13. Do Joint Supplements for Horses Even Work? Part 1

In this evidence-first episode, Prof. Brian Nielsen (Michigan State University) and graduate researcher Renee Harbowy join me to unpack what we really know—and don’t—about glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. We trace the research history (hello, cell culture studies), talk frankly about why high-quality equine trials are rare, and look at a clever, blinded field study run at an all-girls riding camp with ~80 horses on site.

You’ll hear how horses were screened and balanced into supplement vs placebo groups, what was measured (stride length, flexion tests, IMU-based symmetry), and why lameness naturally fluctuates enough that you can fool yourself into thinking something works when studies are run without a control. We also touch on osteoarthritis prevalence in aging horses—the demand driver behind these products—and a cautionary detour into sheep models that shows why cross-species claims can mislead.

And we finish with a detailed look at what best practice management for joint health actually looks like, including a suggestion to lunge yourself to feel how it feels on your own joints! Such a cool idea! I have to admit this conversation really opened my eyes to what we, as horse owners will be missing if we are relying on joint supplements to protect joints, versus relying on proper nutrition and management.

If you buy joint supplements, think about your horses joint health a lot, or just want your horse to be healthy and happy for a long lifetime, this conversation is a must!

Read the research - Efficacy of an oral chondroprotective joint supplement on stride

length and lameness in aged geldings with osteoarthritis https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S073708062500111X

Check out the amazing Black River Farm and Ranch (OMG I want to be a kid again so I can go to camp here 😂😍!) - https://blackriverfarmandranch.com

Discover and download the MyHappy.Horse virtual nutritionist app: https://www.myhappy.horse

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! It really helps us to get grounded, science-based information to horse owners… and it is their horses who benefit the most! ❤️