The 10 most common injuries in show jumping horses and how to prevent them

Show jumping horses face unique physical challenges due to the high demands of their discipline. Each jump and landing there significantly impacts their musculoskeletal system. Detecting and preventing injuries early is key to ensuring their long-term performance and well-being.

At EqusPaddock, specialists in technical equipment for high-performance equestrian events, we design facilities that promote joint health and well-being for horses from the ground up: floors, stalls, and recovery spaces adapted to equestrian sports.

Why are show jumping horses more prone to injury?

Jumping horses endure extreme loads on tendons, joints, and muscles due to repeated jumps, sharp turns, and explosive landings. This discipline demands maximum power in short movements, which increases the risk of cumulative microtrauma.

Most common injuries in jumping horses (ranking 1 to 10)

From tendon inflammation to stress fractures, common injuries in show jumping horses are often linked to the repetitive nature of the sport. Below, we detail the 10 most common pathologies:

1. Superficial digital tendonitis

Tendinitis in horses affects the superficial digital flexor tendon, causing inflammation, pain, and visible lameness. It is caused by poorly timed jumps, uneven terrain, or overtraining. In chronic cases, it can lead to fibrotic thickening of the tendon.

2. Suspensory ligament injuries

The horse’s suspensory ligament is vital for stabilizing the fetlock and is damaged by repeated impacts upon landing. It is one of the most common injuries, with symptoms such as localized swelling and tenderness.

3. Stress fractures of the metacarpus/metatarsus

These fractures are common in the second and fourth metatarsals and arise from the accumulation of microtrauma during intensive jumping. These are very typical injuries in show jumping horses and manifest with intermittent lameness that worsens with exercise.

4. Bursitis and synovitis (joint inflammation)

Joint injuries in horses, such as bursitis and synovitis, are quite painful. When the animal repeatedly receives blows to the same area, these areas become inflamed and swollen. The horse also begins to move awkwardly because of the pain.

5. Meniscus and cruciate ligament injuries

The menisci and cruciate ligaments in the knee are essential for a horse’s ability to absorb impacts when jumping. But if the horse makes an overly forceful turn or lands poorly after a jump, they can be damaged. These types of injuries in horses are among the most worrying.

6. Dropped back syndrome (Kissing Spines)

This problem occurs when the vertebrae of the spine become too close together and press against each other. It causes unremitting pain and makes the horse move very stiffly. In show jumping horses, it often occurs when they have been jumping for a long time without resting.

7. Chafing or wounds due to incorrect material

Constant rubbing from poorly fitted saddles, girths, or pads causes skin and soft tissue injuries, predisposing to infection. These injuries are preventable, but common in horses with inadequate equipment or lack of supervision.

8. Muscle tears

Tears in muscles such as the gluteus or latissimus dorsi arise from explosive movements without warm-up or extreme fatigue. These sports injuries in horses manifest with acute pain, localized swelling, and reluctance to move.

9. Cracks in hooves and balance problems

Hoof cracks and poor footing are common in show jumping horses due to the constant impact on hard surfaces. These problems affect shock absorption and can lead to chronic lameness if not corrected promptly with proper shoeing and care.

10. Exertion cramps or post-competition stress

Exertion colic usually occurs immediately after the toughest competitions. It’s caused by dehydration, severe stress, or sudden changes in diet. This is a serious medical emergency; call your veterinarian immediately.

How to prevent the most common injuries in show jumping?

To prevent injury to jumping horses, you need to work on several fronts simultaneously. If you apply these strategies well, you’ll ensure your horse performs better and can continue competing for many more years.

Physical preparation and progressive warm-up

A 15- to 20-minute warm-up with a light walk and trot prepares muscles and joints for the stress of jumping. A warm-up routine for horses reduces the risk of strains and sprains. Including lateral flexion and extension exercises improves flexibility and coordination.

Use of protectors, bandages and appropriate equipment

Tendon and fetlock protectors are essential to prevent injuries to the horse when jumping and landing. Elastic bandages are also very helpful, especially during tougher training sessions, because they provide extra support to the legs.

Muscle rest and recovery routine

Rest for competition horses isn’t a luxury. After hard training, the animal’s body needs time to repair the tissues it’s worked on. That’s why it’s important to have days off each week and engage in gentler sessions such as leisurely walks or water work.

Supplementation for joints and tendons

Supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM support joint health by stimulating synovial fluid production and reducing cartilage degeneration. These nutrients are key for show jumping horses, whose joints endure repeated impacts.

Hygiene, feeding and constant veterinary check-ups

If you keep stalls clean and dry, you’re already avoiding a host of hoof and skin infection problems. As for food, a diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals helps a horse’s immune system function better.

Recommended products for injury prevention

Buying quality equipment and therapeutic products that work is just as important as training well. These products are designed to protect the body parts that suffer the most in show jumping horses.

Tendon and fetlock protectors

Made from materials like neoprene or shock-absorbing gel, these showjumping boots absorb up to 30% of the impact during landings. Models with side ventilation prevent overheating during extended sessions.

Joint and hoof supplements

Los suplementos específicos para articulaciones y cascos son aliados en la prevención de lesiones en caballos de salto. Combinaciones de biotina, metionina y zinc promueven el crecimiento de cascos fuertes, mientras que la glucosamina y el ácido hialurónico mantienen la flexibilidad articular.   

Therapeutic blankets and anti-inflammatory liniments

Therapeutic horse blankets with infrared or magnetic technology help reduce post-workout muscle inflammation and accelerate recovery. Arnica- or menthol-based liniments offer localized relief after exercise when applied with a circular massage.

How to detect an injury in a jumping horse in time?

Early detection begins with daily observation. Regular palpation of limbs can identify swelling or abnormal tenderness in tendons and joints. A periodic veterinary examination with ultrasound or thermography can reveal subclinical lesions before they become more severe.

Preventing today is competing tomorrow

Investing in prevention means more years of racing and less recovery time for show jumping horses. When you combine good facilities, professional management, and quality technical equipment, the difference is noticeable.

At EqusPaddock, we’re dedicated to creating comprehensive solutions for every aspect of equestrian training. Ultimately, when it comes to horse welfare, every step you take right counts toward ensuring they compete at the highest level.