Horse Health
Tendon and Ligament Support
Daily leg care, and where Joint & Recovery fits.
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Tendons and ligaments take a lot of strain with every stride, and most of us only think about them when something looks wrong. Good conditioning, footing and farrier work come first. Joint & Recovery and Strength & Stamina support the nutrition side of normal connective tissue every day.
Key points
- Tendons and ligaments adapt to new work slowly, so build fitness over weeks.
- Feel his legs every day so you know what normal is for him.
- Good footing, regular trims and proper warm-ups take a lot of strain off.
- Joint & Recovery supports normal connective tissue, but heat or swelling means calling your vet.
Tendons, ligaments and what they do
Tendons connect muscle to bone. Ligaments connect bone to bone and hold joints in line. In the lower leg, the big three are the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament, all running down the back of the cannon.
They’re built mostly from tightly packed collagen fibers, which makes them strong and springy. They also have a modest blood supply, so they adapt to new work slowly, much more slowly than muscle does.
“My mini eats it no problem”
What puts extra load on them
- Deep, uneven or very hard footing
- Long toes or a broken hoof-pastern angle
- Jumping, speed work and tight turns
- Fatigue late in a ride or a long show day
- Coming back into work too quickly after time off
- Extra weight
Formula Finder
Not sure which formula fits?
Answer a few quick questions in the Formula Finder and we’ll suggest a starting point.
Daily habits that help
- Feel the legs every day. Run your hands down each leg before and after work so you know what normal feels like. Compare left and right.
- Build fitness gradually. Add speed, hills and jumping in small steps over weeks, not days.
- Warm up and cool down. Ten minutes of walking at each end of a ride is time well spent.
- Stay on top of trims. Regular farrier visits keep hoof balance where it should be.
- Choose your footing. Avoid hard ground and deep, holding footing when you can.
Have your vet assess any lameness, heat or swelling in a leg, and do it promptly. A supplement is never a substitute for a proper exam and an ultrasound when your vet thinks one is needed.
What our tendon and ligament supplements can do
Our tendon formulas give everyday nutrition for normal connective tissue, joint comfort and recovery from work. They work alongside conditioning and farrier care, not instead of them.
ImmuBiome Joint & Recovery blends King Trumpet, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Antrodia and two Cordyceps species with bovine colostrum, at least 25% beta-glucans and probiotics. It supports healthy bone and connective tissue, joint mobility and normal recovery after hard work or time off.
ImmuBiome Strength & Stamina pairs King Trumpet, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane with 3,000 mg of colostrum to support hooves, coat, connective tissue and endurance. It’s a good fit when hoof quality is also on your list.
ImmuBiome Spine & Nerve carries the same six mushrooms, built around Lion’s Mane, and supports healthy tendons, ligaments and bone along with back comfort.
Strength & Stamina and Joint & Recovery are also side by side in our hoof support collection.
Tendon and ligament questions
What’s the difference between a tendon and a ligament?
A tendon attaches muscle to bone and helps move the leg. A ligament attaches bone to bone and keeps a joint stable. The suspensory ligament is the one owners hear about most. It runs down the back of the cannon and supports the fetlock like a sling.
When is the best time to start a tendon and ligament supplement?
Many owners start before the work ramps up, such as a few weeks ahead of show season or when bringing a horse back into work. Steady daily feeding matters more than timing.
Can I feed a tendon supplement with my horse’s joint supplement?
Usually, yes. If both are ours, such as Joint & Recovery with Strength & Stamina, they share the same probiotic base, so call us at 1-888-31-HORSE and we’ll help you line them up. Either way, bring the full list to your vet so nothing doubles up.
How do I check my horse’s legs for heat?
Run the back of your hand down each leg from knee or hock to fetlock, then compare the same spot on the opposite leg. Do it at the same time each day so you learn what’s normal for him.
Does footing really matter for tendons?
Yes. Very deep or very hard ground and sudden changes between surfaces all add strain. Consistent, well-kept footing is one of the simplest things you can control.
Shop connective tissue support
Support every stride
Every formula ships free on subscription, and you can return any tub within 30 days, even opened.
Joint & Recovery
4.94 (315)
From $69
King Trumpet, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps and colostrum for connective tissue, joint mobility and recovery from work.
Strength & Stamina
4.96 (358)
From $69
Connective tissue, hoof and coat support with 3,000 mg of colostrum.
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Spine & Nerve
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Lion’s Mane plus five more mushrooms for daily spine and nerve support.
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Keep reading
Mushroom Species
The seven species we use, and which formula each one is in.
Read more
Colostrum
Where our first-day colostrum comes from, and how much is in each formula.
Read more
Beta-Glucans
Yeast and mushroom fibers for immune balance.
Read moreThis page is for general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
