Tendon injuries are common in performance horses and cause significant pain and prolonged rehabilitation. Good management protects welfare during the extended recovery process.
Acute tendon injuries cause significant pain from inflammation and tissue disruption. The extended rehabilitation process -- months of box rest followed by controlled walking and gradually increasing work -- is itself a welfare challenge. Horses confined to box rest show behavioral signs of frustration and stress. Adequate pain management during the acute phase is essential. Rehabilitation programs that include controlled exercise, cold therapy, and bandaging reduce inflammation and pain while supporting healing. Return to work before healing is complete causes re-injury and prolongs welfare harm. Honest assessment of whether performance horses with severe tendon injuries can return to welfare-acceptable work is important.