Joint cartilage injuries are common in sport horses and cause chronic pain. Emerging therapies aim to restore function and long-term welfare in affected animals.
Cartilage damage in sport horses represents a significant welfare challenge because the joint damage that causes pain is often invisible from the outside. A horse performing below expectations, showing subtle lameness, or reluctant in certain movements may be compensating for joint pain. The welfare imperative is earlier investigation rather than escalating training pressure. Emerging regenerative therapies including stem cell treatments and PRP injections offer hope, but evidence quality varies and realistic expectations must be maintained.