Tendons play a crucial role in the movement and overall health of horses, particularly in the context of performance and recovery. As an essential component of the equine musculoskeletal system, tendons are responsible for transmitting the force of movement from muscles to bones, allowing for effective movement.
Tendons and Their Functions
Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. They are composed primarily of collagen fibers, which give them strength and flexibility. Without healthy tendons, horses would not be able to run, jump, or perform any of the activities we ask them to do.
Tendons must withstand significant stress and strain, especially during activities like racing, jumping, or heavy work. As a result, they are prone to injuries which can significantly impact a horse's performance and overall well-being.
The Flexor Tendons
The flexor tendons are located at the back of the horse's limbs and are responsible for bending the joints in the lower limb. These tendon's play a vital role in the horse's ability to flex their legs, hence the name. There are two primary flexor tendons in the lower limb: the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) and the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT).
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Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon: This tendon is one of the most commonly injured soft tissues in the horse's forelimbs. It runs along the back of the leg, crossing the fetlock joint, and plays a key role in flexing the fetlock and supporting the weight of the body during movement. The SDFT is especially prone to injury in performance horses subjected to repetitive high-impact activities. Injuries to the SDFT often result in lameness, swelling, heat, and often have extended recovery times with poor tendon recovery.
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Deep Digital Flexor Tendon: The DDFT is located deeper in the leg, running from the back of the leg down to the coffin bone. It is crucial for movement of the hoof, and supports the horse during weight-bearing activities. This tendon is less visible than the SDFT, and is also more difficult to detect injury and diagnose early, which can lead to chronic lameness and performance issues. The DDFT is also at risk of overuse injuries in sport horses involved in demanding disciplines.
The Extensor Tendons
The extensor tendons run along the front of the horse's limbs and are responsible for straightening the joint. These tendons work in opposition to the flexor tendons, allowing the horse to extend its limbs during movement. The extensors are critical for lifting the hoof and pushing off the ground with force, which are essential for efficient movement.
Injuries to the extensor tendons are less common than those affecting the flexors, but can still occur in high-impact or repetitive activities. Extensor tendon injuries can result in weakness or instability to the horse's gait.
How Tendonall Supports Equine Tendons
Tendonall is a unique supplement, scientifically formulated to support and promote the health of equine tendons. By promoting the body's natural collagen regeneration response, Tendonall supports tendon strength, flexibility, and aids in injury recovery.
Regular use of Tendonall can help horses maintain healthy tendons, by healing microtears and strains that occur from daily wear, which can prevent catastrophic injury.
With the support of Tendonall, you can ensure your horse's tendons remain strong, flexible, and resilient, keeping them at their best for years to come.
Understanding Equine Tendons and How Tendonall Supports Their Health
Tendons play a crucial role in the movement and overall health of horses, particularly in the context of performance and recovery. As an essential component of the equine musculoskeletal system, tendons are responsible for transmitting the force of movement from muscles to bones, allowing for effective movement.
Tendons and Their Functions
Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. They are composed primarily of collagen fibers, which give them strength and flexibility. Without healthy tendons, horses would not be able to run, jump, or perform any of the activities we ask them to do.
Tendons must withstand significant stress and strain, especially during activities like racing, jumping, or heavy work. As a result, they are prone to injuries which can significantly impact a horse's performance and overall well-being.
The Flexor Tendons
The flexor tendons are located at the back of the horse's limbs and are responsible for bending the joints in the lower limb. These tendon's play a vital role in the horse's ability to flex their legs, hence the name. There are two primary flexor tendons in the lower limb: the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) and the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT).
The Extensor Tendons
The extensor tendons run along the front of the horse's limbs and are responsible for straightening the joint. These tendons work in opposition to the flexor tendons, allowing the horse to extend its limbs during movement. The extensors are critical for lifting the hoof and pushing off the ground with force, which are essential for efficient movement.
Injuries to the extensor tendons are less common than those affecting the flexors, but can still occur in high-impact or repetitive activities. Extensor tendon injuries can result in weakness or instability to the horse's gait.
How Tendonall Supports Equine Tendons
Tendonall is a unique supplement, scientifically formulated to support and promote the health of equine tendons. By promoting the body's natural collagen regeneration response, Tendonall supports tendon strength, flexibility, and aids in injury recovery.
Regular use of Tendonall can help horses maintain healthy tendons, by healing microtears and strains that occur from daily wear, which can prevent catastrophic injury.
With the support of Tendonall, you can ensure your horse's tendons remain strong, flexible, and resilient, keeping them at their best for years to come.