1-855-957-8378
🚚 FREE SHIPPING on All U.S. Orders Over $200
Benefab®
Cart 0
  • Home
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
  • Wishlist
Australia (AUD $)
Belgium (EUR €)
Canada (CAD $)
Costa Rica (CRC ₡)
Czechia (CZK Kč)
France (EUR €)
Germany (EUR €)
Italy (EUR €)
Japan (JPY ¥)
New Zealand (NZD $)
United Kingdom (GBP £)
United States (USD $)
English
Benefab®
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
Wishlist Cart 0

Search our store

Benefab®
Wishlist Cart 0
Home / Blog
Blog

What You Should Know About Hock Injections

Jul 04, 2025
What You Should Know About Hock Injections

If your horse feels off, like dragging behind or having rough transitions, it could be a hock issue. That could mean it's time to consider hock support or injections. But you might be wondering, what exactly are these injections for? And more importantly, are they the right choice for your horse? Let’s go over what hock injections are, why they’re used, and how to support your horse before and after the procedure.

What are Hock Injections?

Hock injections are when a vet injects medication directly into the hock joint. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation, allowing your horse to move more comfortably. Horses in sports such as dressage, jumping, reining, or barrel racing often have excessive stress put on their joints and can benefit from receiving hock injections. Trail horses or seniors may also need them if they’re uncomfortable.

How Do I Know if My Horse Needs Hock Injections?

The decision to inject should be carefully considered. If you think your horse might benefit from hock injections, discuss with your vet. A lameness exam, flexion tests, or imaging can help confirm the need for further evaluation. In addition to an evaluation, you might notice: 

  • A decrease in hind-end engagement

  • Trouble picking up or maintaining a lead

  • Reluctance to collect or sit on the hindquarters

  • Stiffness in the first few minutes of work

  • Behavioral changes under saddle (bucking, resisting, tail swishing)

Other issues can cause these symptoms, so be sure to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Hock injections are a tool that many riders and veterinarians use to help horses feel and perform at their best.

What To Expect

Hock injections are typically done on the farm or at a vet clinic. To keep your horse safe and relaxed, sedation is used. The area is scrubbed to lower the risk of infection. After the injections, most horses require a few days of rest, typically 2–4 days, followed by a gradual return to work. Results vary by horse and the severity of the problem, but many horses feel and perform better for months or even over a year.

Supporting Your Horse Post-Injection

Like people getting joint treatments, horses need good care before and after injections. This is where supportive therapies can be beneficial, and it’s exactly why we created our SmartHock Boots.

The boots have far-infrared minerals that help blood flow and reduce stiffness. Whether your horse gets hock injections or you’re trying to prevent them, SmartHock Boots are a solid daily option.

These boots are easy to use, breathable for turnout or recovery, and flexible to fit your horse’s leg well. They are a proactive way to keep your horse feeling good and staying at work longer!

Considerations for Hock Injections

Hock injections are a valuable tool when used appropriately. But like all tools, they work best when combined with thoughtful management, conditioning, and daily support. Before trying injections, check the basics. Footing, saddle fit, and support therapies can make a difference.

If you’re wondering whether your horse might benefit from hock injections, talk to your vet and make a plan. And if you're looking for a way to keep those hocks happy every day, our SmartHock Boots might be the smartest investment you make this season!

 

Previous
Essential Oils for Dogs

Related Articles

Essential Oils for Dogs
June 27, 2025

Essential Oils for Dogs

It’s no secret that essential oils have become a household favorite for everything from stress...
Read more
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
June 20, 2025

Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide

Whether you're preparing for a local fair or a major livestock competition, grooming your animal...
Read more
Chia Seeds for Horses
May 22, 2025

Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are a great supplement to any diet. They are small seeds harvested from...
Read more

Recent Posts

What You Should Know About Hock Injections
What You Should Know About Hock Injections
Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential Oils for Dogs
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Chia Seeds for Horses
Chia Seeds for Horses
Common Diseases of Cattle
Common Diseases of Cattle
White Line Disease in Horses
White Line Disease in Horses
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment

Focused &
Durable Designs

Products made specifically for you and your pets.

Free U.S. Shippingon All Orders over $200

We have you covered.

We Back Our
Products 100%

It's our customer promise.

BRAND PARTNERS

  • Become a Dealer
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Registered Nonprofit
  • Logins for Dealer
  • Logins for Affiliate
  • Affiliate Resources
  • Meet our Ambassadors

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Contact
  • Shipping
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Warranty & Return Policy
  • Medical / Brand Disclaimer
  • FAQs

ABOUT BENEFAB

  • Why Choose Benefab?
  • The Benefab Story
  • Parables Podcast
  • Our Sister Brands
  • Media Inquiries
  • Blog
© 2013 -2025 Benefab®. Property of the Naar Boven Corporation. All rights reserved. Powered by TCW Digital
Payment options:
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.