Yes. IF the problem is age and wear and tear related arthritic changes in joints, it sort of acts as a Lube job cushioning the bone on bone action in the joint normally provided by synovial fluid that dries and/or leaks out as the horse ages and is not replaced. That is the for dummies explanation. It’s Hyalauronic Acid.(HA)
The down side is it doesn’t last and needs to be repeated. And it’s not cheap. You might want to think about switching to the gel you put on top of the food. Two brands that actually do work on many are LubriSyn and Hyalauronix. Injectable gets more of it into the horse but these two oral brands allow a more consistent level continuously rather then the every 30 day injection, which, IIRC is IV only, meaning vet visit. They are expensive and will not help every horse, just like the Legend
There are numerous other supplements out there promising all sorts of things. tried most them…they didn’t work as well as LubriSyn or Hyalauronix or at all. But they were cheaper and more heavily advertised, just did squat for mine… Also, my horse was diagnosed via x rays ruling out causes other then age and work related arthritic changes. If there’s other causes, HA may do little or nothing.
HA is also injected directly into joints,like hocks, pasterns and the coffin joint. Plenty of threads on here about joint injections and tons of differing opinions.
You are a smart person and there’s lots of material out there you can research in developing a plan for your horse going forward, It is normal for horses Stars age to start experiencing Just keep in mind there is little or no actual scientific research and a whole lot of smoke and mirrors with pretty pictures and celebrity endorsements. Best source is your vet. You will hear 6 opinions for every question so don’t get sucked into nonsense or parroted Internet wisdom.
Knowledge is power and you already have more power then you did in May even if most of it was acquired unintentionally. Hang in there and keep at it.
Really glad to hear the horse is improving and hope that continues. You also need to get better help in riding him. You know that.
