All of us are aware of equines predispositions, as athletes, to tendon, muscle and osteoarticular injuries. In most cases, even though training methods thrive at achieving optimal body and mental fitness, equines remain vulnerable to damages of the osteoarticular system including the soft connective tissues (tendons and ligaments) surrounding the joints of these complex structures.

Predisposing factors are not only related to strenuous training methods: multiple race track conditions, adverse conditions under which we demand horses to perform and, also, transportation under stressful circumstances are not negligible to osteoarticular injuries.

Manifestations of inflammation on a physical level are: heat, swelling, tenderness and eventually pain leading to stiffness and possibly reduced locomotion!

Manifestations on a psychological level is a tendency to express anxiety which will usually lead to unpredictable behavior and/or abnormal temperament. Attitude is a major concern with horses where response to various operational commands is a key factor in performing to win! It is important to realize how often nervousness in equines underlies physical discomfort such as inflammation with pain!

In the specialized field of Nutraceuticals, it is now recognized possible to supplement adequately the osteoarticular function thus maintaining optimal mobility! Proper supplementation of the normal ration (diet) can affect not only the symptoms but the causes of inflammation! Much has been discovered about inflammation being associated with such factors as nutrient deficiency, uric acid build-up, histamine release, inflammatory prostaglandins, "free-radical" damage at a cellular level, immune system dysfunction, and so on.

Ultra Bio-Logics has created a dietary supplement designed to maintain optimal function of osteoarticular system that also relieves nervous tension associated with inflammation and/or pain.

A- Herbs: White willow and Meadowsweet contain salicin and salicortin. Feverfew contains sesquiterpenes which have the ability to inhibit prostaglandins and histamine release during inflammation process. Valerian, skullcap, passion flower all have anxiolytic properties and act as anti-spasmodics without sedating. They are reputed tonics for the nervous system and they will calm down nervous horses!

B- Wild Yam and Yucca contain natural steroidal-like saponins that are effective anti-inflammatories and anti-spasmodics. Devils claw contains harpagosides that reduce inflammation in the joints, while Tumeric, contains curcumin and acts as an analgesic thus reducing pain! Horsetail provides organic calcium, silica and phosphorous.

C- Methionine and MSM are organic sources of sulfur, a vital nutrient required for the formation of collagen, the connective tissue in the body. Proline is an amino-acid that stimulates the production of collagen and is needed to strengthen ligaments, tendons and cartilage.

D- Anti-Oxidants are a class of nutrients that protect the body from cell-damaging molecules known as free-radicals. Included in the formula are Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These nutrients are also associated with tissue healing and tonification of the immune system.

E- Bioflavonoids are synergists with Vitamin C and are important to preserve and protect structure of capillaries. They help relieve pain, bruises and prolonged bleeding. In fact, for horses that are reputed "bleeders" we custom blend a formula that addresses itself to this specific unfortunate problem of "bleeding from the lungs" or epistaxis!

F- Enzymes: Proteolytic enzymes inhibit the formation of inflammatory prostaglandins, increase the breakdown of fibrin which obstructs blood and lymphatic system, and stimulate protein synthesis, inviting new collagen to be formed, thus speeding up healing.

G- Vitamins:Niacin, Panthotenic acid and Pyridoxine are important to help form steroids and cortisone in the adrenal glands, improving circulation, nerve function and normalizing fluid retention.

H- Other important ingredients are a blend of rare earth minerals and marine kelp (ascophyllum nodosum). They are noted for their vast spectrum of valuable naturally chelated trace minerals, amino acids and vitamins. Also included are fermentation solubles rich in enzymes and micro nutrients.

Mode of Use:

Supplement the existing diet with 60 to 80 grams daily of Equine Formula #1.This should be done in a fraction mode, by adding "top-dressed" to the concentrate and by adding a bit of raw honey or molasses so the powder formula will stick or adhere to the grains and will not settle to the bottom of feeding bowls.

Note: 30 grams is approximately equivalent to 1 ounce. This means that a horse should receive 1 ounce in the morning and one ounce at night of the formula until obvious improvement shows. This regime should be maintained for at least one week and then supplementation can be reduced to once daily. If symptoms re-occur after reducing dosage, normal supplementation should be continued as was done previously. Obviously, causes of the inflammation and/or nervousness should be investigated, as it is always the case in any holistic approach.

Equine Formula #1 Plus has the benefits of Formula-1, plus the important ingredient Glucosamine sulfate . Glucosamine sulfate is a natural biological activator which can stimulate regeneration of damaged cartilage tissues. They also have a lubricating effect on joint cavities with a positive effect on synovial fluid viscosity. Finally they are powerful anti-inflammatory agents which can be helpful in a wide variety of problems.

Equine Formula #1 Plus is preferred over Formula #1 in situations where inflammation is very severe and where the joint capsule is damaged. For example, we recommend to use Custom Formula #1 Plus after joint surgery and/or arthroscopy or when inflammation is not relieved with Formula #1. Dosage is the same as with Customer Formula #1. When inflammation subsides after using the Formula #1+ it is then possible after three weeks to move to the standard Formula #1.