Can Horses Recover from Broken Legs?
Contrary to popular belief, a fracture does not automatically mean the end for a horse. With the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and post-operative care, many horses return to competition, breeding, or other equestrian disciplines. Modern surgical techniques, including plates and screws, have dramatically improved survival and recovery rates.
Why Horses Can’t Rest a Broken Leg Like Humans
Horses rely on all four legs to distribute weight evenly. If a horse is forced to rest on three legs for an extended period, it risks developing laminitis – a painful and potentially life-threatening condition in the supporting limb. This is why recovery requires careful weight management, specialist stabling, and consistent veterinary oversight.
When Euthanasia Becomes the Kindest Choice
The decision to euthanise is never taken lightly. It is always based on the horse’s welfare, not cost. Even racehorses worth millions have been humanely euthanised when recovery would have led to prolonged suffering, chronic pain, or serious complications.
One of the ‘false facts’ often thrown out by racing’s opponents is that racehorses are euthanised when they break their legs because the owners would rather do that than pay for the surgery and recovery costs.
Emotion aside, we know this isn’t true because there have been instances where incredibly valuable horses in racing and other equestrian endeavours have been euthanised after suffering a displaced limb fracture – when clearly it would be in their owner’s best financial interest for them to live.
Despite the horse’s owners insisting that it wasn’t his stud value that mattered, we saw this in the most extreme case with Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. He fractured his leg in a subsequent race, underwent successful surgery but had to be euthanised due to laminitis later on.
Click here to read more about Barbaro
But, whatever the financial value of the horse, they are priceless to the army of people around them – those are the people most devastated to see the horse in pain who would do anything to make them healthy again.
Can Surgery Save a Horse with a Severe Leg Fracture?
In some cases, surgery offers a viable solution. Orthopaedic procedures can repair fractures with plates, screws, or pins, but the success depends on the severity of the injury, the risk of infection, and the horse’s ability to remain calm and still during recovery. Not every horse is a candidate, but for the right case, surgery can be life-saving.
Life After Injury
Horses that recover from leg fractures may go on to breeding, showing, dressage, or pleasure riding. Many are rehomed through dedicated aftercare programs, highlighting the industry’s commitment to welfare beyond the track.
FAQs
Do all horses with broken legs get euthanised?
No. Many horses recover fully and return to competition or other roles. Euthanasia is rare and only considered when recovery would result in severe pain or complications.
Why can’t horses rest a broken leg like humans?
Because they must bear weight evenly on all four legs, extended rest on three legs can cause life-threatening complications such as laminitis.
Is cost a factor in deciding to euthanise?
No. Decisions are based solely on welfare, even for horses valued at millions.
Can surgery save a horse with a severe leg fracture?
Sometimes. Surgical repair is possible depending on the injury type, risk of infection, and the horse’s temperament during recovery.
