Horse health can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to tendon care. After all, these thousand-pound athletes depend on their legs for everything, and a simple misstep can turn into a serious issue. But with some basic knowledge and a good eye for detail, you can provide excellent care and catch potential problems before they become emergencies.

Why Tendon Health Matters So Much

Horses are athletes, plain and simple. Whether they're trail horses, show horses, or just pasture pets, their tendons and ligaments are constantly under stress. Unlike dogs who might limp for a day and bounce back, horses can develop chronic issues that affect their quality of life.

The most common tendon injuries involve the superficial digital flexor tendon and the deep digital flexor tendon—basically the tendons that run down the back of the horse's lower leg. University of Minnesota Extension confirms that bowed tendons (superficial and deep digital flexor tendon injuries) can take 8-11 months for full recovery and re-injury rates are high with premature return to work.

Here's what I've learned to watch for:

✔ Heat in the lower legs, especially after exercise

✔ Swelling along the tendon area

✔ Sensitivity when you run your hand down the leg

✔ Changes in the horse's movement or reluctance to move normally

✔ Any thickening or "bowing" of the tendon

Many horse owners incorporate preventive measures into their care routines, including proper nutrition and targeted tendon support supplements to help maintain healthy ligament function and circulation. Understanding these preventive approaches helps you better support the horse's overall care plan.

Daily Health Checks That Make a Difference

When I arrive at a new horse-sitting job, I always start with a basic health assessment. It takes about 10 minutes and gives me a baseline for the horse's normal condition. This routine has saved me from several potential emergencies.

Morning Observations: Start by watching the horse move naturally. Are they putting weight evenly on all four legs? Any obvious limping or favoring of one side? I like to observe them walking toward me and away from me to get a complete picture.

Hands-On Inspection: Run your hands down each leg, feeling for heat, swelling, or sensitivity. A horse's legs should feel cool and firm. Any puffiness, especially around the tendons, deserves immediate attention.

Temperature and Vital Signs: A horse's normal temperature is between 99-101°F. Their resting heart rate should be 28-40 beats per minute, and their breathing should be 8-16 breaths per minute. These numbers become second nature after a few assignments.

Appetite and Behavior: Is the horse eating and drinking normally? Are they interacting with you the way the owner described? Unlike monitoring a dog's appetite with dry dog food portions, horses require larger quantities and different feeding schedules, making appetite changes more noticeable. Horses are creatures of habit, so any significant behavior changes can signal health issues.

When to Call the Vet (and When Not To)

This is probably the most nerve-wracking part of horse sitting—knowing when you're dealing with an emergency versus a minor issue. I keep the vet's number programmed in my phone for every assignment, but I've learned to assess the situation before making that call.

Immediate Vet Call Situations: Severe lameness where the horse won't put weight on a leg, significant swelling that appeared suddenly, any open wounds, signs of colic (pawing, rolling, sweating), or a temperature above 102°F.

Monitor Closely Situations: Mild heat in the legs after normal exercise, minor swelling that's been gradual, slight changes in appetite, or mild behavioral changes. These warrant close observation and possibly a call to the owner before escalating.

I always document everything with photos and notes. Most owners appreciate detailed updates, and vets find this information helpful if they do need to get involved.

Simple Tendon Care Techniques

Most horse owners will show you their specific care routine, but there are some universal techniques that work well for maintaining tendon health.

Cold Therapy: After exercise, cold hosing or ice boots can help reduce inflammation and heat in the tendons. I usually hose for 10-15 minutes, focusing on the lower legs. The water should be cool but not shocking—think refreshing rather than freezing.

Proper Wrapping: Some horses need their legs wrapped for support, especially if they have a history of tendon issues. Always follow the owner's specific instructions here. Wraps that are too tight can cause more harm than good, but loose wraps can slip and create pressure points.

Exercise Management: Stick to the owner's exercise plan. This isn't the time to give the horse extra work or try new activities. Virginia Tech research reports re-injury rates as high as 43-93% for tendon injuries, making gradual, controlled exercise essential for maintaining tendon strength without causing setbacks.

Building Your Confidence as a Horse Sitter

When I started horse sitting, every little thing worried me. Was that swelling new? Is the horse moving differently? Should I call someone?

Experience taught me that most horses are pretty resilient, but they do need attentive care. Keeping detailed notes helped me track patterns and gave me confidence in my observations. I started photographing the horses' legs from the same angles each day so I could compare any changes.

The key is developing a routine that works for you and the horses in your care. Most owners are happy to walk you through their specific horses' needs and quirks during your initial meeting.

Working with Owners and Vets

Good communication makes everything easier. This relationship highlights why our pets need us as their primary advocates and caregivers—understanding their unique history and needs takes time and dedication. Always ask owners about their horses' history with tendon injuries, what normal looks like for each horse, and their preferences for handling minor issues. Developing stronger communication through equine education supports better outcomes for both horses and their caregivers.

When you do need to contact a vet, have your notes ready: what you observed, when it started, what the horse's vitals are, and what you've done so far. This preparation shows professionalism and helps the vet make better decisions about treatment.

The Reward of Specialized Care

Horse sitting isn't for everyone, but there's something incredibly satisfying about caring for these powerful, gentle animals. Each horse has their own personality and needs, and building that trust takes time and attention to detail.

Understanding basic tendon care makes you a better horse sitter and provides confidence to take on more challenging assignments. Horse owners need sitters who can provide more than just basic feed-and-water care, and developing these skills helps grow your business in this specialized niche.

Whether you're considering horse sitting or want to expand your pet care knowledge, remember that these animals depend on us to be their advocates when something isn't right. A little preparation and attention to detail go a long way in keeping them healthy and happy.