FlexAbility Plus+ | Horse Joint Supplement

What is it?

The FlexAbility range of joint supplements are the highest specification joint supplements available in the UK and the only joint supplements with two clinical and scientific studies demonstrating the positive effects of joint supplementation including a published, peer reviewed paper in The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

The study is the largest undertaken in recent history and the findings were also accepted and presented at the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress. The clinical trials suggest for stiff horses, 6-7 out of 10 fed FlexAbility benefit in maintaining normal joint function and mobility.

Wear and tear on the skeletal system, particularly the joints, occurs both as the result of exercise training and simply as part of the ageing process. A key factor in maintaining joint health and function is an adequate supply of the nutritional building blocks needed to support cartilage turnover and joint lubrication. FlexAbility helps to promote and maintain normal mobility and joint function, is suitable for all horses and ponies and provides nutrient support for joints against the rigours of training and competition. It can also help to maintain normal mobility and joint function in older animals.

Guaranteed to deliver the highest levels of active ingredients

No fancy marketing, no smoke and mirrors, just science and fact. FlexAbility provides the highest  declared levels of key nutrients involved in cartilage synthesis and support using a unique combination and optimal levels of scientifically proven ingredients.

What’s in it?

Glucosamine, low molecular weight Chondroitin, MSM, omega 3 fatty acids DHA & EPA, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Vitamin C, Collagen, Boswellia, Rosehip and Green Lipped Mussel.

Manufactured under the strictest conditions in our approved and certified UFAS and BETA NOPS approved manufacturing facility, the quality is guaranteed.

Glucosamine An essential building block for proteoglycans which make up the non-structural component of cartilage. Glucosamine has been recognised as a beneficial nutraceutical for joint health in both horses and humans for many years. Glucosamine and Chondroitin work synergistically to reduce inflammatory mediators in the joint as well as improving repair. Beneficial levels of Glucosamine have been cited between 10-15g per daily serving for a 500kg horse.

Chondroitin Is a natural component of Aggrecan (a proteoglycan – a protein combined with carbohydrates), a large molecule found in cartilage. Chondroitin has been extensively studied, and found to have a synergistic effect when used in combination with Glucosamine. Chondroitin supplementation has been evaluated in horses in combination with Glucosamine and other ingredients. A minimum feeding rate of 2g per daily serving for a 500kg horse can be recommended when used in combination with other ingredients.

MSM Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane is a natural ingredient used in many supplements because it has two very important properties. Firstly, MSM is a source of Sulphur. Sulphur is essential for the maintenance of repair of many structural tissues within the body like skin, hoof and cartilage. Secondly, MSM itself has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it ideal for use in joint supplements.

DHA & EPA Specific types of Omega 3 fatty acids which are only found in substantial amounts in Omega 3 from marine sources. DHA and EPA have been found to be beneficial to many body systems in the horse including joints, blood and lungs.  

It is important to note that Omega 3 from plant sources does not result increased DHA and EPA in body tissues in horses, therefore basic sources of Omega 3 such as linseed do not have a beneficial effect.

HA Hyaluronic acid is an essential component of both synovial fluid and proteoglycans. It has been studied in horses both as an oral nutraceutical, but also in injectable forms for use straight into joints or into the vein. For use as an oral supplement a daily feeding rate upwards of 100 mg should be used.

Vitamin C A natural water-soluble anti-oxidant which under normal situations is made by the horse in the liver. Vitamin C has been shown to be able to pass from the blood into joint fluid of horses, which allows it to neutralise damaging free radicals which have been produced as a result of excessive wear and tear.

As the horse can produce its own vitamin C, its gut did not adapt for efficient absorption of the vitamin as it occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables in the form of L-Ascorbic acid, unlike the human. When supplementing vitamin C to horses it is important to use a form which can be absorbed efficiently, for example Ascorbyl monophosphate. When used alone, a suitable feeding rate of vitamin C for a 500kg horse would be 5-15g.

Collagen Peptides Collagen is a key component of every structural tissue in the body from bone to tendon to skin. Collagen makes up the scaffold of joint cartilage and is essential for its overall integrity.

Boswellia is an established nutraceutical and contains Boswellic acids and this is the key element to Boswellia. Therefore the higher the Boswellic Acid content the greater potency of this ingredient.  Boswellia can be used on its own or in combination with other nutraceuticals.

Rosehip is commonly found in British hedgerows, and are packed full of plant based anti-oxidants including flavonoids and carotenoids.

Green Lipped Mussel has become popular in recent years following on from work performed in dogs and cats. Since then it has been trialled in horses and has been shown to be beneficial in cases of joint support and contains a combination of marine omega 3 fatty acids.

FAQ’s:

Q: FlexAbility Plus+ or FlexAbility Professional? What is right for my horse?
A: FlexAbility Professional is for horses requiring the maximum level of support. For example, horses in hard work, competing at the top level of the sport, older horses or horses that are at greater risk and requiring the highest nutritional care. FlexAbility Professional contains higher levels of key nutrients, plus the addition of Boswellic Acid, Green Lipped Mussel, Collagen and Rosehip. FlexAbility PLUS+ is suitable for all other horses.

Q: How long before I should start to see any changes?
A: Our research studies indicate results within 14 to 21 days.

Q: Do I need to give this with feed?
A: You should mix with feed, ideally twice a day, and follow the feeding instructions on the above tab.

Q: Is it safe to give to competition horses?
A: Yes, there are no prohibited substances in this product and all our products are manufactured and tested under our UFAS licence and NOPS scheme.

Q: How much should I give?
A: Please see our detailed feeding guide on the above tab.