Soft tissue injuries can derail even the most carefully managed programs. Most riders know that intense work and poor footing can increase the risk of injury, but there are subtle, everyday factors that may be putting your horse at risk–without even realizing it. Even if you're doing everything "right," it's still worth taking a closer look at these five often-overlooked risk factors that can quietly set the stage for injury.
1. Sudden Changes in Workload
Whether you're bringing a horse back from rest or ramping up for show season, quick spikes in activity can lead to micro-tears in soft tissue. These small strains often go unnoticed until they lead to lameness, and are a much bigger problem.
What to do:
Increase workload gradually and consistently. Use structured schedules and monitor for any signs of heat, swelling, or stiffness after work.
2. Inadequate Warm-Up or Cool-Down
A cold tendon is a tight tendon. Skipping or rushing warm-up and cool-down periods limits blood flow, elasticity, and soft tissue resilience–making tendons and ligaments more vulnerable to strain.
What to do:
Dedicate time to slowly ramp up activity with at least 10-15 minutes of walking and light trot work. Post-ride, allow time for muscles and soft tissues to decompress with slow, steady walking.
3. Foot Imbalance and Poor Shoeing
Even slight imbalances in hoof angles can drastically affect how force is distributed through a horse's legs–placing excessive stress on tendons, particularly the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons.
What to do:
Work closely with a skilled farrier and check alignment regularly. Consider adding veterinary evaluations of hoof balance into your routine.
4. Subtle Conformation Faults
Not all injuries come from overuse–some come from the way a horse is built. Long pasterns, upright shoulders, or behind-at-the-knee posture can predispose horses to tendon and ligament strain, especially under athletic demands.
What to do:
Be realistic about your horse's limitations. Tailor their workload, footing, and their support regimen to help managed added strain.
5. Recovery Gaps Post-Travel or Competition
Travel and competition stress affects recovery. Horses often need time and support to recover, even if they didn't work hard physically that day.
What to do:
Incorporate light movement, such as turnout and hand-walking, after travel. Use anti-inflammatory and tissue-supporting strategies proactively during and after show weekends
Where Does Tendonall Fit In?
Tendonall is scientifically formulated to support soft tissue integrity, reduce the risk of injury, and aid in recovery, even in the face of these subtle everyday challenges. Tendonall provides the kind of support you can't always see, but your horse can feel.
Take action before injury strikes.
Is Your Horse at Risk? 5 Overlooked Causes of Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injuries can derail even the most carefully managed programs. Most riders know that intense work and poor footing can increase the risk of injury, but there are subtle, everyday factors that may be putting your horse at risk–without even realizing it. Even if you're doing everything "right," it's still worth taking a closer look at these five often-overlooked risk factors that can quietly set the stage for injury.
1. Sudden Changes in Workload
Whether you're bringing a horse back from rest or ramping up for show season, quick spikes in activity can lead to micro-tears in soft tissue. These small strains often go unnoticed until they lead to lameness, and are a much bigger problem.
What to do:
Increase workload gradually and consistently. Use structured schedules and monitor for any signs of heat, swelling, or stiffness after work.
2. Inadequate Warm-Up or Cool-Down
A cold tendon is a tight tendon. Skipping or rushing warm-up and cool-down periods limits blood flow, elasticity, and soft tissue resilience–making tendons and ligaments more vulnerable to strain.
What to do:
Dedicate time to slowly ramp up activity with at least 10-15 minutes of walking and light trot work. Post-ride, allow time for muscles and soft tissues to decompress with slow, steady walking.
3. Foot Imbalance and Poor Shoeing
Even slight imbalances in hoof angles can drastically affect how force is distributed through a horse's legs–placing excessive stress on tendons, particularly the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons.
What to do:
Work closely with a skilled farrier and check alignment regularly. Consider adding veterinary evaluations of hoof balance into your routine.
4. Subtle Conformation Faults
Not all injuries come from overuse–some come from the way a horse is built. Long pasterns, upright shoulders, or behind-at-the-knee posture can predispose horses to tendon and ligament strain, especially under athletic demands.
What to do:
Be realistic about your horse's limitations. Tailor their workload, footing, and their support regimen to help managed added strain.
5. Recovery Gaps Post-Travel or Competition
Travel and competition stress affects recovery. Horses often need time and support to recover, even if they didn't work hard physically that day.
What to do:
Incorporate light movement, such as turnout and hand-walking, after travel. Use anti-inflammatory and tissue-supporting strategies proactively during and after show weekends
Where Does Tendonall Fit In?
Tendonall is scientifically formulated to support soft tissue integrity, reduce the risk of injury, and aid in recovery, even in the face of these subtle everyday challenges. Tendonall provides the kind of support you can't always see, but your horse can feel.
Take action before injury strikes.