Most tendon injuries are the result of subtle repetitive stress of everyday training, conditioning, and competition. Each stride places force on the tendons and ligaments, and while they're designed to handle this stress, repeated overloading can create microscopic tears in the fibers. These are known as microdamage, small, invisible injuries that can accumulate over time.
Why Microdamage Matters
On their own, microtears aren't catastrophic. In fact, horses experience them regularly during work. But when training and management don't allow for proper recovery, these tiny injuries build up. Over weeks or months, microdamage weakens tendon fibers until a full-blown lesion appears, often side-lining a horse for months or even ending a career. What looks like a sudden injury is usually the result of damage that has been accumulating quietly beneath the surface.
The Role of Heat in Injury
During intense training, tendon fibers don't just stretch, they heat up. Research has shown that tendon cores can reach temperatures high enough to damage cells, especially during galloping or jumping. Combined with repetitive strain, this internal heat accelerates microdamage and makes it harder for fibers to repair themselves properly. Without intervention, that cycle can quickly turn into a major injury.
Spotting the Subtle Signs
Catching microdamage early is difficult, but not impossible. Slight warmth, subtle swelling, or changes in performance can indicate that tendons are under stress. Riders should also pay attention to how a horse feels during work—even small differences in stride or willingness can be early warning signs. Regular veterinary evaluations can help catch small issues before they progress.
Protecting Against Microdamage
Preventing microdamage is about balance. Smart training schedules, varied footing, and adequate rest are critical. Cold therapy after intense sessions can help offset tendon heat, while proper conditioning strengthens supportive muscles and reduces strain. But recovery isn't just about management, it's also about giving the body what it needs internally.
How Tendonall Helps
For tendons and ligaments to repair microdamage, they need access to nutrients and building blocks to form new collagen fibers. Tendonall is formulated with a high dose of Vitamin A (retinol) and other key ingredients to support collagen repair, improve elasticity, and reduce reliance on scar tissue. By fueling recovery at the cellular level, Tendonall helps horses stay strong and sound, stride after stride.
Soft tissue injuries may seem like a sudden, heartbreaking injury, but they're often the result of microdamage that has been building up quietly. By understanding how these injuries develop and taking steps to prevent them, riders can give their horses the best chance at long, health careers. With the right management, rest, and support, you can help stop small problems from becoming career-ending ones.
From Everyday Strain to Injury: Understanding Microdamage in Equine Tendons
Most tendon injuries are the result of subtle repetitive stress of everyday training, conditioning, and competition. Each stride places force on the tendons and ligaments, and while they're designed to handle this stress, repeated overloading can create microscopic tears in the fibers. These are known as microdamage, small, invisible injuries that can accumulate over time.
Why Microdamage Matters
On their own, microtears aren't catastrophic. In fact, horses experience them regularly during work. But when training and management don't allow for proper recovery, these tiny injuries build up. Over weeks or months, microdamage weakens tendon fibers until a full-blown lesion appears, often side-lining a horse for months or even ending a career. What looks like a sudden injury is usually the result of damage that has been accumulating quietly beneath the surface.
The Role of Heat in Injury
During intense training, tendon fibers don't just stretch, they heat up. Research has shown that tendon cores can reach temperatures high enough to damage cells, especially during galloping or jumping. Combined with repetitive strain, this internal heat accelerates microdamage and makes it harder for fibers to repair themselves properly. Without intervention, that cycle can quickly turn into a major injury.
Spotting the Subtle Signs
Catching microdamage early is difficult, but not impossible. Slight warmth, subtle swelling, or changes in performance can indicate that tendons are under stress. Riders should also pay attention to how a horse feels during work—even small differences in stride or willingness can be early warning signs. Regular veterinary evaluations can help catch small issues before they progress.
Protecting Against Microdamage
Preventing microdamage is about balance. Smart training schedules, varied footing, and adequate rest are critical. Cold therapy after intense sessions can help offset tendon heat, while proper conditioning strengthens supportive muscles and reduces strain. But recovery isn't just about management, it's also about giving the body what it needs internally.
How Tendonall Helps
For tendons and ligaments to repair microdamage, they need access to nutrients and building blocks to form new collagen fibers. Tendonall is formulated with a high dose of Vitamin A (retinol) and other key ingredients to support collagen repair, improve elasticity, and reduce reliance on scar tissue. By fueling recovery at the cellular level, Tendonall helps horses stay strong and sound, stride after stride.
Soft tissue injuries may seem like a sudden, heartbreaking injury, but they're often the result of microdamage that has been building up quietly. By understanding how these injuries develop and taking steps to prevent them, riders can give their horses the best chance at long, health careers. With the right management, rest, and support, you can help stop small problems from becoming career-ending ones.