Why Prevention Matters

Tendon and ligament injuries can take months—or years—to recover from. And the truth is, many of them are preventable. As a Real Rider, you’re not just riding—you’re managing risk. Every warm-up, cool-down, surface, and support product you use is a decision that impacts your horse’s long-term soundness.

Common Causes of Soft Tissue Injuries

• Overuse or repetitive stress (especially in performance horses)
• Poor warm-up or conditioning
• Sudden movements on uneven footing
• Poor hoof balance or incorrect angles
• Fatigue and muscle compensation patterns

Warning Signs to Catch Early

• Mild swelling or heat after exercise
• Slight favoring or shortened stride
• Reluctance to move out or collect
• Subtle gait irregularities, especially after rest
• Changes in behavior or work ethic

Catch it early, treat it fast. Minor inflammation can become a tear without warning.

Smart Prevention Tactics That Work

1. Proper Warm-Up & Cool-Down

Start every ride with 10–15 minutes of active walking. Incorporate stretching, lateral work, and long-and-low movement. Cool down fully before dismounting or wrapping.

2. Surface Awareness

Avoid riding fast or hard on deep, slick, or inconsistent footing. Rotate turnout areas and avoid hard transitions from stall to performance.

3. Hoof Care

Work closely with your farrier. Imbalanced feet place extra stress on tendons and ligaments, especially in the lower limbs.

4. Conditioning Over Competing

Prioritize consistent conditioning over competition mileage. Rest days with low-impact movement (hand walking or turnout) are crucial.

5. Topical and Supportive Products

• Draw It Out® 16oz Gel – Safe for daily use to support legs after rides
• MasterMudd™ EquiBrace™ – Deep penetrating muscle + tendon support
• IceBath™ Cooling Body Wash – Soothes and helps reduce inflammation post-work

Wraps, Boots & Recovery

Know when to wrap—and when not to. Improper wrapping can worsen pressure and inflammation. Use therapeutic boots or wraps with purpose, not just for show.

• Always clean legs before applying wraps or topicals
• Pair boots with Draw It Out® Gel after heavy work
• Watch for signs of trapped heat or irritation

Long-Term Prevention = Longevity

You can’t bubble wrap a horse, but you can stack the odds in your favor. Every choice you make helps reduce risk—and Real Riders know soundness is a long game. Take care of those tendons and ligaments, and they’ll take care of you in the arena, on the trail, or wherever you ride.

“Preventing injury isn’t luck. It’s loyalty, knowledge, and care—just like every Real Rider gives.”