Which Joint Supplement is Best for Horses?
JOINT SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSES - Why Equell Chose a Smarter Way Forward
In the highly competitive world of equine joint supplements, joint formulas have become a battleground - each one boasting bigger numbers, higher rates and bold claims, all vying for the top spot of best joint supplement for horses. More MSM. More Glucosamine. More of everything! It’s easy to see why riders can feel overwhelmed by the numbers, but more doesn’t always mean better, which is why Equell chose a different route: one grounded in scientific evidence, balance, and the real needs of horses.
Why Joint Supplements Matter
Whether your horse is showjumping, eventing, hacking or just enjoying active daily life, their joints absorb significant impact and stress. Over time, natural wear and inflammation can lead to stiffness, reduced range of motion and discomfort, with performance often declining long before any obvious lameness sets in. That’s where well-formulated joint supplements can make a difference. But not all supplements are created equal. Many brands use high headline levels of glucosamine and MSM to sell their product and often at the expense of a broader, more balanced formulation. We’ve taken a different approach for good reason.
A Smarter Standard: Effective Levels, Not Overload
Instead of racing to offer the highest numbers on the label, we’ve gone back to the research. Clinical studies have shown that glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid are effective at specific ranges and after that - the benefits don’t necessarily increase and in some instances can even raise concerns. MSM has become a threshold substance in racing, highlighting it’s potential for misuse and so caution must be taken when using this ingredient for competition horses. At Equell, we formulate at evidence-based levels, making room for additional nutrients that help support whole horse health through both training and recovery - not just the joints themselves.
Beyond the Basics: Why We Include More Than Just the Big Four
Joint health goes deeper than bones and cartilage. It involves fluid movement, tissue elasticity, inflammation control, muscle recovery, and oxidative stress management. That’s why Equell UltraFlex has research backed levels of the 4 key joint nutraceuticals (glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and hyaluronic acid) but also includes:
• DHA – the most biologically active form of omega 3 shown to support optimal joint health in horses. DHA is NOT PRESENT in linseed, so look for DHA and/or EPA as the key forms of Omega 3.
• Boswellia - supporting the horse's natural anti-inflammatory pathways to help soothe hardworking, tired joints
• Antioxidants rich in Vitamin C, E and Grapeseed Extract to help combat oxidative stress as a result of intensive training or natural aging
• Lysine essential for collagen production and soft tissue resilience
• Botanicals and adaptogens to support post-work recovery and comfort
This balanced approach makes UltraFlex ideal for performance horses, aging equines or any horse showing signs of stiffness or needing support after exertion.
The Power of DHA
Most joint supplements don’t include DHA - but they should. Many rely on plant based omega-3’s (ALA) from linseed and horses are not efficient at converting ALA into the active forms EPA and DHA. We use DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) directly from marine algae, the most biologically active form of omega 3 for joint health. Clinical research has shown that DHA supports joint fluid quality, aids the horse’s inflammatory response and has systemic benefits that extend far beyond the joint capsule. Few brands use DHA due to its cost, but we believe in formulating for results, not marketing and DHA is included within UltraFlex at marketing leading levels (correct as of 12.5.26).
Clean Sport: Lower MSM, High Compliance
We know that many owners and trainers in the racing and competition world are rightly cautious about what they feed. For competition horses we have kept our MSM level within proven, functional ranges, mindful of the performance thresholds recently reviewed in racing. Combined with our other powerful ingredients and manufactured in a BETA NOPS accredited facility, UltraFlex remains highly effective and gives you peace of mind for use in all regulated sports. Without sacrificing results.
Training and exercise naturally increase oxidative stress within the body as energy production and muscle activity generate free radicals. In healthy horses, antioxidants help neutralise these unstable compounds before they can cause problems. However, when workload, travel, competition or other stressors increase, the demand for antioxidant support rises too. This is particularly important for joint health, as oxidative stress can influence the body’s inflammatory response and place additional pressure on cartilage, synovial fluid and surrounding tissues. By providing sufficient antioxidant support alongside appropriate nutrition and recovery, you help the body better cope with the demands of training, maintain comfort and support long-term mobility and resilience. Ultraflex contains a veterinary recommended 3000iu of natural vitamin E and grapeseed extract in every daily serve as well as a source of superoxide dismutase - it is a powerful combination!
Choosing the Better Way
At Equell, we don’t compete by copying what everyone else is doing or inflating numbers. We’ve chosen a path that prioritises what your horse actually needs - backed by science, crafted with care and formulated to support real results. UltraFlex reflects that philosophy and it’s already helping horses from grassroots to elite levels maintain suppleness, mobility and general comfort. Like all Equell products, it includes natural prebiotics to support gut health too – because every system matters.
Ready to Support Your Horse With Confidence? Equell is committed to supporting horses from the inside out. Our full range of supplements is thoughtfully designed to work in harmony – from joint support, metabolic balance, calmers to respiratory support and gut balancers. Each product combines essential ingredients with natural prebiotic fibres to support gut health and overall vitality. Because when every system is supported, your horse can truly thrive. Healthy horses, perform better!
