Soft tissue injuries don't always come from obvious accidents or high-impact moments. In fact, many tendon and ligament injuries in performance horses develop gradually, often without clear warning signs.
If your horse is training consistently, traveling, or even just dealing with summer conditions, their tendons may be experiencing more strain than you think.
Here are five overlooked sources of tendons stress every horse owner should know.
1. Subtle footing changes
Even small shifts in footing (dry to deep, firm to slick) can drastically affect how tendons absorb load. Tendons are designed to stretch and recoil, but footing inconsistencies can force them to absorb shock unevenly, increasing the risk of strain.
2. Fatigue and overuse
When muscles tire, tendons are forced to compensate. This can lead to poor biomechanics, reduced shock absorption, and excess load on already-stressed tissues. Horses in consistent work may not show obvious signs of fatigue, but their soft tissues are still under pressure.
3. Inconsistent warm-ups
A rushed or skipped warm-up reduces blood flow to tendons and ligaments, making them more prone to micro-damage. Tendons need gradual movement to become elastic and responsive.
4. Travel and hauling
Just standing in a trailer for extended periods can lead to tendon fatigue. Constant balancing during stops, turns, and vibration creates micro-movements that quietly stress the soft tissues, especially in the hind limbs.
5. Aging soft tissues
Even if your horse is sound, age can affect collagen elasticity and tendon resilience. Horses in their teens, especially those with a long performance history, are more likely to experience minor soft tissue degradation, even under routine workloads.
What You Can Do
Early support is key to long-term soundness. In addition to smart training and management, adding a targeted soft tissue supplement can help improve tendon resilience from within.
Tendonall is scientifically formulated to promote collagen strength and elasticity, support micro-repair after daily work and reduce the risk of long-term breakdown.
Don't wait for swelling or soreness to act. Support your horse's tendons now – before strain becomes a setback.
5 Reasons Your Horse’s Tendons Might Be Under More Stress Than You Realize
Soft tissue injuries don't always come from obvious accidents or high-impact moments. In fact, many tendon and ligament injuries in performance horses develop gradually, often without clear warning signs.
If your horse is training consistently, traveling, or even just dealing with summer conditions, their tendons may be experiencing more strain than you think.
Here are five overlooked sources of tendons stress every horse owner should know.
1. Subtle footing changes
Even small shifts in footing (dry to deep, firm to slick) can drastically affect how tendons absorb load. Tendons are designed to stretch and recoil, but footing inconsistencies can force them to absorb shock unevenly, increasing the risk of strain.
2. Fatigue and overuse
When muscles tire, tendons are forced to compensate. This can lead to poor biomechanics, reduced shock absorption, and excess load on already-stressed tissues. Horses in consistent work may not show obvious signs of fatigue, but their soft tissues are still under pressure.
3. Inconsistent warm-ups
A rushed or skipped warm-up reduces blood flow to tendons and ligaments, making them more prone to micro-damage. Tendons need gradual movement to become elastic and responsive.
4. Travel and hauling
Just standing in a trailer for extended periods can lead to tendon fatigue. Constant balancing during stops, turns, and vibration creates micro-movements that quietly stress the soft tissues, especially in the hind limbs.
5. Aging soft tissues
Even if your horse is sound, age can affect collagen elasticity and tendon resilience. Horses in their teens, especially those with a long performance history, are more likely to experience minor soft tissue degradation, even under routine workloads.
What You Can Do
Early support is key to long-term soundness. In addition to smart training and management, adding a targeted soft tissue supplement can help improve tendon resilience from within.
Tendonall is scientifically formulated to promote collagen strength and elasticity, support micro-repair after daily work and reduce the risk of long-term breakdown.
Don't wait for swelling or soreness to act. Support your horse's tendons now – before strain becomes a setback.