Tying Up (ER & Exertional Rhabdomyolysis)
“That Post-Gym Day Burn… ×100”Ever smashed a gym session, done a huge gardening day, or finished a big lesson — sat down and suddenly realised you can’t walk?
That’s tying up in a horse. Except horses don’t just get sore — it can range from mild stiffness all the way to full muscle breakdown and a very unwell horse.
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Who gets it?
Tying up can affect any horse, but it’s more likely when:
• You’ve got young, spicy fillies
• There’s a sudden spike in exercise
• A horse bolts or panics and overdoes it
• Hot weather throws out electrolyte balance
• Diet is high in carbohydrates or sugars (especially when the work level doesn’t match)
• There’s a mismatch between fitness, stress, and workload
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What you might see:
• Stiff, short steps behind
• Sweating and discomfort
• Anxiety or reluctance to move
• Rock-hard hindquarter muscles
• Repeated stretching as if trying to urinate
Severe cases can cause muscle breakdown, dark urine, kidney strain, and collapse.
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What NOT to do:• Don’t force them to walk it out — movement worsens damage
• Don’t push exercise because they were “fresh”
• Don’t wait hours if they’re distressed
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What TO do:• Stop exercise immediately
• If it’s cold: keep rugs on and keep them warm
• If it’s hot: cold-hose or cool them down
• Offer water/electrolytes if appropriate
• Keep them calm and still
• Call early, especially if:
o They won’t move
o Pain increases
o Urine goes dark
o They look systemically unwell
Early treatment protects muscles and kidneys.
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When coach says warm up and cool down, it’s so you don’t end up like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz. 
This blog post was provided by Dr Lauren Jones of Kentaro Veterinary Services servicing the Coffs Harbour District in NSW
