If the joints don’t move well, the body doesn’t move well. The ability to flex, extend and rotate the joints in the horse’s legs and spine sets the parameters for that athlete’s ability.
Many things contribute to joint problems such as nutritional imbalances, GI problems, trauma (acute or chronic), genetic pre-disposition, conformation, poor shoeing/trimming, metabolic disorders, normal “wear and tear,” and infections (systemic or in the joint).
A simple sprained fetlock as a yearling that isn’t treated appropriately can start the cartilage deterioration that will progress into arthritis and cause lameness a few years later.
Aggressive effective treatment of all joint injuries and continual preventative care are key to long term joint health, especially in the equine athlete.