Muscle soreness and acidosis in horses (often called "tying-up" in severe forms) is a common challenge for sport horses. This article explains the causes, symptoms, prevention, and recovery support.
What is muscle acidosis?
During intense or prolonged effort, muscles produce energy anaerobically and accumulate lactate. When lactate builds up faster than the body clears it, muscle pH drops, causing the burning, stiff feeling owners call muscle soreness.
Symptoms
Stiffness in the hindquarters, shortened gait, hard tense muscles, sweating without cause, dark urine (severe rhabdomyolysis, call vet immediately).
Prevention and recovery
Build conditioning gradually, warm up and cool down properly, balance feed with workload, supplement electrolytes during heavy work. Elektro+ replaces lost minerals, Lacta Ease targets lactate clearance, and Massive Muscle supports muscle rebuilding after hard training.
When to call the vet
Dark urine, refusal to move, extremely hard muscles or elevated heart rate at rest require immediate veterinary care. More articles in our knowledge base.