The concept of #krittamer

Friska Leder started the hashtag and concept #skrittamer before SWB Equestrian Weeks 2019, with the aim of spreading the message and the importance of walking more. This when as many as 10 horses a day are euthanized due to lameness. We at Friska Leder of course want to be involved in changing this boring statistic. Giving the horse a daily supplement of high-molecular hyaluronic acid products is a good way to prevent lameness and joint diseases. But there are also important and very simple ways to further promote good joint health. Also completely free. Walking more, both before and after training sessions, is essential for good joint health. When the horse walks, blood flow to the muscles increases. At the same time, the articular cartilage is loaded with a dynamic and low pressure.

Walking is a very important gait so that the articular cartilage in the horse's joints can be nourished in a natural and effective way, says our partner Eva Skiöldebrand, veterinarian and professor at SLU.

Why is it so important to #step?

Joint inflammation and osteoarthritis (arthrosis) are by far the most common cause of lameness in horses. This in turn can lead to them not being able to continue in the sport. When the horse is trained and competed, the joints are strained. Sometimes even when it just walks in the pasture and takes a sideways step. In case of overexertion, small micro-damages are formed in the articular cartilage. The synovial fluid, which is normally tough and viscous, then becomes thin and watery. We usually call the articular cartilage and synovial fluid the patch of the joint. This is because they act as shock absorbers and lubricates so that the joint can move smoothly and without friction. They are two extremely important building blocks for the joint's normal function.

By walking more, you can prevent these joint diseases. A horse should walk at least 20 minutes a day. Preferably at least 10 minutes before a work shift. If you don't have time, you can try to find a friend, parent or someone else in your environment who can act as a walking policeman.

The surface the horse walks on is also of significant importance for the horse's joint health. Therefore, make sure to walk more on varying surfaces and not always on level stable tracks. Something that is good both mentally and for the joints is walking out in the forest and nature. Then the joints have to work in different ways and thus build up their strength.

Keep an eye on the pedometer! Step more and maintain HEALTHY JOINTS and good joint health in your horse. Why not make something fun out of walking more and participate in our challenge #skrittamer on social media?