The Hidden Impact of Poor Footing on Tendons and Ligaments

The Hidden Impact of Poor Footing on Tendons and Ligaments

Footing plays a major role in your horse's soft tissue health. While riders know how to avoid obvious hazards like rocks or holes, even "normal" footing can contribute to strain, inflammation, and long-term damage, particularly to tendons and ligaments.

In this post, we explore how ground conditions affect your horse's soft tissues and what you can do to help protect them, both in and out of the saddle.

Deep footing (loose sand or soft arenas)

Overloads flexor tendons and suspensory ligaments as the limb sinks into the ground. This type of footing demands more lift and force with each stride, creating fatigue and strain.

Hard or compact ground

Offers no shock absorption, forcing tendons and ligaments to bear the brunt of impact. This can contribute to cumulative trauma, especially in the lower limbs.

Slick surfaces (wet grass, mud)

Cause instability, leading to sudden slips or compensatory loading patterns. One small misstep can trigger overstretching or even tearing of soft tissues.

Early signs of soft tissue strain from poor footing

  • Reluctance to move forward
  • Subtle changes in stride length or rhythm
  • Intermittent heat or swelling after work
  • Resistance during turns, circles, or transitions
  • Slight lameness that resolves with rest

Protecting your horse in imperfect conditions

Footing won't always be ideal, but working your horse correctly in poor conditions can prevent injury.

  • Warm up thoroughly 
  • Cross-train regularly on different footings to improve adaptability
  • Condition gradually
  • Stay alert to small chances
  • Cool down properly

How Tendonall helps

When footing is less than ideal, Tendonall helps protect your horse from the inside out by promoting collagen production for tissue strength and elasticity, reducing inflammation from repetitive strain, and supporting recovery at the cellular level after hard work.

Whether your horse trains in deep footing, competes on grass, or trail rides on uneven ground, soft tissue support can make a measurable difference in long-term soundness.

You can't always control the ground beneath your horse's feet, but you can control how well their body is prepared to handle it. 

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