Understanding Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation in Performance Horses

Whether it's dressage, show jumping, or cross-country, performance horses operate near the peak of their physical capabilities. While they are incredible athletes, their bodies face constant stress, especially on soft tissue structures. Without the right care, that stress can easily lead to injury.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What Causes Sports Injuries in Horses

• Common Injuries by Discipline

• The Vital Role of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

• Manual and Electrotherapy Techniques Used in Equine Rehab

• Top Tips for Injury Prevention

  
  

Common Causes of Equine Sports Injuries

Injury in performance horses is often the result of repetitive strain and overuse. Here's what frequently contributes to injury:

• Sudden increase or change in workload

• Insufficient recovery time

• Poor or incorrect training techniques

• Repetitive stress on joints and soft tissues

• Direct trauma (e.g., knocks or falls)

  
  

Discipline-Specific Injuries

Dressage

The controlled and collected movements of dressage demand a lot from a horse’s tendons and ligaments, especially the suspensory ligaments.

Show Jumping

Jumpers face frequent ligament, tendon, and joint injuries due to intense, repetitive impact. Common conditions include:

• Ligament desmitis

• Tendonitis

• Stifle injuries

• Sacroiliac joint pain

Eventing

Eventing horses are prone to:

• Lacerations and overreach injuries to the heel bulbs

• Abrasions to the stifle and carpus

• Soft tissue injuries from repetitive impact and fatigue

  
  

What is Equine Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation aims to restore previous fitness after injury — or even improve performance. It’s not just about healing; it's about rebuilding strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement.

Rehab is most effective when owners, vets, veterinary physiotherapists and other paraprofessionals work together to develop an individualised plan. Modern rehab uses:

• Manual Therapies (e.g., Massage, Stretching)

• Electrotherapies (e.g., TENS, Laser)

• Remedial Exercises

  
  

Manual Therapies: The Foundation of Recovery

Manual therapies are hands-on treatments that support both physical and mental recovery.

Massage Therapy

Massage helps to manipulate soft tissue using techniques like:

• Effleurage 

• Petrissage 

• Cross-fibre friction

• Tapotement 

Benefits include:

Mechanical:

• Improved range of motion (ROM)

• Reduced muscle spasms and adhesions

• Increased flexibility and pliability

• Increased blood flow

Physiological:

• Better circulation and lymphatic drainage

• Pain reduction

• Stimulated nervous system function

Psychological:

• Decreased stress and anxiety

• Endorphin release for mental wellness

  
  

Joint Mobilisations

Mobilisations are rhythmic, therapist-led joint movements within the horse's natural ROM. They are ideal for:

• Restoring movement after immobilisation

• Reducing pain

• Improving joint health

• Preventing muscle wastage

  
  

Cryotherapy (Cold Therapy)

Used immediately after injury or surgery, cryotherapy:

• Reduces pain and inflammation

• Decreases swelling (oedema)

• Constricts blood vessels to limit tissue damage

• Common tools: ice packs, cold boots, and compression devices.

Stretching

Stretching improves flexibility and soft tissue health, especially during the later stages of rehab.

• Passive stretching – Done by a therapist, holding the limb at the limit of ROM

• Active stretching – Encourages the horse to move themselves (e.g., carrot stretches)

Benefits include:

• Increased ROM

• Reduced muscle spasms

• Improved blood flow and tissue elasticity

Electrotherapies in Equine Rehab

Electrotherapies help stimulate healing and enhance muscular function. Each has specific uses and contraindications — a trained veterinary physiotherapist will select the right tool for the job.

• TENS – Reduces pain, spasms, and oedema

• Pulse Mag – Supports nerve and soft tissue recovery

• Laser Therapy – Stimulates cell repair, reducing pain and healing

• H-Wave – Aids in pain relief and nerve damage

• Ultrasound – Reduces healing time and scar tissue

• NMES – Maintains muscle mass and increases strength

Remedial Exercise: Rebuilding Strength

Once healing has progressed, controlled therapeutic exercises are introduced. These help improve:

• Muscle mass

• Proprioception (body awareness)

• Flexibility

• Strength in new tissue

Common Exercises Include:

1. Hand walking

2. Weight shifting

3. Long reining

4. Lunging

5. Training aids

6. Pole work and tactile feedback

7. Hill work (incline/decline)

8. Ridden work

Rehabilitation plans must start slow and gradually increase intensity and complexity.

5 Injury Prevention Tips for Performance Horses

1. Warm-Up & Cool Down

Always allow 5–10 minutes of light exercise before and after work. Cold muscles are more prone to injury!

2. Prehabilitation

A proactive approach! Regular massage, stretching, and conditioning improve performance and reduce injury risk.

3. Regular Stretching

Keeps soft tissues flexible and healthy, reducing fibrous adhesions from repetitive movement. But remember to do after exercise!

4. Appropriate Training

Train for your real goals, not just daily exercise. If your horse can’t do something easily in training, don’t ask for it in competition.

5. Rest Days

Crucial for muscle recovery. Overtraining leads to microtrauma, which can turn into chronic injuries if ignored.

Final Thoughts

Equine rehabilitation isn’t just about treating injury — it’s about preventing it, too. With a well-rounded training program, regular rest, and veterinary physiotherapy input, your horse can stay happy, healthy, and at the top of their game.

Remember:

• Always work with a qualified and insured veterinary physiotherapist

• Take injuries seriously — don’t rush recovery

• A tailored plan makes all the difference

By understanding your horse's body and giving them the tools to succeed, you're ensuring a long, successful career in sport.