Most equestrians agree that a good equine schoolmaster is nothing short of sacred. Their experience and maturity make them trusted teachers, valuable competitive partners, and hands-down barn favorites. But by the time a horse is 15 to 20 years old, the natural aging process makes them vulnerable to stiffness and lameness due to arthritis development.

But senior horse owners might have something to celebrate: Findings from a recent study showed that a supplement containing resveratrol and hyaluronic acid (Equithrive Joint) appears to have anti-inflammatory effects and could potentially lower glucose levels in older horses.

“This type of supplement reduces inflammation and has antioxidant effects where it might reduce muscle leakage caused by oxidative stress,” said Mary U. Ememe, DVM, of the Ahmadu Bello University Department of Veterinary Medicine, in Nigeria.

Oxidative stress results from the production of free radicals, which are produced through normal metabolism and environmental pressures such as radiation, toxins in the air, food, water, medication, and exercise. As a horse ages, his ability to create an antioxidant defense decreases, making it more difficult for a horse to cope with oxidative stress over time