Horses are arguably the most versatile animal athletes on the planet, boasting varied careers and vocations. Whether your horse is soaring over jumps, pulling a carriage, or simply going for a hack these activities are reliant on healthy joints.
Joints act as a junction between two or more bones and are articulated to support movement while maintaining stability. Here is a quick breakdown of the three different types of joints present in horses:
1) Fibrous Joints
Fibrous Joints allow little to no movement and are found in the horse’s skull and in some long bones.
2) Cartilaginous Joints
Cartilaginous Joints provide a limited movement, and are found in the horse’s vertebrae, pelvis, and growth plates which extend a bone’s length during a horse’s growing years.
3) Synovial Joints
Synovial Joints are by far the most complex and active joints in the horse’s body. This means they are most likely to be susceptible to disease and injury. These joints’ primary function is to aid in movement and cushion impact. Examples of synovial joints include the ball and socket of the hip joint and the hinge located in the elbow. Each different synovial joint shape allows for a different range of motion, and working alongside corresponding tendons and ligaments these joints may or may not flex, extend, and in some cases even twist.
With joints playing such an important role in your horse’s composition it is important to understand how to provide them adequate support to be at their best. Here are five tips to keeping your horse’s joints in tip-top shape:
Keep fit
Keeping your horse in good shape is a great starting point for joint health. Make sure to avoid over feeding your horse as obesity will lead to extra stress on your horses joints.
Get a good farrier
Your horse’s hoof is the building block of a balanced conformation, and a great trim will ensure that your horse is off on the right hoof when it comes to healthy joints. A good farrier is particularly important for those horses who have minor conformation flaws as they can often help compensate these flaws with a sympathetic trim.
Consider a supplement
Supplements are a great way to ensure that your horse gets the required nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to promote joint health. Our article next week will offer some great tips on how to select a joint supplement that will work best for your horse.
Check your horse
Getting familiar with your horse can help you detect injury quickly. Try adding a daily check to your routine that covers your horse’s key joints. If your horse’s behaviour changes, you notice an area that seems sore, if you see swelling, or you feel an increase in heat during the check, be sure to act quickly and contact your veterinarian. Using cold water to hose down the affected area, or prescribed anti-inflammatory medications are a great start to help reduce inflammation but more serious injuries may require further investigation, and care.
Consult with your veterinarian
As part of your horse’s yearly check up consider adding a joint evaluation to the roster. Working with your vet to keep track of your horses joint health is a great proactive measure to ensure your horse gets the medical joint care and support they require if a long term concern should arise.