Curb in Horses: Symptoms and Treatment

Curb is a collective term for swelling of several of the ligaments and tendons on the back of a horse’s hock. Essentially, curb references the “bend” in those tendons and ligaments. 

It’s important for horse owners to recognize the signs of curb and understand how to treat this condition. 

What Is Curb in Horses?

Curb used to refer to thickening and swelling along the long plantar ligament, which is located on the back of the hock.  

However, several ligaments and tendons can be involved. These include: 

• Long plantar ligament 

• Deep digital flexor tendon 

• Superficial digital flexor tendon 

• Tarsocrural lateral collateral ligament 

Curb is common in racehorses, particularly Standardbreds. Horses in other disciplines that put excessive stress on the tendons, such as jumping and reining, are also susceptible.  

Symptoms of Curb in Horses

Curb can involve swelling and heat on the back of the hock, and the horse may or may not be lame. The swelling is small and firm. If there is a large amount of swelling throughout the hock, this can be a sign of a more serious problem.  

Other symptoms of curb may include resting of the affected limb (standing on the toe) and visible changes in the profile of the horse’s leg. 

Causes of Curb in Horses

Curb is caused by excessive stress on the hind limbs, which can result from: 

• Performance stress (horse is asked to perform above their fitness level) 

• Poor conformation (leads to excess strain on the ligaments on the back of the hock) 

• Certain disciplines (e.g., Western performance where sliding stops are performed) 

• Trauma (e.g., from kicking a wall or being kicked by another horse) 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Curb in Horses

If there is heat on the affected limb and your horse is lame, contact your veterinarian. They can perform a lameness exam and use diagnostics, such as ultrasound and X-ray, to diagnose the problem.   

Treatment for Curb in Horses

Stall rest is the most effective treatment. Recovery can take three to six months, but horses will usually recover completely without long-lasting effects.  

Anti-inflammatories, such as phenylbutazone, can be given in the early stages for pain. 

Proper trimming or shoeing should be done to correct or support poor conformation. 

Hind leg bandages can be used for support and to prevent stocking up. 

Shock wave or cold laser therapy can also be used to promote blood flow and healing.  

Recovery and Management of Equine Curb

To make your horse feel better, cold therapy can be used. Applying a cold therapy wrap or cold hosing the affected area one to two times per day may help reduce pain and inflammation.  

While on stall rest, standing wraps applied to the hind limbs provide support and prevent stocking up. These should be reset every day.  

Prevention of Curb in Horses

To prevent episodes of curb, stay current on farrier work. Keeping your horse supported and balanced through trimming and shoeing will decrease stress on the hind end.  

Keeping your horse at an appropriate fitness level for their age and use will prevent excess strain on the hind limbs.