Our horses’ joints are put under a lot of strain on a regular basis. Every activity your horse partakes in puts excessive force on their joints, whether it be due to fast and sudden movements involved in training or competing, or simply the extra weight of a saddle and rider on a gentle hack.

Lameness in horses is the most common cause of loss of use, and lameness is most often caused by pain. This may be joint pain, muscular, infection or an ongoing issue. As responsible horse owners, it is our duty to ensure we are doing everything we can to look after our horses’ joint health and prevent their discomfort. 

Amongst other things, use of joint supplements can play a big role in supporting joint health, and for many horses, can extend their active years. It’s important you don’t wait until your horse is lame to start using horse joint supplements. Whilst known to help slow the progression of arthritis in older horses, younger horses can also benefit from the use of supplements to prevent the damage occurring.

But the world of joint supplements can be a confusing place, especially when there are so many ingredients and chemicals that claim to do various things for your horse’s health. So we’ve put together a list of our top 6 joint supplements, with a rundown of their benefits and an overview of their active ingredients.

The most common ingredients used in joint supplements are:

• HA (hyaluronic acid)
• Glucosamine
• MSM (methylsulphonylmethane)

Please note: If you compete with your horse, please be sure to check the ingredients for any substances prohibited by the official rules for your discipline. This list has been compiled as a result of our own research and not the advice of a vet or supplement manufacturer.

Pilot Freedom Premium Joint Supplement

Freedom is an all in one solution to help protect and repair your horse's joints. Using absolutely no junk or fillers, along with human grade ingredients in optimal doses, Freedom is one of the best joint supplements available in 2021. Freedom contains 11,000mg of glucosamine, 10,000mg of MSM, 4000mg of chondroitin, 200mg of HA and 1800mg of Vitamin C. Each of these ingredients have scientific backing and have been shown in numerous studies to offer a huge number of benefits to horses' joints.

Lintbells YuMOVE Horse Joint Supplement

A great quality joint supplement with options for both older and active horses and ponies, Lintbells YuMOVE provides a mix of proven active ingredients (Glucosamine HCI, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, Vitamins E & C) to aid in soothing joints and to support joint structure. Unlike most suppliers, YuMOVE uses ActivEase Green Lipped Mussel which has 4x the level of Omega 3 compared to standard Green Lipped Mussel, giving your horse more natural chondroitin to maintain healthier joints for longer. Plus, their new formula contains up to 50% more MSM and 20% more Glucosamine which provide the major building blocks of cartilage, essential in protecting the joint.

Check the price on Amazon > Lintbells YuMOVE Horse Joint Supplement

Aviform MSM Equine Joint Supplement

Boasting Europe's lowest cost of pure MSM (methylsulphonylmethane) is a joint supplement from Aviform. MSM, an effective anti-inflammatory, is used in most joint care products. Aviform uses at least 99.9% pure, human-grade quality MSM, ensuring your horse is getting the highest possible grade of nutrients for excellent joint maintenance. This rich source of mineral sulphur also contributes to the maintenance of healthy hair, skin and hooves.

Check the price on Amazon > Aviform MSM Equine Joint Supplement

NAF Five Star Superflex

The NAF Five Star Superflex is another strong competitor with its scientifically balanced ratio of readily absorbed Chondroitin, Glucosamine and high quality MSM. The perfect ratio of these cartilage nutrients in Five Star Flex will support the health and maintenance of both cartilage and synovial fluid that oils the joint. You can put this feed in safely with any other equine feed. NAF also offers some useful directions on how much Superflex to use, with a loading phase, standard and low maintenance meal usages.

Check the price on Amazon > NAF Five Star Superflex

Equine America Cortaflex HA

Another front runner amongst equine joint care supplements is Cortaflex HA from Equine America. This powder is designed for horses and ponies engaging in light to moderate work, as well as older horses who need extra mobility support. Cortaflex HA is made up of amino acid building blocks, collagen and protein isolates, hyaluronic acid and MSM, all known for their nutritional support in maintaining healthy cartilage and joint fluid. The powder is available in tubs from 250g (a one month supply) up to 3.6kg (which should last a typical horse 16 months).

Check the price on Amazon > Equine America Cortaflex HA

Super Codlivine The Joint Supplement

Super Codlivine is renowned for its complex balance of minerals, vitamins and trace elements to promote health and nutrition - their joint supplement is no exception. Designed to be used for foals and young horses, up to competition horses and breeding stock, this supplement contains extra essential nutrients like primrose and cod liver oil. Along with MSM, glucosamine and other nutrients, this compound is beneficial in easing stiffness and promoting healthy joint maintenance.

Check the price on Amazon > Super Codlivine The Joint Supplement