Most horses with splints recover and return to work. Once in a while a horse may develop a callus around a splint bone fracture that damages the ligaments running behind the cannon bone. In this case, the horse may need surgery to remove part of the splint bone. These horses are at greater risk of long-term lameness.

Can you ride a horse with a splint?

Signs should decrease gradually as healing takes place. A veterinarian can advise when it is safe to begin hand-walking, and eventually resume riding or driving. Although a small lump usually remains visible at the site of the injury, many splints never lead to additional trouble.

How long does a splint take to heal?

There’s no way to say exactly when your shin splints will go away. It depends on what caused them. People also heal at different rates; 3 to 6 months isn’t unusual. The most important thing is that you don’t rush back into your sport.