Returning horses to work after laminitis requires careful assessment and a gradual, evidence-based rehabilitation program to prevent relapse and maintain welfare.
The welfare of laminitis-recovering horses depends on accurate assessment of the degree of structural damage and a gradual rehabilitation program that does not overload healing tissue. Premature return to work is one of the most common causes of laminitis relapse and can cause catastrophic additional damage to already-compromised laminar tissue. The pressure on owners to return horses to previous function — particularly in competition horses — can override welfare-centered rehabilitation planning. Honest assessment of realistic return-to-work timelines and potential career changes serves the horse's long-term welfare better than optimistic timelines that lead to relapse.