An osteoarthritis diagnosis means the horse is affected by a chronic disease that breaks down the joint cartilage. The disease cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be alleviated with the right treatment, and the disease process can be slowed down.

Joint protectors and therapeutic saddle pads or horse blankets from Back on Track can contribute to increased well-being thanks to their content of specially selected minerals. These minerals are permanently embedded in the structure of the textile materials - and their effect is due to their ability to reflect the far infrared energy (FIR) generated by the horse's body heat.

When far infrared energy (FIR) penetrates the tissues, it stimulates circulation, reduces stiffness and makes muscles more supple.

Horses and humans

The characteristics of modern horses are the result of a lengthy evolutionary history. Their bodies, with powerful muscle groups and springy tendons, are purpose-built for explosive flight. They are still attentively anxious, with an inherited sense of great vulnerability. Natural phenomena - such as faint and unfamiliar sounds, wind, twilight approaching or proximity to waterways - can suddenly be interpreted as a warning of imminent predatory attack. Predators hunt at night, they lurk near waterholes, they creep up with caution and the wind makes them hard to hear.

Horses have long been under the influence of man, but domestication has predominantly led to changes in the horse's physique. Humans have bred desired traits and tried to remove others from the gene pool. After thousands of years of horse breeding, differences have emerged in comparison with wild equines. Modern horses, for example, are swift and agile. But in the process, weaknesses have also been introduced. High mobility can lead to unstable joints. These changes may be a contributing factor in the development of osteoarthritis in modern horses.

Osteoarthritis can be prevented - and relieved

Although the cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, there are some noticeable links. Dysfunctional biomechanics, overtraining, heavy loading and incorrect posture all increase the risk of joint damage and joint inflammation. If injuries and inflammations remain undetected and untreated, they unfortunately also tend to develop into osteoarthritis.

Horses are strong and anatomically magnificent, but the structure is also fragile and prone to injury. A horse needs systematic training, so that it learns to balance its body; use the right muscles and load the right joints, in an ergonomically sustainable way.

Back on Track is devoted to the well-being of horses

Back on Track has devoted a large part of its activity to the development of various therapeutic products with the horse's well-being at the centre. Welltex® adds unique properties to the functional materials of horse boots, horse rugs, saddle pads, bonnets and our lined bridles.

The horse boots offer support and stability as well as protection against pressure and impact. But they can also help to increase circulation and blood flow locally, thereby counteracting the typical symptoms of osteoarthritis.

A horse rug bearing a Welltex® lining envelopes and treats a large part of the horse's body with far infrared energy (FIR). The effect can contribute both to softer muscles and improved mobility.

There is also evidence that feed supplements made of rosehips have a beneficial effect - for humans, dogs and horses alike.