The stifle joint is a big part of a horse’s movement, power, and performance. The joint we are discussing is an important one that is found on the hind limb which connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Problems with the ligaments, cartilage, or surrounding tissues in this area are what people mean when they say they have stifle problems. Stifle health can make or break an equine sports season. In the next section, we will explain why stifle care matters, how to spot common stifle problems and how a targeted supplement may help keep your horse in top performance.
Why is the Stifle so Important?
The stifle is often likened to a human knee. Like the hinge, it uses a similar hinge structure which makes it able to bend and straighten for mobility and shock absorption. This motion is what horses use for jumping, turning and galloping. The stifle is so complicated that it is prone to injury, including ligament strains, cartilage damage and joint inflammation.
If your horse’s stifle isn’t working right, it might stumble more often or refuse to step forward with its hind legs. A slight stifle problem can make a big difference in performance. If not dealt with, the problem can get worse and cause more severe lameness, or even long term joint damage.
Common Stifle-Related Issues
Ligament Strains or Tears: Several ligaments that stabilize in the stifle joint facilitate movement. The overwork or injury of these ligaments can cause pain and make the horse less mobile.
Osteoarthritis: Horses too can have wear and tear in their joints like humans. Stiffness, swelling or a reluctance to extend the leg may be seen in osteoarthritis of the stifle.
Patellar Problems: The stifle is an important part of the patella (kneecap). It can sometimes lock or get stuck and become uncomfortable and limit a horse’s range of motion.
Inflammation: Stifle inflammation can occur from an injury or just simple wear and tear, and this can cause swelling, heat and pain.
We recognize early these signs. If your horse seems to be having trouble with its hind end, stumbling, or loses interest suddenly in things it used to love doing, it’s a good idea to have your veterinarian take a look.
How Nutrition Plays a Role
Some stifle problems are caused by injury or overuse, but many horses can be helped by the right nutritional support. Having the right building blocks and tools to repair and rebuild tissue means the body can do just that. If your horse isn’t getting enough of the right nutrients, the stifle may not heal as quickly or as well as it should.
Glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and collagen are often key nutrients for joint health. These ingredients help to keep cartilage healthy, lubricate the joint and support soft tissue. Together they work to provide the stifle with what it needs to remain strong and flexible when combined.
An “All-In-One” Approach Makes Sense
Horse owners are sometimes trying to put together multiple supplements to address joint, tendon, ligament, bone, and hoof concerns. However, unlike humans, horses don’t compartmentalize their bodies, so a problem in one area, like the stifle, can affect other structures surrounding it, like tendons or ligaments. An all in one leg solution can make a big difference there.
The “PJS” All-In-One Leg Solution is precision designed to support the entire leg. It is a single formula targeting joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, hooves, and bone. But, by focusing on total leg health, you’re making sure that the stifle has everything it needs to heal and perform normally every day.
How Arto-Velox™ Helps
Arto-Velox™ is a proprietary blend of enzymes that are a special feature of Precision “PJS” All In One Leg Solution that speeds up the body’s natural inflammatory cycle. Normal healing includes inflammation, but too much keeps recovery from being complete and can cause ongoing discomfort. Arto-Velox™ helps to normalize fibrin (a key factor in inflammation) to speed up a quicker, more efficient healing response.
This can mean a faster return to comfort, less stiffness and better long term joint function without the use of harsh chemicals for stifle support.
Supporting a Healthy Stifle Tips
Provide Adequate Rest: If you think you may have a stifle problem, cut back on intense training or high impact activities. If you were exercising your joint intensely right before work, you want to give it a chance to recover before jumping back into that same heavy work.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra pounds can place extra stress on a horse’s stifle joint. To prevent injury, keep your horse at a healthy body condition.
Focus on Correct Shoeing: Hoof balance can help to ensure your horse’s joints track correctly. Ask a trusted farrier about how to keep good angles and support in the hooves.
Build Strength Gradually: Strengthening the muscles around the stifle by the means of conditioning exercise, such as hill work or ground poles. Introducing new exercises slowly always helps.
Use a Quality Supplement: An all-in-one leg formula like Precision “PJS” All-In-One Leg Solution gives immediate and long term support to stifle and other leg structures.
Conclusion
A core part of any horse’s overall performance is stifle health. Supporting the stifle allows your horse to move more comfortably, train harder and recover faster. Look for signs of stifle trouble and don’t wait to treat it as early intervention can prevent bigger problems later on.
The best chance your horse has for a long and successful career is by combining the right exercise program, good farrier care, and a well rounded supplement like Precision “PJS” All In One Leg Solution. A healthy stifle is important for a happy, high performing horse.