Bowed, Not Beaten: Riding and Thriving After Tendon Injuries

One of the most common phrases you’ll see in an off-track Thoroughbred’s history is:

“Old bow” or “previous bowed tendon.”

For many buyers, that sounds like a red flag. But in reality a bowed tendon — when properly rehabbed — is far from a dealbreaker. In fact, thousands of OTTBs with old bows go on to have safe, happy, and successful second careers in everything from trail to low-level jumping to dressage.

So let’s break down what a “bow” really is, what it means long-term, and how to assess whether that horse is right for you.

What Is a Bowed Tendon?

A “bow” refers to an injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), which runs down the back of the cannon bone and helps flex the lower leg. When injured, the tendon fibers stretch or tear, creating swelling that causes the tendon to “bow” outward — hence the name.

Bowed tendons are graded by severity:

• Mild: Minor fiber disruption, fast recovery, often little to no long-term effect

• Moderate: More significant tearing, longer rehab, possible performance limits

• Severe: Major tearing, long rehab, may not return to high-impact work

Photo from: HoofBeats.com

What’s the Rehab Process?

A typical rehab timeline for a bow ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity. Rehab often includes:

• Strict stall rest and hand-walking in early stages

• Gradual reintroduction to turnout and light work

• Follow-up ultrasounds to track healing

• Controlled exercise programs to rebuild strength

• Ongoing monitoring for heat, swelling, or re-injury

Once fully healed, the tendon may appear thickened or “lumpy” — but that doesn’t necessarily affect function. In fact, a cold, set bow (one that’s fully healed and no longer inflamed) is often very manageable, especially for flatwork or low-impact disciplines.

What Should I Look for When Evaluating a Horse with a Bow?

When assessing an OTTB with a history of a bow, ask these questions:

• Has the bow fully healed? Is it cold, tight, and dry?

• Is there any lameness present today?

• Has the horse returned to work since the injury?

• Were follow-up ultrasounds or vet checks done?

• What is the seller or rescue’s understanding of the severity?

If the answers point to a completed rehab, with no recurring inflammation and current soundness, the horse may be perfectly suited for many jobs.

Also: consider having your vet review the old ultrasound images if they’re available. If not, a new scan can often show how the tendon has remodeled.

Don’t Let the Scar Scare You

Tendon bows often leave a visible or palpable thickening — but this doesn’t mean the horse is still injured.

Think of it like a scar: it’s proof something happened, not proof something is wrong.

Many horses with old bows return to full work with:

• No performance limitations

• No ongoing treatment

• Just regular conditioning and care

And many riders don’t even notice the difference.

Matching the Horse to the Job

The key with any old injury is job suitability.

A horse with a severe bow probably isn’t your best bet for upper-level jumping. But for:

• Lower-level eventing

• Flatwork and dressage

• Trail riding

• Foxhunting

• Lesson horses

  
  

  …they can be phenomenal partners.

Always match the horse’s capabilities to your goals — not the other way around.

An old bow is not a death sentence. It’s not even always a limitation.

For the right rider, in the right program, an OTTB with a bow can be one of the safest, soundest, most affordable partners you’ll ever have. The scar tells a story — but it doesn’t write the ending.

Up Next in the Series:

“X-Rays Aren’t Everything: Managing Arthritis in OTTBs”