Joint care for horses containing advanced hydrolysed Collagen peptides especially targeted for joints and connective tissues at high inclusion levels, along with a list of premium joint ingredients backed by research for added care and protection.

What is the best collagen for your horses’ joints?

We use a specialized Type 2 patented protein made from bioactive collagen peptides. These are bovine derived using a controlled and patented manufacturing process. The peptides are then standardized to a precise molecular weight of 3 kDa for absorption and direct signalling to joint cartilage.

One particular equine study using only collagen Type 2 feed daily as supplement showed significantly improved lameness scores and better joint health when compared to the control group. Thus, making this an important component for joints exposed to wear and tear like the sport horse.

However, all collagen is not equal. A highly specific joint care collagen such as used in CARE and COMPETE is specifically formulated and recommended for joint health including not only cartilage but connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Other collagen sources are more specific to hair or skin and not joints. Thus, the importance when selecting a joint supplement that it contains the right one.

Extensive research backed benefits:

• Mechanism: It acts as a signalling molecule to cartilage cells, encouraging the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, which help rebuild, repair, and maintain joint cartilage.
• Clinical Validation: Supported by over 20 studies, confirming improved cartilage composition in load-bearing areas like the knees (human clinical studies).
• Targeted Benefits: Specifically designed for joint cartilage, it helps alleviate pain and reduces the need for analgesics.
• Application: Commonly used in dietary supplements and sports nutrition, often for individuals facing joint wear and tear. Compared to general collagen, collagen peptides are more specific, effective, and faster-acting for cartilage repair. 

What are the research benefits of collagen peptides in horses?

• Joint Health & Osteoarthritis: Studies showed that specific bioactive collagen peptides significantly reduced lameness and improved joint flexibility in horses with osteoarthritis after 6 weeks.
• Inflammation Reduction: Supplementation with collagen in young, trained horses showed reduced inflammation and joint degeneration without affecting joint homeostasis, offering a potential preventative strategy.
• Oral Bioavailability: Research confirmed that oral administration of collagen is bioavailable, with high plasma concentrations detectable for at least 24 hours.
• Structural Support: Collagen is crucial for maintaining the connective tissues of tendons and ligaments, with studies recommending its use to support recovery and improve overall tissue resilience.
• Cartilage Metabolism: Studies show long-term benefits in managing joint degeneration.

Studies also highlight that collagen needs in horses change with age and activity, particularly in young, intensely trained animals experiencing high joint loading. 

Hydra-flex Care and Compete offers targeted joint care for the sport horse that is in regular training or out competing. NIL swab for competition horses under FEI rules.

Ingredients per 45-gram dose:

Collagen Peptides 18,000 mg, Glucosamine Sulphate 10,500 mg, Chondroitin Sulphate 2,000 mg, Methyl Sulphonyl Methane 8,000 mg, Hyaluronic acid 150 mg, Vitamin C 500mg, Boswellia extract (65%) 1,5000 mg, Fenugreek 4,350 mg

Packed full of powerful high potency ingredients to support and protect joints.

Dose rate:

45 grams daily per 500 Kg horse – general dose.

90 grams daily may be used to assist horses in more intense training programmes or working on hard surfaces where maximum joint support may be necessary. It can be increased to this level then decreased back to 45 grams as workloads and surfaces become more favourable.

Disclaimer: it remains the competitor’s responsibility to check for any rule changes.