Bowed Tendons in Horses

A horse's flexor tendons handle a lot of stress, which can sometimes cause injury. When injured, the tendon may stretch and bow. This leads to a condition known as a bowed tendon.

Signs of a bowed tendon include:

•     Swelling around the flexor tendon
•     Lameness
•     Area is hot to touch

Bowed tendons can happen for several reasons, not just injury. Common causes include overworking the horse, poor hoof care, and walking on uneven ground.

Preventative Measures for Bowed Tendons

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Routine veterinary check-ups are essential for preventing and treating bowed tendons. Vets are trained to notice early signs of lameness, swelling, and added joint strain.

If you notice any potential problems or have concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your vet.

Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down Routines

To prevent exercise-related injuries, it’s important to follow a proper warm-up and cool-down routine.

• Warm-Up: A good warm-up allows the horse’s muscles and tendons to stretch gradually. It increases blood flow and helps prepare the body for activity. A warm-up should last at least 10 minutes, starting with a walk and slowly increasing speed. This loosens the tissues surrounding muscles and tendons.
• Cool-Down: After exercise, gradually slow down to a walk. This helps reduce stiffness and swelling after activity and lowers the risk of injury.

Balanced Exercise Regimen

It's not just about the warm-up and cool-down—balancing the horse’s overall exercise routine is key. Horses need a variety of exercises to build strength, stamina, and flexibility.

Work with a skilled trainer to design a balanced regimen that includes:

• Strength training
• Jumping
• Conditioning
• Groundwork
• Rest days

If you notice signs of fatigue or lameness, take immediate action. A vet can suggest ways to address these issues and may need to visit if the symptoms persist.

Importance of Proper Hoof Care and Shoeing

Regular hoof care is crucial to your horse’s overall health. You should trim the horse’s hooves every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain shape and balance and check for uneven wear.

Daily hoof inspections and cleaning are also important. This allows you to check for cracks, wear, or abscesses and remove any debris or potential hazards.

Your farrier can advise you on proper shoeing. Shoes support and protect the hooves. They also absorb shock, which helps reduce strain on the tendons.

The Role of Leg Protection and Support

There are several items that owners can purchase to support their horse’s tendons. These include wraps and splint boots. 

• Wraps: These provide compression and support during training or competitions. They help reduce swelling and add extra support to the tendons. Plus, wraps like Polo Bandages can look stylish in competitions.

• Splint Boots: These protect the tendons and ligaments from injury during strenuous exercise. Also, Splint Boots are easy to apply, with Velcro straps that fit most horses.