As the biting cold of winter sets in, many of us find ourselves grappling with aches and pains,
whether it’s the unprecedented cold or the increased workload caring for our cherished four-legged
friends. From dealing with frozen footing to extra stall cleaning, hauling, and breaking frozen water
and hay – the list seems endless. Perhaps a slip and fall during snow removal, or in my case, an
adventurous sled ride that doesn’t quite feel as forgiving as it used to. Regardless, if you’re dealing
with old injuries or arthritis, you’re likely feeling the winter’s effects.
This leads to a common question we often hear: Are you supporting your animals’ joints during the
winter? Does time off from training and competition mean a break from your regular supplement
program? And if they’re not actively working, is HA support still necessary? Let’s delve into the
winter discussion because, let’s face it, it’s here to stay for a while.
Just as you might reach for Tylenol or consider increasing your own LubriSynHA dose, it’s crucial to
acknowledge that winter can be particularly tough on horses’ joints. Dr. Beckman of Gas Light Equine
in Prospect, KY, emphasizes, “Winter can be the hardest season for horses’ joints. The lack of
constant low-level movement results in stiffer horses overall. The hard frozen ground adds more
concussion to joints, tweaking them in directions they aren’t always meant to go! Then comes the
mud, sucking at the body while slipping and sliding through the pasture. Any arthritic joint hurts
MORE in the winter, so we should do everything possible to keep the joints happy.”
Alex Hassinger, former race trainer and LubriSynHA VP of Business Development, adds, “We all want
our horses ready to go come Spring. The best way to have a leg up is to support the synovial fluid
during the extra stressors of winter. Check with your vet and develop the best plan possible to
protect your partner this winter!”
