In the demanding arena of equine performance, every advantage matters—better endurance, quicker recovery, improved overall well-being. Among the most persuasive means of enhancing your horse's well-being and performance is the use of antioxidant supplements. Proper training, diet, and maintenance are important, but antioxidants can give your horse a key added layer of support at the cellular level, particularly for horses subject to higher levels of physical and environmental stresses. By incorporating key supplements such as Cissus quadrangularis, ALCAR, and ALCAR Acetyl L-Carnitine, you can significantly enhance your horse’s performance and overall well-being.

Training pull horses undergo intense exercise, which places significant demands on their bodies.  Oxidative stress increases in direct proportion to the rise in metabolic activity during these strenuous workouts. Oxidative stress can harm the muscle cells, delay recovery, and lower the efficiency of the entire immune system. Antioxidants lead to the neutralization of free radicals and support cellular health for optimal function throughout the body.

But what are antioxidants, and how can they help your horse's performance? Let's demystify. 

Grasping Oxidative Stress in Horses

With each time your horse trains, competes, or simply is exposed to environmental stress (such as heat, dust, or pollution), they produces free radicals in their cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can destroy muscles, nerve tissues, and other tissues. This is called oxidative stress and may lead to fatigue, inflammation, decreased recovery time, and even immune suppression.

While some oxidative stress is inevitable, excessive stress can undermine performance. This is particularly the case with performance horses that are constantly driven to their physical limits. That's where antioxidants—and certain supplements that serve as antioxidants—become relevant.

 An increase in aerobic capacity has been related to improved production of free radicals. It is defined as an unstable molecules that cause havoc in muscle cells, proteins and DNA.

The Power of Antioxidants

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, basically "mopping up" the damage they inflict. Horses do receive some antioxidants naturally through forage and grains, like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and selenium. But the rigors of training and competition frequently surpass what the natural diet can provide, so supplementation is not only beneficial but essential.

Cissus Quadrangularis: More Than Bone Support

Cissus quadrangularis is a plant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and is now gaining popularity among horses for its multi-faceted benefits. While it's usually touted for its capacity to aid bone repair and joint well-being, it also possesses potent antioxidant activity.

Here's how Cissus quadrangularis makes your horse perform better:

Decreases inflammation: It fights inflammatory processes that can cause sore muscles and stiff joints after exercise.

Improves connective tissue healing: Great for horses recovering from injury, returning them to work sooner.

"The Spring" Supports Bone Density and Joint Health: Necessary for high-impact activities such as jumping, racing, or barrel racing.

"The Antioxidant" As a cellular defender: Cissus insulates cells against damage caused by stress, allowing for faster recovery and long-term soundness

ALCAR (Acetyl L-Carnitine): The Cellular Powerhouse

ALCAR, or Acetyl L-Carnitine, is a naturally occurring substance that pairs the amino acid L-carnitine with an acetyl group. It is involved in energy metabolism by assisting in the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are burned as fuel. But it does a whole lot more than simply increase energy.

Here's how ALCAR improves equine performance:

Improves energy production: ALCAR enhances the efficiency of cellular energy use, rendering it particularly beneficial in extended or intense exercise.

Functions as an antioxidant: It prevents free radicals from accumulating during exercise and keeps muscle tissue safe from oxidative damage.

Supports mental and nerve function: This is crucial in older horses or horses subjected to mental stress due to travel or frequent competition.

Addition of ALCAR (Acetyl L-Carnitine) as a supplement can provide your horse with a discernible advantage in endurance, concentration, and faster recovery.

Benefits of Combining: A Wiser Supplementing Strategy

Perhaps the most efficient method of all is to blend antioxidant substances such as Cissus quadrangularis together with ALCAR. This method not only attacks various aspects of the body (muscles, joints, brain, and immune system), but also engulfs cellular health from various directions.

Let's detail the synergistic advantages:

Muscle recovery and endurance: Cissus quenches inflammation while ALCAR sustains and safeguards muscle tissue.

Joint and soft tissue protection: Cissus rebuilds cartilage and tendons, while ALCAR stimulates circulation and cell regeneration.

Nervous system protection: ALCAR's neuroprotective action supplements Cissus's systemic anti-inflammatory action, ensuring horses remain calm and mentally acute.

Combined, these supplements provide a stronger defense against the stresses and strains of training and competition.

When and How to Supplement

Not all horses will require antioxidant supplementation, but the following are some instances where it is a significant factor:

·         Horses in frequent or high-level training

·         Horses that are recovering from injury

·         Ageing horses with diminishing energy or mental function

·         Horses that are susceptible to stiffness, soreness, or fatigue

·         Horses that are exposed to environmental or travel-related stress

Always check with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist before supplementing your horse, particularly when using strong ingredients such as Cissus quadrangularis or ALCAR Acetyl L-Carnitine. Dosing is important, and more is not always better—getting the right balance is essential.

Conclusion

Antioxidant supplements provide an effective means to enhance your horse's performance, health, and longevity. Through combating oxidative stress and aiding important body systems, such as Cissus quadrangularis and ALCAR (Acetyl L-Carnitine), your horse can recover quicker, perform at their best, and remain in top condition longer.

Whether you’re conditioning a young athlete, maintaining a seasoned competitor, or supporting a senior partner, antioxidant supplementation could be the missing piece in your horse’s wellness program. Give your horse the tools to thrive—not just survive—by investing in smart, science-backed supplementation.