Building muscle after a tendon injury

To rebuild your horse's muscle in a sustainable way after the tendon injury, start by adjusting the feed ration. Make sure he gets enough energy and protein to cover both his maintenance needs and the increased work. If you feel he needs to gain weight, base the ration on the weight you want him to reach. Many horses lose weight when they change into their winter coat and move from grass to hay.

Training and muscle-building:

Equiband or abdominal band: You can start by walking him in an abdominal band such as an Equiband, which helps strengthen the core muscles and makes it easier for him to connect his forehand and hindquarters.

Varied walk: Work on walking at different tempos, lead him from both sides and make sure he goes straight. You can also add halts and possibly rein-back, depending on where the injury is.

Avoid bending lines: Ask your vet for advice, but it is common to avoid bending lines and leg-yields until the tendon injury has fully healed.

Physio support: If the horse feels stiff or one-sided, it can be worth getting help from a physiotherapist. This can improve his mobility and circulation, which aids healing and reduces the risk of uneven loading. Check with your vet for recommendations.

Pole work: Poles can be a good way to engage the horse, but it is important to consult the vet first, depending on where the injury is and how much load the horse can handle.

Surface and hoof care: During healing, work on hard ground and straight lines is often important. Also make sure the horse is shod in balance, or with remedial shoeing, to take strain off the injured tendon.

Good luck with bringing him back into work and building his muscle!