Keep the horse still

Until you know exactly what you are dealing with, it’s important to keep the horse as quiet as possible. If the leg is swollen from injury to a bone, ligament or tendon—even if the horse isn’t acutely lame—movement can make the situation worse. Stall confinement isn’t enough: Hold the horse on a halter and lead, providing a hay net or grain if that’s what’s necessary to keep him still.