After chip surgery: the road back to training with nuvallo
If you have ever stood in an equine clinic with your horse, you know that sinking feeling in your stomach. For us, it was the diagnosis: a 'chip in the fetlock joint'. Even though the vet said it is a routine procedure these days, my heart sank. Thankfully, the surgery itself went well, but as every rider knows: the real work begins afterwards.
The weeks of box rest were a test of patience for both of us. My normally active sports horse was left standing idle, losing muscle and seeming stiffer by the day. When we were finally allowed to start walking in hand and slowly returning to training, I was very worried. How would the joint react? Would he return to his former self? I wanted to support him in the best possible way, ensuring the cartilage and surrounding structures received everything they needed for recovery.
The battle with the powder
Naturally, my vet had advised me to add joint nutrients to his feed. 'Look out for glucosamine and MSM,' he advised. No sooner said than done. I bought a high-quality powder, full of hope. But the reality at the yard was a different story.
Unfortunately, my horse is an absolute gourmet – or rather, a master at sorting his food. I tried everything. I stirred the powder into his mash, but he eyed it sceptically and left it. I tried hiding it in soaked hay cobs, but in the end, the expensive supplement stuck to the edge of the manger as a fine dust, and the cobs were licked clean. It was so frustrating. I knew he urgently needed this support, especially now during the rehab phase, but if it doesn't end up inside the horse, the best supplement in the world is useless. I was frustrated and constantly felt like I was losing valuable time.
The discovery: nuvallo move
Looking for a solution that wouldn't end in a daily battle, I came across the nuvallo move Snacks. The concept sounded almost too good to be true: a functional joint snack that looks and tastes like a reward, but contains the full dose of nutrients. No measuring spoons, no dampening the feed, no sorting out.
I was curious, but also critical. Would he eat them? And is there really enough 'active ingredient' in them? A glance at the ingredients reassured me. The snacks are based on linseed cake, rice bran, and linseed – making them completely free from wheat and maize, and gentle on the stomach. This was important to me, as his stomach was already a little sensitive from the post-op medication and the stress of box rest.
Why the 'snack' makes all the difference
When the tub arrived, I immediately put it to the test. I offered him a snack from my hand. He sniffed briefly, took it – and chewed happily. I could have jumped for joy! Finally, the nutrients were landing exactly where they belonged.
Since we were right in an acute rebuilding phase after surgery, I followed the recommendation and doubled the dose for the first three weeks. So, instead of the normal 6 snacks, he got 12 a day (which was perfect for his weight of approx. 600 kg). Later, I reduced it to the maintenance dose of around 7-8 snacks.
Inside each of these little pellets is a carefully considered combination: glucosamine (1,500 mg per daily ration) and collagen (2,550 mg), alongside MSM and hyaluronic acid. All components that are particularly important when rebuilding tolerance to workload. The best part: I could simply give him the nuvallo move Snacks as a reward after walking in hand or our first short trotting intervals. For him, it was praise for his hard work; for me, the certainty that he was well cared for.
The result: motivated and back into sport
We have now been feeding nuvallo move consistently for a good three months. We are now back in light training, and I have to say: I am thrilled with his progress. Of course, the surgery was the reason for the break, but I have the subjective feeling that he is coping exceptionally well with the increasing workload.
In the mornings, when he comes out of his stable, he seems noticeably less 'rusty' than I had feared after his long period of standing in. Even when riding, I get the impression that he is more supple and moves with greater joy. He steps nicely underneath himself and works willingly. It is simply a wonderful feeling to see that he is enjoying his movement again.
Another huge plus point for me as a competition rider: the nuvallo move Snacks are ADMR-compliant. This means that when we (hopefully soon!) ride our first competition again, I won’t have to stop giving him the supplement. I can continue to support him, even during the competition season, without having to observe a withdrawal period. That gives me peace of mind.
My conclusion
The road back after an operation is never easy and requires a great deal of sensitivity. With nuvallo move Snacks, I have one less worry. I know that my horse is reliably getting his joint nutrients because he loves the taste. No more powdery dust in the manger, no more stress at feeding time.
If you want to support your horse – whether after an injury, in their senior years, or preventatively in sport – I can highly recommend nuvallo. It is so simple, yet so effective for the rider's peace of mind and the horse's joy of movement. We, at least, are delighted to have found this companion for our comeback.