Riding horses is one of life's great joys.

When the rest of the world gets crazy, what could be better than saddling up and getting away from it all?

Nothing, that's what.

At least not for a horse lover.

If you've lived with horses for a long time, you know what I mean. If you're just getting started, you'll soon learn. A good horse is as good a friend as a good dog - they don't judge you or critize you - they're just there to give you attention and love, as long as you treat them well.

The difference is, with a good horse you can climb aboard and he'll take you exploring. With a dog you have to use your own feet!

I've personally been feeling deprived for the past few years. I have an old horse, Max, a purebred Quarter Horse, who just can't get around like he used to. When he was young he was used for gaming and that damaged his ankles, so now that he is a "senior citizen" (age 32) he has some problems with lameness. I only ride him between pastures or for 5 minutes just to give him attention.

That's why I've been watching for "my horse" to appear - and last June he did. I knew I wanted a Bay Arabian Gelding. I don't know why, but that's what I wanted, and for 2 years I've scanned the ads, not finding him. Then, one Friday I saw the ad!

By Tuesday, the "Little Guy" was installed in my pasture. Compared to an overweight Quarter Horse, this Arabian looks mighty tiny! But he's exactly what I wanted, and I'm feeling thankful that I saw that ad and bothered to drive the hour and a half to go meet him.

I never could figure out his name, so he's known as LG - for Little Guy.

Have an older horse,like my guy Max, or one who gets a lot of leg stress from gaming or working cattle? Treat him with Glucosamine and other minerals to protect and heal his joints.

Choose from soft chews to give as treats...

SynoviG3 EQ Soft Chews 240ct For Horses A comprehensive equine nutritional supplement for optimal joint health. SynoviG3 EQ combines Glucosamine and Perna Canaliculus to stimulate synovial fluid synthesis and the production of essential connective tissues, Creatine to help extend peak performance during high intensity exercise, and MSM for relief of pain and stiffness and reduction of swelling and inflammation. SynoviG3 EQ is enhanced with Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, and antioxidants to combat the cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Or, choose granules to sprinkle on his grain:

Synovi-MSM EQ Granules 2.25kg For Horses Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) enters the body as a dietary sulfur associated with the amino acids. In clinical tests, use of MSM produced significant relief of pain and stiffness along with reduced swelling and inflammation. MSM prevents pressure build up in cells, permitting nutrients in and pushing toxins out. There is a positive synergistic effect on the building of healthier cells when MSM is taken in combination with Vitamin C. The combination of Glucosamine and Perna Canaliculus stimulates synovial fluid synthesis, as well as the production of essential connective tissues. Glucosamine returns viscosity to the synovial fluid and enhances its ability to carry the vital nutrients necessary to rebuild cartilage, insulate the bone from friction and cushion the joint in movement.