Prevent Equine Shin Splints

Equine shin splints are quite a common condition and young horses are especially prone to contracting them. They are identifiable as large bumps that occur inside the cannon bone. Shin splints are pain free after the first day or two but they do make an adverse impact on the appearance of the leg. It is quite easy to prevent shin splints and this guide outlines some simple ways to keep a young horse’s legs in perfect condition.

Shin Splint Prevention

•    The key to being able to prevent shin splints is to know how and why they occur. When too much pressure is put on a bone that is still growing, shin splints will begin to appear.

•    When exercising a young horse, the use of sport-medicine boots is very effective in shin splints prevention. They not only prevent shin splints from forming but they also help to reduce any potential for tendon and/or ligament damage.

•    The most effective way to prevent shin splints is to avoid excessive exercise when the horse is still young, especially in a round pen as the circular motion can cause shin splints and other tendon damage. A horse is not fully grown until it is four years old. Riding your horse and doing some light lunging is encouraged but keep round pen work to an absolute minimum for effective shin splint prevention.

•    Jumping is one of the most likely causes of equine shin splints. The best way is simply to avoid any jumping until the horse is fully grown.

•    If a horse does develop shin splints and they are warm to the touch (known as a ‘hot splint’) then allow the horse a couple of days to rest. This will stop the shin splint from getting any worse and it will avoid any potential and unnecessary pain for the horse.