Just like humans, horses experience normal wear and tear as they age, especially in the tendons and ligaments that support daily movement and athletic performance. While older horses may slow down, the soft tissue structures that carried them through years of work don't always get a break. Understanding how age affects these tissues is key to helping your horse stay comfortable, capable, and sound for as long as possible.
What happens to tendons and ligaments with age?
Tendons and ligaments are made primarily of collagen, a protein that gives these structures their strength and elasticity. As horses age, several changes occur:
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Collagen production decreases, reducing the tissue's ability to repair micro-tears
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Elasticity declines, making tendons more prone to strain and rupture
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Chronic stress and old injuries lead to scar tissue and reduced function
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Blood flow decreases, slowing healing and increasing inflammation
Even in retired horses, these changes can affect comfort and mobility during turnout.
Semi-retired and retired horses are still at risk of injury.
Many riders assume that once an older horse is semi-retired or retired, they're at a lower risk for soft tissue injuries. In reality, older tendons are more fragile, and simple incidents like slipping in turnout can cause strain.
In performance horses, scar tissue from previous strain or injury can reduce flexibility and increase risk of re-injury.
What can you do?
The first step is smart support for aging soft tissues. Whether your horse is semi-retired, still competing, or turned out enjoying their life, here are a few ways to support their tendon and ligament health:
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Keep them moving. Regular, low impact movement keeps scar tissues limber and promotes circulation.
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Warm up thoroughly. For older horses still in work, give them more time to stretch and warm up before work.
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Be mindful of footing. Avoid deep or inconsistent surfaces that can increase strain
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Monitor closely for changes. Heat, swelling, or subtle stiffness should be evaluated and addressed early.
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Support from the inside out. Use targeted supplements like Tendonall to promote collagen health, elasticity, and long-term soft tissue resilience.
How Tendonall Helps
Tendonall is a scientifically formulated soft tissue support supplement trusted by vets and top performance riders. It's designed to promote healthy collagen formation, support tendon and ligament elasticity, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Whether your horse is 12 or 22, it's never too late to support their longevity and soundness. Aging is natural, but breaking down isn't. With consistent care, smart movement, and daily support, your horse's tendons and ligaments can stay strong and functional well into their senior years.
Aging and Soft Tissue Health: What Every Horse Owner Should Know
Just like humans, horses experience normal wear and tear as they age, especially in the tendons and ligaments that support daily movement and athletic performance. While older horses may slow down, the soft tissue structures that carried them through years of work don't always get a break. Understanding how age affects these tissues is key to helping your horse stay comfortable, capable, and sound for as long as possible.
What happens to tendons and ligaments with age?
Tendons and ligaments are made primarily of collagen, a protein that gives these structures their strength and elasticity. As horses age, several changes occur:
Even in retired horses, these changes can affect comfort and mobility during turnout.
Semi-retired and retired horses are still at risk of injury.
Many riders assume that once an older horse is semi-retired or retired, they're at a lower risk for soft tissue injuries. In reality, older tendons are more fragile, and simple incidents like slipping in turnout can cause strain.
In performance horses, scar tissue from previous strain or injury can reduce flexibility and increase risk of re-injury.
What can you do?
The first step is smart support for aging soft tissues. Whether your horse is semi-retired, still competing, or turned out enjoying their life, here are a few ways to support their tendon and ligament health:
How Tendonall Helps
Tendonall is a scientifically formulated soft tissue support supplement trusted by vets and top performance riders. It's designed to promote healthy collagen formation, support tendon and ligament elasticity, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Whether your horse is 12 or 22, it's never too late to support their longevity and soundness. Aging is natural, but breaking down isn't. With consistent care, smart movement, and daily support, your horse's tendons and ligaments can stay strong and functional well into their senior years.