Instructions
Determine if the horse has a bowed tendon and what type of bow it is. When a tendon is bowed during riding, a horse will stop suddenly and start favoring the injured leg. If it happens in the pasture, you may notice swelling or lameness in the leg between the knee and hoof.
Take your horse to a veterinarian to be sure how significant the bowed tendon injury is. The vet should palpate the injured area and may use an ultrasound machine to inspect the injury more carefully.
Apply ice or cold water as soon as possible after the tendon is bowed. Use a water hose to apply water, fill a large bucket with cold water and have the horse stand with the injured leg in the bucket, or use a medical boot filled with ice or water.
Walk the horse for a few minutes each day. In the first 45 days, walk the horse slowly for 30 minutes each day. You can break this into 2 to 3 sessions.
Add time to the walking sessions slowly as the injury heals. Too much exercise too soon can re-injure the tendon.
Confine the injured horse in an area by himself. Turning him out in a field could cause the injury to get worse if the horse runs around or plays with other horses.
How to Treat a Bowed Tendon on a Horse
Years ago, a horse with a bowed tendon was either euthanized or put out to pasture for the remainder of his life. Now you can treat a bowed tendon on a horse, and he may be able to continue his life as normal. Learn how to treat a bowed tendon on a horse by following these steps.