Winter Joints – Keeping your horse Superflex-ible and in the Metazone this winter

The cold dark days of winter can be particularly challenging for our horse’s joint health. Increased time in the stable, which limits their natural free movement, together with less structed exercise and colder temperatures can all impact natural flexibility. Research shows that using targeted nutritional support can help horses and ponies maintain sound, free moving joints. But with seemingly so many products to choose from, where do you start, and how do you know which one is right for you and your horse?

NAF Equine Head Nutritionist, Kate Hore, answers some common questions.

Q: What exactly is Metazone, and what does it do?

Kate: Metazone is NAF's unique new formula, designed to support the body’s own natural anti-inflammatory pathways. Those pathways are an essential part of your horse’s response to any physiological attack. The inflammatory pathway initiates and speeds your horse’s response to challenge. However, byproducts such as free radical toxins can proliferate, along with the fluid accumulation typically seen in the early stages, so their internal anti-inflammatory pathway needs to be able to clear the area and flush out toxins before long term health and stability can be restored.

This is where Metazone comes in. Five Star Metazone harnesses powerful phytochemicals – those active constituents found in key botanical herbs and roots – to work with your horse to support their own anti-inflammatory pathway, wherever that is required.

Q: That sounds impressive, but has Metazone been trialled?

Kate: Yes, Metazone has been fully researched. Unfortunately, due to legal marketing restrictions on feed, which includes feed supplements like Metazone, NAF is not able to fully share results or the details of the trial here.

However, NAF is happy to confirm that Metazone was independently tested in post-graduate research by the experts at The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. The research centered on sound horses in regular work, with the only change to their management being the addition of Metazone. Video gait analysis was assessed by independent vets who were blinded to the stage of each video. The results were peer reviewed and presented at the European Workshop on Equine Nutrition, at their bi-annual congress in 2024.*

Q: So as it helped with gaits, does that make Metazone NAF's choice for winter joint health?

Kate: Not necessarily. Whilst the trial looked at stride characteristics, as a useful way to gain quantitative (measurable) data, Metazone is not designed as a joint or stride product only. Rather Metazone can be used whenever horses need that specific additional support response to challenge.

Metazone doesn’t contain the key nutrients such as glucosamine, MSM or chondroitin sulphate, that are associated with joint growth, repair, strength and integrity. For those we need to look to the Superflex family.

Q: So, could we say that Superflex is feeding the joint, while Metazone responds to pressures on the joint?

Kate: Yes, exactly! Superflex, or Superflex Senior, depending on your horse’s lifestage and work rate, provide ideal daily nourishment for sound, healthy joints. As an insurance measure they should be your ‘go-to’ for maintenance. For most horses, once on Superflex you should find that is all they need to enjoy flexibility for life.

However, just like ourselves, there will be those times when additional support might be useful. Metazone is great for adding in around at those times, alongside their Superflex, just to make sure you are offering optimal support.

Times when getting into the Metazone might be useful?

• Travelling
• Peak competition – during and recovery
• Following acute joint stress, such as injury.

Q: For horse owners choosing a product to keep their horses sound this winter, how would you sum them up?

Kate: There are no hard and fast rules, as all horses are individuals. If you’re unsure which joint support will suit your horse best please contact NAF or speak to a member of staff at RB Equestrian and we’ll be happy to advise. However, in brief, NAF could say:

Superflex original

A ‘sound’ investment for young and early career horses. Research shows that adaptations in the joint capsule due to joint stress can be seen even before some horses have started their ridden career. It makes sense to choose a well-formulated, trusted product to provide the nutrients required for joint growth and repair, as they develop into their career.

Superflex Senior

As horses age joint stress is inevitable and more evident. Therefore, NAF recommends Superflex Senior to maintain soundness in all working horses once they get into their teens and beyond. However, ‘Senior’ doesn’t necessarily have to mean ‘senior’ in age.

Superflex Senior is also the ideal choice for younger horses if they are working hard, or if they have any history of concerns with joint health.

Metazone

In supporting the body’s own anti-inflammatory system, Metazone is a great short-term option if your horse needs a little ‘top-up’, as joints come under increased pressure. Alongside one of the Superflex family you should only need Metazone short-term.

However, Metazone can also be a great daily option for those where supporting that anti-inflammatory system, enabling the horse to maintain comfort, is the main concern. This may be older horses, or those with particular challenges.

Whatever your reason for choosing, it’s good to know that Metazone is suitable for use under FEI competition with no withdrawal.

Devil’s Relief

References

*Hedges. E, Moore-Colyer M.J.S & Daniels. S (2024). The effect of supplementing sound horses with a herbal complex on stride characteristics. Proceedings of 11th European Workshop on Equine Nutrition, Norway.