As we enter December the weather has finally taken a turn towards colder temperatures. The increase of rain and the cooler climate spells a change in management for many of our horses and ponies. In our latest blog Scientific Nutritional Products takes a look at how these changes may impact equine joint health.
Just like us, in colder weather our horse's joints can suffer more and often display an increased level of stiffness. This can be caused by environmental factors such as barometric pressure and changes in joint fluid. When the temperature is lower, joint fluid can become thicker so that joints feel stiffer. Barometric pressure is believed to create an influence due to changes in the air pressure as weather systems change, allowing muscles, tendons and connective tissue around joints to expand, in turn placing pressure on the joints and increasing pain.
Lifestyle changes can also have a big impact. Typically our equines move less in the cold and spend more time stabled. The inactivity can result in shorter, tighter muscles and stiff and painful joints.
So what can we do about it?
Fundamental to keeping joints comfortable is remaining mobile during wintertime. Where possible maintaining regular turnout for our horses and ponies is highly beneficial.
For those that are more limited or have particularly muddy paddocks limiting field movement keeping the exercise consistent can really help. The warm up and cooling down time is more critical if your horse has come straight from the stable and so a lengthy walk warm and cool down period is crucial especially for those horses and ponies who struggle with their joint health.
There are many supplements on the market which can have a positive effect on joint mobility including Horse Joint Right Supreme manufactured by Scientific Nutritional Products. Supplementing your horse's diet with ingredients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid and MSM found in Horse Joint Right Supreme can help to build equine cartilage, ligaments, tendons and develop synovial fluid found in the horse or pony’s joints. Joint Right Supreme can really help to keep your equine's joint Active and Mobile.
Keeping those horses which struggle with stiff joints warm enough is also important. Consider suitable rugs where needed and clipping accordingly to your equine’s level of exercise, as for many horses and ponies with arthritic joints leaving their legs unclipped can be helpful. Increasing blood flow promotes mobility so the use of heat pads which you can apply or stable boots or wraps can be valuable to warm joints during sedentary time before exercise.
For more information about Horse Joint Right Supreme or any other of the wide range of equine and canine supplements available from Scientific Nutritional Products visit their website; www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk
