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Selecting Equine Inflammation Management Supplements

By Jessica Wilson


As athletes age, muscles and joints begin to wear out. Exercise, which is essential for good health, also causes wear and tear. When damage begins to overwhelm recovery, pain and inflammation can be troublesome. However, inflammation is a natural response, so suppressing it with chemicals is not the answer. To keep a horse and rider team going, equine inflammation management supplements can be valuable.

Horsemen have practiced pain management for centuries. Today's horse owners use the old ways as well as the results of research into both the causes and the mechanics of muscle and joint pain. We now know that inflammation is a natural response to injury, but it can also be a cause of discomfort. The trick is to allow an inflammatory response to do its restorative work but limit it so pain is reduced.

Herbs are nature's keys to successful treatment. Rather than suppressing the inflammatory response, herbal supplements can keep it within the limits necessary for healing. Inflammation involves increased circulation, which is necessary for soft tissue repair. However, too strong a response causes swelling and tenderness. There are many herbs that promote healing rather than merely suppress symptoms. Although the way herbal preparations work is not always clear to science, their effects have been well documented.

Of course, centuries of use have given us lots of information as well. It's just the frosting on the cake that researchers have been able to validate so much of the historical knowledge. Take Devil's Claw, for instance. People have long used this tall weed for the pains of rheumatism. Today it is a go-to remedy for arthritis. When given to horses in powdered or pelleted form, it helps ease both muscle and joint pain that makes horses stiff under saddle.

Other herbs that are generally found in products designed to maintain and restore soundness and free movement are ginger, tumeric, and boswellia. A folk remedy is made from equal parts of these three herbs, to be added to the feed by the tablespoon (1 or 2 a day). Each of these herbs are known to decrease swelling, ease pain, and reduce inflammation. In fact, research shows these herbs to be as effective as many over the counter and even prescription painkillers.

Exercise is important to maintain health, muscle tone, and flexibility. It's hard, though, when something hurts when you move. If you favor one limb or muscle group, you may put undue strain on another. The same is true for horses. Vitamin and mineral-rich herbs can help prolong free movement and the useful life of your mount. Prevention is as important as the cure, and herbs can deliver both.

Horsemen use many methods to keep a horse sound or help it recover. Acupressure, hot and cold poultices, infra-red light treatments, ultra-sound sessions, massage, and rub-downs can be accompanied by herbal supplements to maximize the benefits. Hyaluronic acid, a natural part of joint fluid, can be given orally or injected directly into a joint, where it helps restore mobility and relieve the pain of a 'dry' joint. Glucosamine and chondriotin are used by the body to build cartilage; supplementing them helps with arthritis.

Experts recommend finding a good supplement and feeding it for a while. After a year or so, change to another to make sure your horse is getting what it needs. You can also use herbal supplements topically, like curcumin in a leg rub. This herb heats up tendons and joints and helps promote healing. There are many excellent products formulated to keep your horse active and fit.




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