Bone Strength in Horses
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
The best way to improve bone strength in horses is through exercise and nutrition. Studies have shown the best way to increase bone density in a young horse is with careful conditioning and pasture turnout. Horses that are at stall rest can lose up to 5% of their bone density per week.
Bones, joint cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscle, make up your horses’ skeletal system. Bone strength is critical for supporting mobility and performance in horses.
Skeletal growth occurs rapidly during the first two years of a horse’s life and the average light horse will reach 95% of its mature weight by 24 months.
Mineral content is responsible for 70% of bone strength. The minerals which are critical for bone and muscle development are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, cooper, sulfur, zinc and selenium.
A balanced diet will help prevent skeletal injury from being as serious as a horse on a deficient diet. Horses that have suffered a skeletal injury will also respond to treatment and heal faster, when on a balanced diet.
Remember, all minerals are not created equal. Oxides are not as absorbed as the sulfates and organic (chelated) minerals.