Splints are usually described as a problem of young horses. It is an enlargement on the splint bone, below the Knee. It is usually found on the inside of the front legs but may also be found on the hind legs (unusual). It may be caused by hard training, poor leg Conformation, poor nutrition or any type of stress. A swelling will form over the area, caused by callused bone and ligament.

Splints may also be caused by a fracture of the splint bone. This can happen if the splint bone is hit by the opposite front foot. The bones can break anywhere along its length. Unlike splints from other causes, a fracture is not likely to heal. Because of this, a large knot is always seen. The only treatment is to remove the bottom portion of the splint bone. The surgery is done only if the fracture is causing a lameness.

Lameness caused by a spint will be most obvious at a Trot or if the horse is worked on hard ground. Swelling at the location is always present. The amount of heat and pain will depend on how recent the injury is and the cause. In the case of the splint fracture, the amount of pain is affected by its location. Splints caused by stress may cause little or no pain. Many horses do have reoccuring splints that will appear with a small amount of stress to that area. In early stages both types of splints will look the same. An x-ray is needed to find the cause.