Structured tendon rehabilitation protocols following soft tissue injury protect horse welfare by preventing re-injury while gradually restoring function through evidence-based controlled exercise.
Tendon rehabilitation welfare depends on patience and evidence-based progression. Horses with tendon injuries that return to work too quickly face re-injury that is both more severe and more welfare-compromising than the original insult. Structured rehabilitation using controlled walking, physiotherapy, and regular ultrasonographic monitoring protects welfare by matching exercise loading to healing tissue capacity. Owners who understand the biology of tendon repair and commit to full rehabilitation timelines give their horses the best chance of comfortable, sustained athletic careers.