Suspensory ligaments are among the most frustrating, and difficult, soft tissue injuries equine athletes can face. They often require long rest periods, have a high risk of reinjury, and can permanently impact a horse's ability to return to previous levels of work.
But what makes the suspensory ligament so critical, and so complicated to heal? In this post, we'll explore why suspensory injuries are so serious, why hind limb suspensory injuries are particularly difficult to treat, and how daily soft tissue support can help protect this essential structure.
What does the suspensory ligament do?
The suspensory ligament is a key component of the stay apparatus, the system of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that allows a horse to stand and move efficiently. It runs along the back of the cannon bone, branching just above the fetlock to support the joint during motion.
Every stride puts strain on the suspensory, and in performance horses, that strain is extreme. Whether collecting, jumping, turning, or galloping, the suspensory absorbs and redirects force with every movement.
Why it's so vulnerable
The suspensory is under near-constant tension, particularly in sport horses. Overuse, poor footing, lack of condition, or conformational weaknesses (like straight hocks or long pasterns) can all contribute to microdamage over time. If left unchecked, that damage can build until the ligament weakens, tears, or even ruptures.
The challenge? Suspensory injury symptoms are often subtle until they're significant. Early signs may mistaken for training resistance, poor balance, being due for regular joint maintenance, and even back soreness.
Why healing is so difficult
Tendons and ligaments receive poor blood supply, meaning natural healing is slow. Because the suspensory ligament is under tension even at rest, it's hard to achieve true "rest" for this structure, even on stall rest.
When scar tissue forms, it is less elastic than the original ligament, which increases the risk of reinjury even after apparent recovery. Many horses need months of carefully managed rehab, and some may never return to full work.
Why hind limb injuries are particularly complicated
Hind suspensory injuries, especially proximal suspensory desmitis (inflammation or tearing near the origin just below the hock), are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat.
The injuries often mimic back, sacroiliac or even hock issues, and are harder to detect on standard imaging. They respond poorly to rest alone, and may require advanced treatments like shockwave therapy, PRP, or even surgery in severe cases. Additionally, the hind suspensory is subject to higher propulsive forces during work, making it more prone to chronic strain.
Prevention matters more than treatment
Because suspensory injuries are difficult (and sometimes impossible) to fully heal, prevention is key. Focusing on thoughtful training and conditioning practices, attention to footing, proper warm-up and post-ride care, good farriery and conformation management, and daily support for soft tissue health can help prevent these injuries from occuring.
How Tendonall can help
Tendonall is formulated to strengthen soft tissue structures from the inside out. With ingredients that support collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue resilience, it helps:
- Reduce microtears caused by repetitive strain
- Promote elasticity and proper healing at the cellular level
- Support recovery for horses returning from suspensory injuries
Suspensory injuries are serious, not just because of the time needed to heal them, but because of how they impact a horse's long-term performance and soundness. Understanding the risk, and taking steps to support healthy soft tissue can make all the difference.
Why Suspensory Injuries Can Be So Devastating for Performance Horses
Suspensory ligaments are among the most frustrating, and difficult, soft tissue injuries equine athletes can face. They often require long rest periods, have a high risk of reinjury, and can permanently impact a horse's ability to return to previous levels of work.
But what makes the suspensory ligament so critical, and so complicated to heal? In this post, we'll explore why suspensory injuries are so serious, why hind limb suspensory injuries are particularly difficult to treat, and how daily soft tissue support can help protect this essential structure.
What does the suspensory ligament do?
The suspensory ligament is a key component of the stay apparatus, the system of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that allows a horse to stand and move efficiently. It runs along the back of the cannon bone, branching just above the fetlock to support the joint during motion.
Every stride puts strain on the suspensory, and in performance horses, that strain is extreme. Whether collecting, jumping, turning, or galloping, the suspensory absorbs and redirects force with every movement.
Why it's so vulnerable
The suspensory is under near-constant tension, particularly in sport horses. Overuse, poor footing, lack of condition, or conformational weaknesses (like straight hocks or long pasterns) can all contribute to microdamage over time. If left unchecked, that damage can build until the ligament weakens, tears, or even ruptures.
The challenge? Suspensory injury symptoms are often subtle until they're significant. Early signs may mistaken for training resistance, poor balance, being due for regular joint maintenance, and even back soreness.
Why healing is so difficult
Tendons and ligaments receive poor blood supply, meaning natural healing is slow. Because the suspensory ligament is under tension even at rest, it's hard to achieve true "rest" for this structure, even on stall rest.
When scar tissue forms, it is less elastic than the original ligament, which increases the risk of reinjury even after apparent recovery. Many horses need months of carefully managed rehab, and some may never return to full work.
Why hind limb injuries are particularly complicated
Hind suspensory injuries, especially proximal suspensory desmitis (inflammation or tearing near the origin just below the hock), are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat.
The injuries often mimic back, sacroiliac or even hock issues, and are harder to detect on standard imaging. They respond poorly to rest alone, and may require advanced treatments like shockwave therapy, PRP, or even surgery in severe cases. Additionally, the hind suspensory is subject to higher propulsive forces during work, making it more prone to chronic strain.
Prevention matters more than treatment
Because suspensory injuries are difficult (and sometimes impossible) to fully heal, prevention is key. Focusing on thoughtful training and conditioning practices, attention to footing, proper warm-up and post-ride care, good farriery and conformation management, and daily support for soft tissue health can help prevent these injuries from occuring.
How Tendonall can help
Tendonall is formulated to strengthen soft tissue structures from the inside out. With ingredients that support collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue resilience, it helps:
Suspensory injuries are serious, not just because of the time needed to heal them, but because of how they impact a horse's long-term performance and soundness. Understanding the risk, and taking steps to support healthy soft tissue can make all the difference.