ost-O-Flex is a highly effective equine joint supplement in a syrup format containing glucosamine, MSM, calcium, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid to support joint health of horses.
For young horses under two years old, whose skeletons are still developing, consider Osteo-Glycan, a powdered equine joint supplement containing calcium, copper, zinc, vitamins A and D, marine collagen, and organic silica to support bone formation.
If you seek further advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our equine nutrition experts for guidance and support.
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Support hoof growth and strength through a combination of Biotin and key minerals
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Superior powdered supplement containing marine collage, vitamins and minerals to support bone and joint development
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Mohammad Agha
Senior Sales Consultant, Arab Markets
Based in Kuwait, Mohammad Agha serves as the Senior Sales Consultant for Connolly’s RED MILLS Group, representing a prestigious portfolio of products including Connolly’s RED MILLS horse feeds, Foran Equine Supplements, and Carr & Day & Martin Equine care products across the Arabian markets.