Equine Welfare

Horse Rehabilitation after Injury

Best practices in equine rehabilitation following injury, focusing on structured recovery programs that prioritize horse welfare and soundness.

Key Facts

Tendon and ligament injuries are among the most common causes of early retirement in sport horses
Box rest without mental stimulation causes significant psychological stress in horses
Structured rehabilitation using controlled exercise outperforms prolonged box rest for recovery
Ultrasound monitoring allows rehabilitation programs to be adapted to tissue healing rates
Social isolation during box rest increases stress behaviors including weaving and crib-biting

Welfare Considerations

Equine rehabilitation after injury requires balancing physical recovery with psychological wellbeing. Traditional prolonged box rest without stimulation leads to frustration, stereotypies, and muscle loss. Modern rehabilitation programs incorporate hand-walking, hydrotherapy, and where possible stable companionship to maintain mental health during healing. Evidence-based graduated exercise programs have better outcomes for both soundness and welfare than absolute rest.

What You Can Do

Work with a veterinarian to develop a structured rehabilitation plan for injured horses
Provide stable companions such as a small ruminant or calm horse during box rest
Use slow feeder hay nets to extend foraging time during stall rest
Learn about physiotherapy and hydrotherapy options for equine rehabilitation