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How to Spot and Treat Common Racehorse Injuries for Faster, Safer Recoveries

Racehorses are elite athletes. They push their bodies to the limit through rigorous training sessions and high-speed competitions. This intense physical demand—especially on their musculoskeletal and respiratory systems—means that injuries are an unfortunate but often common reality. Recognizing and addressing racehorse injuries as soon as possible protects their health, performance and longevity.

Exploring Common Injuries in Racehorses

The most common injuries in racehorses vary in severity. Most are subtle in nature, such as mild stress injuries, but some horses can experience catastrophic breakdowns.

Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Common Types:

  • Digital Flexor Tendonitis (SDFT): Often called a "bowed tendon," this involves inflammation or tearing of a horse’s superficial or deep digital flexor tendons.
  • Splints: Usually seen in younger horses, splints occur when small splint bones attach to a horse’s main cannon bone, often resulting from repetitive stress.
  • Suspensory Ligament Desmitis: This happens when the suspensory ligament, which supports weight in both the front and back legs, becomes injured or inflamed.
  • Ruptured Tendons: When a horse’s tendon fully tears, it causes the affected leg to lose stability and support.
  • Tendinitis: Overuse, overstretching or excessive strain can lead to inflammation and pain in a horse’s tendon.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling, heat, and pain in the affected area
  • Lameness or altered gait
  • Reluctance to bear weight on the affected limb

Treatment:

  • Rest and limited activity
  • Anti-inflammatory medications, such as flunixin meglumine, phenylbutazone, and firocoxib if prescribed by a veterinarian
  • Over-the-counter products and supplements like MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), hyaluronic acid, equine collagen or gelatin supplements, topical liniments and poultices (like Absorbine Veterinary Topical Analgesic & Antiseptic Horse Liniment which is available through Mixlab) or magnetic or therapeutic wraps may also help in recovery
  • Physical therapy and controlled rehabilitation
  • Surgical intervention for severe cases

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures can either result from a sudden traumatic incident or develop more slowly as stress fractures from repetitive strain.

Common Types:

  • Stress Fractures: These are small cracks in a horse’s bone that can progress without early treatment.
  • Long Bone Fractures: Usually starting as stress fractures, these related cracks can worsen into serious breaks and even full breakdowns of a horse’s mobility.
  • Catastrophic Fractures: Accumulated stress or acute trauma over time can result in complete breaks, sometimes happening during high-speed racing events.
  • Sesamoid Fractures: One of the most dangerous injuries in racehorses, these high-risk injuries are most common in Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. Their location and the difficulty to surgically repair them can make these fractures life-threatening.
  • Slab Fractures: These fractures specifically affect a horse’s knee bones. They are typically caused by repetitive high-speed exercise and the impact of running on hard surfaces.
  • Pelvic Fractures: Ranging from mild to career-ending depending on the affected area, these fractures occur in the three zones of a horse’s pelvic region. Horses can manage and recover from fractures in certain areas, but others can be more severe and affect a horse’s ability to perform.
  • Cannon Bone Microfractures: These are small, nearby invisible cracks in the cannon bone that often go unnoticed but can evolve into more severe injuries.

Symptoms:

  • Sudden lameness or inability to bear weight
  • Swelling and pain at the site of the fracture
  • Visible deformity in severe cases

Treatment:

  • Immediate immobilization and veterinary assessment
  • Surgical repair with screws, wires or plates
  • Long-term rest and rehabilitation
  • Calcium and phosphorus supplements, vitamin D3 and K2 and other joint and bone supplements that contain MSM or glucosamine can also support healthy bones overall

Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH)

EIPH is the presence of blood in the lungs post-exercise. It is one of the most common injuries in racehorses, with around 90% showing some signs of this condition after racing.

Symptoms:

  • Nosebleeds
  • Coughing or labored breathing
  • Poor performance on the track

Treatment:

  • Administration of the prescription medication furosemide before races
  • Adjustments in training intensity and frequency

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (Tying-up)

This condition involves muscle cramping and stiffness during or after exercise, typically occurring when a racehorse is pushed beyond its current fitness level.

Symptoms:

  • Muscle stiffness and reluctance to move
  • Sweating and rapid breathing
  • Involuntary muscle twitches

Treatment:

  • Rest and discontinuation of exercise
  • Hydration and electrolyte supplementation
  • Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and Selenium or Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
  • Dietary adjustments to manage carbohydrate intake
  • Anti-inflammatory medications if prescribed, post-hydration

Hoof Problems

The hoof is the foundation of a racehorse's performance, but repetitive and high-impact activities can easily compromise hoof health and cause injuries over time.

Common Types:

  • Hoof Abscesses: Infected tissue within a horse’s hoof can produce a buildup of pus. This often happens when bacteria enter through cracks or breaks in the horse’s hoof tissue.
  • Laminitis: Inflammation and damage to the sensitive and insensitive laminae of a horse’s hoof can weaken the attachment between the hoof capsule and underlying tissues, and in severe cases, lead the hoof capsule to separate from the hoof wall.
  • Bruises: These are localized tissue injuries and bleeding within the sensitive structures of a horse’s hoof, often caused by repetitive impact, hard surfaces or poor hoof care. Bruises can affect various areas of the hoof, including the sole, frog and heel.
  • Cracks: Usually appealing vertically along a horse’s hoof wall, cracks can range from mere cosmetic issues to signs of deeper problems. They typically originate from the toe or coronary band, and they can sometimes extend through the sensitive underlying structures. They can arise from a variety of factors, including foot imbalances.

Symptoms:

  • Lameness or uneven gait
  • Hoof that is hot to the touch
  • Increased digital pulse in the hoof
  • Leaning back on hind feet to avoid pressure

Treatment:

Understanding the Risk Factors for Racehorse Injuries

Racehorse injuries are not usually caused by one factor alone. They typically result from a mix of genetics, environment and training management. By understanding these risk contributors, trainers and owners can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of injuries.

Age

Young racehorses are more susceptible to developmental injuries. Their bones and soft tissues—including tendons and ligaments—are still maturing, making them vulnerable to stress-related damage if pushed too hard too soon. On the other hand, older horses face a different set of challenges. With years of cumulative wear and tear, they are more prone to degenerative conditions such as joint deterioration.

Sex

Stallions, mares and geldings respond differently to physical stress due to hormonal influences and variations in muscle composition. For example, a recent study found that geldings are three times more likely to experience superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) problems when compared to stallions or mares. Moreover, the higher testosterone levels in stallions results in higher muscle mass, which can also make them more susceptible to some injuries. Mares also may be more vulnerable to certain injuries due to hormone changes throughout their reproductive cycle, especially during their estrous cycle.

Genetics

A horse’s build affects how weight and force are distributed across its limbs. Certain genetic predispositions in this distribution can lead to uneven stress, increasing the likelihood of racehorse injuries such as tendon strains or bone fractures. Paying close attention to a horse’s build and bloodline can offer clues into potential injury risks and help guide preventive care.

Race Distance

Sprint races, with their explosive starts and fast pace, can lead to muscle strains and soft tissue injuries. In contrast, longer-distance races test endurance and are more likely to place sustained stress on joints and bones—increasing the risk of stress fractures and overuse injuries. 

Race Class

Top-level races attract the fastest, strongest competitors, but they also pose greater physical challenges. These high-class events typically involve higher speeds, tighter turns and more aggressive race tactics, all of which increase the likelihood of racehorse injuries. Horses competing at elite levels are more likely to encounter sudden bursts of acceleration or jostling with other horses, raising the stakes both in terms of performance and injury risk. Enhanced pre-race monitoring and conservative recovery planning can help horses cope with these rigors.

Number of Competitors

The more horses in a race, the greater the chance of accidents. Packed fields can lead to bumping, collisions, interference and congestion in tight turns—scenarios that increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Crowded starts, particularly in shorter races, often see horses clipping heels or getting boxed in, which can cause awkward movements or falls. Awareness of these dynamics can guide race selection and warm-up routines that help keep horses safe.

Track Surface Type

Research shows that synthetic tracks are associated with a lower incidence of fatal racehorse injuries compared to traditional dirt tracks. Turf surfaces tend to be gentler on joints due to their natural cushioning, but they can become slick and hazardous in wet weather. Some horses perform better on specific surfaces and switching between track types without proper adaptation can lead to strain. If making a change, take the time to acclimate your horses to the new surface over time.

Track Maintenance

Irregular grading, uneven surfaces or poor moisture control can increase the likelihood of soft tissue injuries or fractures. Maintenance teams play a vital role in minimizing these risks by ensuring tracks are consistently level, well-drained and appropriately compacted. Owners and trainers should advocate for high standards in track preparation to support racehorse safety.

Weather

Extreme heat, humidity, rain and cold can have a significant impact on injury potential. High temperatures can lead to dehydration and muscle fatigue. Cold weather can stiffen joints and muscles. Wet or muddy tracks may cause slipping, while overly dry conditions can create harder, concussive surfaces. All of these factors can make horses more vulnerable to certain injuries. Keeping a close watch on weather forecasts and adjusting training or racing plans accordingly can help prevent racehorse injuries triggered by environmental extremes.

How to Support Your Racehorse’s Health and Minimize Injuries

Keeping your racehorse healthy is about more than treating injuries—it’s about preventing them before they happen. A proactive, whole-horse approach includes providing compassionate support to your racehorse through every stage of training, competition and recovery.

Consider these health strategies to reduce the risk of racehorse injuries:

  • Proper Rest and Recovery: Overtraining or pushing too hard without sufficient recovery time can lead to stress fractures, tendon strains and other racehorse injuries. Scheduling rest days and lighter training sessions helps to minimize the risk of overuse injuries and ensures your horse remains in top condition.
  • Progressive Conditioning: To reduce the likelihood of overuse injuries, consider a progressive conditioning regimen that gradually increases intensity and distance—strengthening tendons, ligaments and bones over time.
  • Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to decreased muscle function and higher injury risks. Providing your racehorse with consistent access to fresh water and supplementing with electrolytes can help sustain muscle function and prevent fatigue.
  • Rehabilitation: If your racehorse does get injured, rehabilitation can aid in restoring their full mobility and strength before returning to competition. In some cases, advanced therapies such as stem cell treatments, shockwave therapy and aquatic therapy can significantly enhance recovery.
  • Nutrition and Diet: Racehorses need a diet rich in carbohydrates, fats and proteins to fuel their muscles and support endurance. The energy demands of training and racing are immense, so make sure to feed your horse high-quality forage like grass hay, supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

Physical health isn’t the only consideration for your racehorse—mental and emotional well-being also play a critical role in their overall performance. Horses are sensitive, social animals that benefit from mental stimulation, time in pasture and opportunities for socialization. A supportive environment can help reduce your horse’s stress and keep them mentally sharp. To further build trust and confidence, consider using positive reinforcement techniques during training sessions.

Treat Racehorse Injuries Quickly and Confidently with Mixlab

With early detection, informed care and the right support team, your equine athlete can enjoy a long, successful racing career. Mixlab is here to be part of that journey—every stride of the way. As a trusted equine pharmacy, we understand the rigorous demands placed on performance horses and we're here to help. 

We can fill prescription medications for common injuries in racehorses, plus we offer supplements and recovery aids. All new orders ship with convenient, two-day delivery straight to your doorstep, the barn or even the racetrack, so you can maintain your horse’s health regimen or quickly treat injuries. Simply submit your prescription request online or contact our team.

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