Equine Health: Supporting Joint and Bone Health in Horses

For horse owners, trainers, and riders, maintaining joint and bone health in their equine partners is crucial. Horses are majestic and powerful creatures, but their muscular and skeletal systems are particularly prone to wear and tear. From the daily rigors of training to age-related degeneration, keeping a horse’s joints and bones healthy can mean the difference between a long, pain-free life and one of chronic discomfort.

Why Joint and Bone Health Matters for Horses

Horses put significant strain on their joints, tendons, and bones every day. Whether they're galloping in competition, navigating challenging terrain, or simply bearing the weight of a rider, their musculoskeletal systems endure intense stress. According to a study from the Equine Veterinary Journal, osteoarthritis was observed in the joints of wild horses, suggesting that it’s an issue for any horse, regardless of their workload. 

Over time, this can lead to common conditions such as:

• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Navicular Syndrome: A degenerative condition of the navicular bone that leads to lameness and severe pain.
• Osteoarthritis (OA): A progressive condition that causes the cartilage between bones to break down, leading to pain and decreased range of motion.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often caused by overuse or injury.
• Ringbone: A form of arthritis that affects the pastern and coffin joints, causing bony growths around the joints.

Horses with joint and bone issues may struggle with basic movements, and in severe cases, their quality of life may decline significantly. However, early intervention and consistent care can help prevent and manage these conditions.

While traditional veterinary medicine offers solutions like injections, specialized shoeing, and even surgery, many horse owners seek out holistic approaches to provide longer-term relief and reduce the need for invasive treatments. This is where a holistic approach to equine joint and muscle health shines.

Factors Affecting Joint and Bone Health

Several factors can contribute to the deterioration of joint and bone health in horses, including:

1. Age: As horses age, the wear and tear on their joints and bones accumulate. Older horses are more susceptible to arthritis and other degenerative conditions.
2. Activity Level: Performance horses or those in rigorous training are more likely to experience joint stress and bone wear, especially if training methods aren’t properly managed.
3. Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals—especially those that support joint and bone health, such as collagen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D—can weaken the skeletal structure and slow down recovery from injuries.
4. Weight: Overweight horses place additional strain on their joints and bones, leading to faster deterioration over time.
5. Footing: The terrain on which a horse works or trains plays a crucial role in joint health. Hard or uneven ground can increase stress on the joints, leading to injuries and chronic conditions.

Promoting Joint and Bone Health in Horses

Prevention is often the best strategy when it comes to supporting your horse's joint and bone health. Here are several ways to promote strong, healthy joints and bones:

1. Balanced Nutrition: Ensure your horse’s diet contains the necessary nutrients for bone and joint health, like collagen. Supplementing with calcium, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair.
2. Regular Exercise: Exercise is crucial for maintaining flexibility and muscle strength. However, it’s important to keep a balanced training routine to avoid overloading your horse’s joints. Low-impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, can be especially beneficial.
3. Proper Hoof Care: Regular farrier visits and proper shoeing can help alleviate pressure on the joints, particularly in performance horses. Trimming and maintaining the hooves in alignment with the horse’s natural stance can reduce stress on their joints and bones.
4. Chiropractic Care: Regular chiropractic adjustments can help realign the horse’s skeletal structure, reducing the stress on their joints and promoting a healthy range of motion.
5. Supplements and Natural Remedies: In addition to diet and exercise, adding joint-supportive supplements to your horse’s routine can provide additional support. Natural remedies can help reduce inflammation and promote cartilage repair without harsh side effects. As a holistic practitioner and specialist in biotherapies, Dr. Stuart Garber has developed formulas to address these very issues. 

Sully's Story: A Testimonial to Dr. Garber’s Equine bioformula

In 2019, Lia Jessen, a trainer and founder of Forever West Performance Horses, introduced her horse, Sully, to Dr. Garber. Sully was suffering from high ringbone in both front legs, a condition that often results in severe pain and limited mobility. Sully had already undergone a series of conventional treatments, including injections and supportive shoeing, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief.

Dr. Garber recommended trying a formula he had developed for horses with Navicular Syndrome. Since the formula was all-natural, Lia felt there was no harm in trying. What followed was nothing short of remarkable.

After 6-8 months on Dr. Garber’s formula, Sully’s x-rays showed no evidence of ringbone!! The condition that had plagued him was completely gone, allowing him to live another five years without shoes or injections. This miraculous recovery speaks to the power of natural remedies and the body’s ability to heal when given the right support. 

Sully lived pain-free until the age of 26, an incredible testament to the effectiveness of Dr. Garber’s approach. Dr. Garber’s formula had given Sully a second chance at a comfortable, active life, free from the pain of joint and bone deterioration.

By addressing the root causes of joint and bone degeneration rather than just the symptoms, these therapies offer a gentle, long-term solution for equine health.

A Natural Approach to Joint and Bone Support

Whether your horse is aging, recovering from an injury, or a performance athlete in need of joint support, maintaining joint and bone health is essential. While conventional treatments like injections and surgery are sometimes necessary, holistic alternatives can provide ongoing, non-invasive care that supports your horse’s overall health.

Dr. Garber’s Equine Joint & Bone bioformula is a natural, safe option for improving joint flexibility, reducing inflammation, and promoting bone strength. It combines the principles of gemmotherapy, lithotherapy, and organotherapy to promote long-term joint health. By incorporating this bioformula into your horse’s routine, you can help prevent the onset of debilitating conditions like arthritis and provide relief from existing joint and bone issues.

Final Thoughts

Horses are athletes, companions, and, for many, part of the family. Maintaining their joint and bone health is essential for their well-being and longevity. Dr. Garber’s bioformulas provide a natural, non-invasive way to support equine health, allowing horses to live pain-free and remain active well into their senior years. Whether your horse is struggling with arthritis, Navicular Syndrome, or other musculoskeletal issues, there’s hope for healing through biotherapy.

With the right care, nutrition, and holistic support, you can ensure that your horse thrives both on and off the field.