Injury Prevention Protocol for Horses – Lower Leg, Hock, Stifle, SI & Lumbar Support

Help Your Horse Stay Sound—Every Ride, Every Day

Support your horse’s lower legs, hocks, stifles, SI joints, and lumbar region with proven taping applications focused on injury prevention.

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Whether your horse is schooling, showing, traveling, or coming back from time off, this protocol gives you step-by-step taping strategies designed to help prevent pain, injuries, tears, strains, ruptures, and overuse—especially in the legs and key joints. Give your horse the support they need for healthy movement, resilience, and lasting performance, with all the education and supplies you need in one place.

Protocol:

Begin with the Basics Course to learn proper tape handling, stretch, and technique. For injury prevention, use the relevant Applications in the Applications Library for support based on your horse’s workload and risk factors.

• Use the Fetlock application for horses who are out of condition going into light work, trailering, or going out for a long hack or trail ride.
• Use the Fetlock application for general support and prevention for athletes learning new moves, working on unsure footing, or stepping up their workload.
• Use the Lower Leg Injuries for advanced support, higher athletic demands, or horses with a history of lower leg issues.
• Apply the support application prior to exercise, training, competition, or strenuous activity to assist with support, stabilization, reduce fatigue, and aid recovery.
• For horses returning to work after injury or with a history of lower leg strain, use the advanced support applications (Suspensory) as demonstrated in the Lower Leg Injuries Module.
• For horses with discipline-specific risk (e.g., jumping, reining, eventing), apply additional support applications to high-risk joints or muscle groups (e.g., Hock Support, Stifle Support, SI Support, Lumbar/Hind-end Support) from the relevant modules.
• For horses who like to act crazy when turned out, apply the Fetlock and/or Lower Leg Injuries application to help protect against strains and sprains during turnout.
• Use the Circulation application after intense work to enhance recovery, reduce heat, and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Continue the protocol throughout the training or competition cycle, reapplying as needed.

When to Use:

• For horses in regular training, conditioning, or competition
• As part of a preventative care plan for horses at risk of tendon, ligament, or joint injuries due to discipline or conformation
• For horses returning to work after time off or after a lower leg injury
• To provide additional support during periods of increased workload, travel, or environmental stress (e.g., hard footing, long trailer rides)
• To enhance circulation and reduce inflammation after intense work
• For horses who are not in work but do the occasional trail ride, or will be traveling, or on unsure footing

How Long to Tape:

• Apply prior to exercise and leave on as long as the tape maintains its stretch and adhesion.
• For ongoing prevention, reapply as needed throughout training or competition cycles.
• Remove and replace when the tape loses its recoil, becomes loose, or collects debris underneath.

For Chronic Cases or High-Risk Horses:

Use advanced support applications continuously during high-risk periods or throughout the competitive season. Tape the legs prior to farrier appointments for a better-balanced foot.

Injury Prevention Management Note:

• Always ensure proper warm-up and cool-down routines
• Maintain optimal hoof balance and shoeing
• Monitor footing and avoid excessive work on hard or uneven ground
• Provide adequate rest and recovery between intense sessions
• Address any early signs of swelling, heat, or soreness immediately
• Document response to taping and adjust protocols as needed
• Make sure horses have plenty of turnout time
• Condition horses for life, not just their specific event

Clinical Reasoning:

These protocols provide targeted support to tendons, ligaments, and joints, reducing mechanical strain and risk of injury during athletic activity. They also increase the condition of the tendons and ligaments, creating stronger, healthier joints that are more resistant to tears, strains, and sprains. Enhanced circulation applications promote faster recovery, reduce inflammation, and support tissue health. Consistent use can help prevent both acute and chronic injuries, supporting long-term soundness and performance.