Bowed tendons

[Spencer]

I have heard of this, but wasn't something I really thought about. My wife and neighbor were discussing the logging trails we have around here. Some of the trails go straight up the hill, not along the side hill. With small round rocks and sticks, my neighbor was worried about riding the horse down the steep hills with this type of footing and maybe causing a bowed tendon and be out from riding for the year. You westerners look at horses differently than the Northeast mentality. Dont coddle them like lapdogs and use them as they should be used. Is bowed tendons a problem? What type of terrain can cause this. Is it something you have to be careful about and watch for? Thanks for any info you may have.

[horshur]

I have never heard of a tendon bowing from a trail ride......race horses bow tendons.

[Spencer]

Thanks, As I suspected.

[BEAR HUNTER]

Bowed tendons are a problem for all horses not just racehorses. A "Bowed Tendon" is basically any damage to the tendon which results in inflamation. It is caused by a severe strain to the flexor tendon. This stain can be the result of Long weak pasterns, forced training methods, muscle fatigue, a mistep in muddy footing, poor shoeing or poor trimming. With proper care the tendon can heal but will never be as strong as an undamaged tendon.
A personal experience with one. I put shoes on a morgan mare my brother had. While riding she threw a front shoe. He continued riding her. She started acting up so he put her to work making small circles and turning into fence. About a minute into it she went lame her front right leg. Upon examining it she had a bowed tendon. She recovered but it took a long time and she had a lump where the injury occurred.

[Spencer]

So your saying it is a problem that you need to keep an eye out for while trail riding? Is there anything that can be done to make sure that it does not occur or is it one of those fluke things that happen and nothing to do to prevent it??

[catdogs]

I have seen it on occasion happen in deep snow or deep mud. Nothing reallly can be done for prevention, usually just a fluke thing. If it happens, screw a wooden wedge under an EZ boot to relieve pressure, stall them, and let it heal that way. Just my .02 cents.

[BEAR HUNTER]

Catdogs is right. It mostly happens in deep mud or sand. Here in California we get these idiots that take their out of shape horses to the beach and gallop through the sand like they see in the movies. End up with a crippled up horse. It's not something I would worry about as their are tons of bad things that can happen on a trail. Just make sure your horse is shod/trimmed properly and get them in shape before any crazy riding.
If you do end up with one the heel should be wedged up 1-1 1/2 inches. Gradually lower it over an 6-10 week period. If you keep it wedged up there for to long the tendon can contract and you will end up with a crippled horse.

[horshur]

A horse spends 24 hours a day 7 days a week planning how to maim, injure or kill itself but I must restate...bowed tendon by trail riding is a rare event.

I have not had to deal with one bow that was the result of a trail ride in the 17 years I have been a full time farrier and have not delt with very many regardless.

[Dan V]

I have seen a bowed tendon occur on a horse who was accidentially turned out in the winter with old shoes on. When he was gathered in the spring his feet were really long. He was trimmed back to a normal length, shod and put to work. He bowed a tendon pretty quick. We turned him out again and he was sound 2 months later when we gathered him again. He never had any other problems when his feet were kept at a reasonable length.

I have heard women who wear shoes with really high heels all of the time have problems walking barefoot or while wearing shoes with no heel. They get used to the long heel and foot position.

It should not be a problem for your friend if he conditions his horses

[pegleg]

bowed tendons can be a major problem if and when they accur however it doesn't happen often. and usually at speed I've never had it happen just riding, working slow, or hunting. everytime it's been working fast in rough terrain. it also sems to happen early in the year. it can become a issue with individual horse but that can normally be corrected by better care and jusr being aware of the factand using good sense.

[Spencer]

Thanks for the replies. It is appreciated