Pet Advice

What joint supplement should I use for my horse? (NZ owner’s guide)

By PetSupply.co.nz — practical, evidence‑aware advice for Kiwi horse owners.

Quick pick: High‑workload, older, or rehabbing horses usually do best starting with 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte Gel for an intensive phase, then moving to 4CYTE Equine Granules for maintenance. For budget‑friendly daily support, choose Fourflax Equine Bone & Joint Powder.

Contents

  1. Why joints matter & what supplements can do
  2. Key ingredients (incl. Epiitalis®) & how they work
  3. When a supplement makes sense (common NZ scenarios)
  4. Deep dive: 4CYTE (granules vs gel)
  5. Fourflax Equine Bone & Joint Powder
  6. Other options on the market
  7. How to choose: decision guide
  8. Feeding tips for NZ owners
  9. FAQ
  10. References

Why joints matter & what a supplement can realistically do

Joints rely on smooth cartilage and healthy synovial fluid to keep your horse moving comfortably. Workload, age, surfaces and injuries can wear those systems down. Supplements aim to support the cartilage matrix, connective tissue and synovial fluid so movement feels freer and recovery is easier. They’re supportive, not curative, best results come when you combine a supplement with good nutrition, hoof care, weight management, training surfaces, and veterinary guidance.

Key ingredients (incl. Epiitalis®) & how they work

  • Glucosamine — a building block for cartilage glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).
  • Chondroitin sulphate — supports cartilage elasticity and shock absorption.
  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) — contributes to synovial fluid viscosity (lubrication).
  • MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) — a sulphur donor that supports connective tissue and may help with inflammation.
  • NZ green‑lipped mussel — a natural GAG source with omega‑3s; commonly used in NZ formulas.
  • Collagen (incl. Type II) — provides amino acids for cartilage matrix.
  • Epiitalis® — a patented botanical extract used in 4CYTE; marketed to support chondrocyte (cartilage cell) activity and cartilage matrix health.

When a supplement makes sense (common NZ scenarios)

  • Performance horses (jumping, eventing, racing) under high or repetitive load.
  • Older horses (>10–12 years) showing stiffness after rest.
  • Post‑injury or post‑operative rehab (always with veterinary input).
  • Heavier horses or those worked on hard/uneven surfaces.

Supplements won’t reverse severe, structural osteoarthritis, but they can support comfort and mobility alongside vet treatment.

Deep dive: 4CYTE — granules vs gel

What is 4CYTE? A premium joint range centred on Epiitalis®. It’s designed for performance, older or rehabbing horses. Two core formats:

4CYTE Equine Granules — best for maintenance

  • Use for: long‑term daily support in performance and senior horses.
  • Practicality: simple to mix with feed for consistent dosing.
  • Budgeting: premium upfront, but cost spreads out over months.

4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte Gel — best for intensive phases

  • Use for: short‑term higher‑potency support (e.g., early rehab, flare‑ups).
  • Fussy feeders / travel: easy to administer when horses reject feed additives or when competing.
  • Strategy: start with gel 2–6 weeks, then move to granules for maintenance.

4CYTE: things to keep in mind

  • Consistency — daily dosing builds cumulative benefit.
  • Cost — premium pricing; check cost per day vs goals.
  • Expectations — supports joint health; not a cure for advanced OA.

Fourflax Equine Bone & Joint Powder — NZ value pick

A cost‑effective NZ formula combining glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and green‑lipped mussel powder. Ideal for daily maintenance in leisure and older horses, or as a budget‑friendly starting point.

  • Why owners like it: good value, NZ ingredients, familiar actives.
  • When to level up: for high‑performance work, post‑injury or when you want a patented active like Epiitalis®, step up to 4CYTE.

Other options on the market

Wider brands (e.g., Cosequin) and vet‑prescribed injectables (e.g., polysulfated glycosaminoglycans) exist. Compare labelled amounts, dosing, and purpose (maintenance vs intensive). For diagnosed disease, follow veterinary guidance first.

How to choose — a quick decision guide

  1. Assess your horse: workload, age, weight, existing joint history.
  2. Performance / early wear / rehab: start 4CYTE Horse Gel → move to 4CYTE Granules.
  3. Leisure / budget: choose Fourflax Bone & Joint Powder.
  4. Always: feed daily, track changes for 6–12 weeks, and involve your vet for persistent lameness.

Feeding tips for NZ owners

  • Don’t skip days — consistency matters.
  • For fussy eaters, mix into a tasty mash; consider gel formats.
  • Adjust by season and workload; increase vigilance during competition blocks.
  • Keep body condition optimal and hooves well managed to reduce joint load.

FAQ

How long until I see results?

Some horses improve within 2–4 weeks; most changes are best assessed over 6–12 weeks. If nothing changes after 12 weeks, review management and consult your vet.

Can I stop once my horse feels better?

You can reduce to a maintenance dose, but many owners keep a steady daily maintenance plan — especially for older horses.

Can I combine with vet treatments (e.g., joint injections)?

Often yes. Supplements are supportive, not a replacement for veterinary therapy. Always let your vet know what you’re feeding.

What if my horse is a picky eater?

Try the gel format or mix the dose into a small, highly palatable feed. Gel is handy for travel/competition.

References (further reading)

  • 4CYTE NZ — Horses overview (Epiitalis® focus): nz.4cyte.global/horses
  • Vets & suppliers describing 4CYTE indications and use (Equine): vsequine.co.nz
  • Fourflax Equine Bone & Joint Powder (ingredients & pricing): fourflax.co.nz
  • KER — Equine joint supplements & glucosamine overview: ker.com
  • Hygain — Guide to horse joint supplements & dosing considerations: hygain.com.au
  • DL Equine (NZ nutritionist) — Perspective on evidence for equine joint supplements: dlequine.co.nz

Educational only — not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.