Instructions
Understand why shin splints develop. They are the result of too much pressure being put on the still-growing bone.
Put a pair of splint or sport-medicine boots on the horse's front legs when you are exercising your horse. Not only will these boots help prevent your horse from popping a splint, they will also prevent several tendon and ligament injuries.
Don't spend a great deal of time working your young horse in a round pen. This is one of the worst things you can do. Horses continue to grow until they are four years old. While they are growing, you should avoid doing lots of circles. Riding your growing horse and doing some light lounging is OK, but lounging and working in the round pen should be kept to a bare minimum. Small circles cause splints, and the pressure can also cause joint and tendon damage that will affect your horse's soundness down the road.
Do not jump your young horse while he is growing. There will be plenty of time to jump once your horse's legs are fully developed.
Give your horse a few days off if the splint she pops is warm to the touch (this is called having a "hot splint").
How to Prevent Equine Shin Splints
Anyone who has ever owned young horses knows how prone they are to a condition that is commonly called shin splints. A horse with shin splints will have large bumps on the inside of the cannon bone. Although shin splints don't hurt after the first day or two (some horses don't go lame at all when they are popping a splint), the bumps are permanent and they detract from the horse's otherwise smooth leg.