Omega 3 for the Endurance Horse

 I'd like to wish everyone the best in the New Year !
May your horse be swift and sure throughout the season~

Now onto business!

Omega 3 for the Endurance Horse

I find that KER is one of the best resources available today for the endurance horse owner and rider. They do the research and we are definitely the ones that benefit. One of the more interesting studies they have been working on is the effect of Omega 3 on arthritis and inflammation in the performance horse.

After reading through the study and re-reading several others I'd perused in the past - it struck me that while Omega 3 is certainly an interesting issue, it isn't one that most of us consider overall. We should.

What is Omega 3?

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid, it regulates the production of cholesterol, and strengthening cell walls, fortifying them against the invasion of viruses and bacteria.They improve immune functions, they alleviate arthritis symptoms and inflammation, and they lower the risk for cardiovascular disease . Omega-3 fatty oils also prevent or delay the development of cancer and related tumors and may improve bone growth. Another less common known fact is that Omega 3 helps reduce muscle soreness after strenuous activities.

So...What does that mean?
It means a lot. Here is an essential  fat that is specifically needed by the endurance horse. It also helps fight inflammation.  Immdiately bringing to recall the body sore and  issues often seen the day after a grueling ride. The most common treatment for such is to get the horse moving the day after, to work the kinks out. Sometimes that 'day after' stiffness calls for a massage and a short ride. Omega 3 gives the endurance horse owner the ability to proactively aid the horse's body in that recovery by ensuring that adequate building blocks are already at work in his dietary makeup.


 Where do I get Omega 3?

Several feed options appear to be coming more available as feed companies are getting more up to speed on the nutritional requirements of endurance horses. I've found several single serving supplements as well have become more widely accessible. A quick trip down the the feed store got me organized with a reasonably cost effective addition of Omega 3 to my horses' diets.