In the world of equine care, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to leg tendon and ligament health. Horses’ legs endure significant strain, whether they’re used for trail riding, competition, or everyday activities. Taking proactive steps can help prevent injury and keep your horse in peak condition.

Below, we explore the most effective preventative care strategies for protecting your horse’s tendons and ligaments, including the benefits of our Feet & Bone Support and Infla-aid Support supplements.

1. Regular Exercise and Conditioning

Consistent, well-balanced exercise is critical for maintaining the strength and flexibility of your horse’s tendons and ligaments. Gradually increasing your horse’s workload and incorporating varied terrain can improve their fitness and help them adapt to different pressures.

• Warm-ups and Cool-downs: These should never be skipped. Proper warm-ups help increase blood flow to muscles and tendons, making them more pliable. Cool-downs help prevent stiffness and ensure proper recovery.

• Targeted Conditioning: Focused exercises like hill work, long trotting, and pole work can enhance leg strength and flexibility, which supports tendon and ligament resilience.

2. Leg Wraps and Boots for Protection

Leg wraps and boots provide physical support and protection, especially during strenuous activities. They help reduce strain on the tendons and ligaments by providing compression, limiting excessive movement, and absorbing shock.

• When to Use Leg Wraps: During transport, competition, or after exercise when swelling is a concern.

• Boot Types: There are various options, including polo wraps, tendon boots, and support boots, each offering different levels of protection based on your horse’s activity.

3. Cold Therapy After Workouts

Cold therapy is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent inflammation and support recovery in your horse’s legs after strenuous exercise. Using cold water hosing, ice packs, or gel wraps helps reduce swelling and inflammation, minimizing the risk of tendon damage.

• Application Tip: Cold therapy is most effective when applied within 20-30 minutes after a workout or competition.

4. Back-on-Track Therapy for Tendon and Ligament Health

Back-on-Track products, known for their unique ceramic-infused materials, reflect your horse’s body heat, promoting blood flow and enhancing healing. Using Back-on-Track wraps or boots can help support circulation to the tendons and ligaments, especially after exercise or during rehabilitation.

• Why Back-on-Track?: These products are particularly helpful in reducing inflammation and stiffness, making them a favorite for horse owners seeking long-term tendon health.

5. Herbal Support for Tendon and Ligament Health

Beyond external supports like wraps and cold therapy, the internal health of your horse plays a critical role in tendon and ligament strength. Our Feet & Bone Support and Infla-aid Support products work synergistically to support healthy inflammation levels, bone and tendon integrity, and overall leg health.

• Feet & Bone Support: Packed with ingredients like horsetail, oat straw, and kelp, this formula promotes strong bones, tendons, and ligaments, helping horses maintain flexibility and recover from injuries faster. It's also an excellent preventative measure for avoiding common issues like tendon strains and ligament tears. Learn more here.

• Infla-aid Support: This herbal blend helps manage inflammation and promotes the body’s natural healing response. Key ingredients like yucca, devil's claw, and white willow are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Incorporating Infla-aid into your horse’s diet can be particularly helpful in preventing or managing the effects of overexertion. Learn more here.

Prevention is Key for Longevity

Preventing tendon and ligament injuries isn’t just about safeguarding your horse in the short term—it’s about ensuring they enjoy a long, healthy, and active life. By combining a strategic approach to exercise, external supports like wraps and cold therapy, and herbal supplements like Feet & Bone Support and Infla-aid Support, you can give your horse the best chance at staying sound and injury-free.