6 Common Horse Injuries and How to Care for Them

Looking after a horse is a significant responsibility. Horses are magnificent creatures that carry riders around show rings, out on hacks, and racing across the countryside at point-to-point meetings or hunts. Despite their strength and grace, horses can be quite accident prone, not just while ridden but also in their stables or fields with their companions, leading to various injuries requiring attention.

As a responsible horse owner, understanding common injuries and how to act quickly can make all the difference between quick recovery and long-term complications. Modern veterinary care thoughtfully combines proven medical advances with supportive first aid to speed healing and minimise discomfort.

Understanding Common Types of Wounds in Horses

Horses can suffer various wounds, each needing specific care. Knowing these types helps you assess severity and decide when to call your vet.

1. Incised Wounds

These are clean cuts with straight edges. They tend to bleed but usually heal quickly if properly treated.

2. Lacerations

Lacerations look alarming due to torn, irregular skin edges and sometimes flaps with limited blood supply. These wounds require calm handling and prompt care.

3. Puncture Wounds

Often hard to spot, these superficial-looking wounds can hide infection risks if deep or contaminated. Early cleaning and veterinary assessment are important.

4. Penetration Injuries

Serious wounds where objects penetrate deeply, potentially affecting internal organs. Immediate veterinary attention is essential.

5. De-gloving Injuries

Severe injuries stripping skin off torso or limbs. These are painful and require professional care.

6. Abrasions

Superficial grazes affecting only the upper skin layers. These usually heal well with proper cleaning and topical care.

How to Treat Wounds and When to Call Your Vet

Remain calm when you discover an injury. Panicking can cause your horse stress, making handling difficult. If found in the field, calmly bring your horse to a safe area for assessment.

If a wound looks deep or requires stitching, call your veterinary surgeon urgently. Freshly stitched wounds heal faster and reduce infection risk.

Remember, wound healing progresses from the edges inward, not end to end. Even large wounds can heal well with appropriate care.

Controlling Bleeding and Handling Severe Injuries

Blood loss can be frightening but often serves to clear contaminants from the wound. Apply firm pressure with clean pads to control bleeding. If the horse’s artery is severed, you may see bright red blood spurting; maintain pressure and use cohesive bandages like vetrap to slow blood flow until veterinary help arrives.

Tourniquets can be applied cautiously but should not remain longer than two hours to avoid tissue damage.

Why Minor Injuries Can Be Serious

Small wounds may seem insignificant but can harbour deep damage. Watch for joint fluid leaking, an oily, clear to yellowish fluid, which needs vet assessment. Cleaning wounds thoroughly with cold water helps reveal the true injury extent.

For abrasions, after cleaning, apply topical veterinary or herbal treatments such as hydrogels or medical-grade honey, both known to support healing and reduce infection.

Ongoing Care and Pain Management

Keep wounds moist yet sterile, allowing discharge to escape while blocking dirt. Regular cleaning and bandage changes are vital. Cold hosing the injured leg for around 20 minutes multiple times daily reduces inflammation and pain, acting as a natural analgesic.

Are Your Horse’s Vaccinations Up to Date?

Tetanus is a serious risk in horses with wounds. Check your horse’s vaccination status regularly, and if unsure, arrange an immediate booster with your vet. Receiving an extra jab won’t harm your horse, but not vaccinating may have severe consequences.

Additional Common Injuries in Horses

Beyond wounds, other injuries commonly affect horses, especially performance horses. Some major conditions include:

• Fetlock Arthritis (Osselets): Joint inflammation and degeneration usually in jumping horses, causing swelling and lameness.
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): A developmental joint disorder in young horses that may require surgery.
• Bone Bruises: Small bone injuries often in feet or ankles, causing soreness.
• Suspensory Ligament Injuries: Soft tissue injuries affecting movement and performance.
• Caudal Heel Pain: Common in stock horse breeds, causing gait abnormalities and soreness around the heel.

Early diagnosis and appropriate veterinary management, combined with rest and rehabilitation, improve outcomes dramatically.

Promoting Responsible Horse Care

Owning a horse is a rewarding journey that demands dedication to health and wellbeing. Learning to recognise common injuries and providing timely care supports your horse’s comfort and longevity. Always engage reputable veterinary professionals for advice and treatment, and maintain routine health checks, vaccinations, and preventive care.

For more information on horses for sale and responsible ownership, visit horses for sale.

Remember, your calm presence and prompt, knowledgeable action can make all the difference to your horse’s recovery and happiness.