Answering your questions on which product is best for you and your horseThe following blog has been written by NAF.The cold dark days of winter can be particularly challenging for our horses joint health. Increased time in the stable, which limits their natural free movement, together with less structured exercise and colder temperatures can all impact natural flexibility.Research shows that using targeted nutritional support can help horses and ponies maintain sound, free moving joints. But with seemingly so many products to choose from, where do you start, and how do you know which one is right for you and your horse?We asked Head Nutritionist, Kate Hore, your most common questions.Superflex Senior may be a suitable supplement for your horse this winter.NAF Superflex Senior PowderQ: What exactly is Metazone, and what does it do?Q: Has Metazone been trialed?Q: Is Metazone the 'go-to' supplement for joint health?Q: What is the difference between Superflex and Metazone?Times when getting into the Metazone might be useful:Product SummarySummary Table: What is right for your horse?Q: What exactly is Metazone, and what does it do?Kate: Metazone is our unique new formula, designed to support the bodys own natural anti-inflammatory pathways. Those pathways are an essential part of your horses response to any physiological attack. The inflammatory pathway initiates and speeds your horses response to challenge. However, byproducts such as free radical toxins can proliferate, along with the fluid accumulation typically seen in the early stages, so their internal anti-inflammatory pathway needs to be able to clear the area and flush out toxins before long term health and stability can be restored.This is where Metazone comes in. Five Star Metazone harnesses powerful phytochemicals those active constituents found in key botanical herbs and roots to work with your horse to support their own anti-inflammatory pathway, wherever that is required.Metazone is designed to support the bodys own anti-inflammatory pathways.NAF Metazone Five Star PowderQ: Has Metazone been trialed?Kate: Yes, Metazone has been fully researched. Unfortunately, due to legal Marketing restrictions on feed, which includes feed supplements like Metazone, we are not able to fully share results, or the details of the trial here.However, we are happy to confirm that Metazone was independently tested in post-graduate research by the experts at The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. The research centered on sound horses in regular work, with the only change to their management being the addition of Metazone. Video gait analysis was assessed by independent vets who were blinded to the stage of each video. The results were peer reviewed and presented at the European Workshop on Equine Nutrition, at their bi-annual congress in 2024.Metazone has been fully researched, so that you can feed it with confidence.NAF Metazone Five Star LiquidReference. : Hedges. E, Moore-Colyer M.J.S & Daniels. S (2024). The effect of supplementing sound horses with a herbal complex on stride characteristics. Proceedings of 11th European Workshop on Equine Nutrition, Norway.Q: Is Metazone the go-to supplement for joint health?Kate: Not necessarily. Whilst the trial looked at stride characteristics, as a useful way to gain quantitative (measurable) data, Metazone is not designed as a joint or stride product only. Rather Metazone can be used whenever horses need that specific additional support response to challenge.Metazone doesnt contain the key nutrients such as glucosamine, MSM or chondroitin sulphate, that are associated with joint growth, repair, strength and integrity. For those we need to look to the Superflex family.Superflex provides ideal daily nourishment for sound, healthy joints.NAF Superflex Senior PowderQ: What is the difference between Superflex and Metazone?Kate: Superflex is feeding the joint, while Metazone responds to pressures on the joint. Superflex or Superflex Senior, depending on your horses lifestage and work rate, provide ideal daily nourishment for sound, healthy joints. As an insurance measure they should be your go-to for maintenance. For most horses, once on Superflex you should find that is all they need to enjoy flexibility for life.For many horses, Superflex is the ideal supplement to support lifelong flexibility.NAF Superflex 5 Star LiquidHowever, just like ourselves, there will be those times when additional support might be useful. Metazone is great for adding in around at those times, alongside their Superflex, just to make sure you are offering optimal support.Times when getting into the Metazone might be useful:TravellingPeak competition during and recoveryFollowing acute joint stress, such as injuryThe new 500ml size is not only useful for trial but is also a really handy size for popping in the lorry for travel.NAF Metazone Five Star LiquidProduct SummaryKate: There are no hard and fast rules, as all horses are individuals. If youre unsure which joint support will suit your horse best please do Contact Us and well be happy to advise. However, in brief, we could say:Superflex OriginalA sound investment for young and early career horses. Research shows that adaptations in the joint capsule due to joint stress can be seen even before some horses have started their ridden career. It makes sense to choose a well-formulated, trusted product to provide the nutrients required for joint growth and repair, as they develop into their career.Superflex SeniorAs horses age joint stress is inevitable and more evident. Therefore, we recommend Superflex Senior to maintain soundness in all working horses once they get into their teens and beyond. However, Senior doesnt necessarily have to mean senior in age. Superflex Senior is also the ideal choice for younger horses if they are working hard, or if they have any history of concerns with joint health.MetazoneMetazone is a great short-term option if your horse needs a little top-up, as joints come under increased pressure. Alongside one of the Superflex family you should only need Metazone short-term. However, Metazone can also be a great daily option for those where supporting that anti-inflammatory system, enabling the horse to maintain comfort, is the main concern. This may be older horses, or those with particular challenges. Whatever your reason for choosing, its good to know that Metazone is suitable for use under FEI competition with no withdrawal.Devils ReliefA great choice for those looking for cost-effective joint comfort in older horses. Though do be aware that as Devils Relief contains devils claw it is not suitable for use in competition.Summary Table: What is right for your horse?Superflex OriginalSuperflex SeniorMetazoneDevils ReliefFeeds the jointsProvides ComfortEarly career horsesRidden horses over 12yrsShort-term for all/ as neededRetirees where cost-effective comfort countsYounger horses with a history of joint stress Maintenance for those needing to help the anti-inflammatory pathwaysCompetition horsesDelivers premium comfort, with no competition withdrawalShop All NAF Products HereHow to Help an Overweight Horse: Practical Tips for Healthy Weight LossSupport Your Horses Respiratory Health this Summer with NAFFly Free with NAF Off Top Tips on Repelling FliesNAF Metazone How Will It Support Your Horse?Spring is Here! Help Support Your Mare with NAF Five Star OestressNAFs Winter Joint Care for Senior HorsesThe post Winter Joints Keeping your horse Superflex-ible and in the Metazone this winter first appeared on Redpost Equestrian Blog.