VMD 511: Animal Welfare, Ethics and Jurisprudence (2+0)

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HORSE'S DELICATE LEGS

• Even though horses are big, strong animals, their legs are surprisingly delicate. The muscles and tendons that make up the legs can get injured quite easily. Your horse might stumble and cut his front leg with his back hoof. Or he might land awkwardly after a jump and strain a tendon. Constant pounding on hard surfaces can also damage legs.
• Leg injuries can be serious and many take months (or even years) to heal. Some injuries never heal properly and you could be left with a lame horse.
• Of course, you can’t cover your horse’s legs in bubble wrap (well, maybe you could but he would look pretty strange!), but here are 10 things you can do that may help your horse stay sound.