How to React Faster and Stay in the Saddle When Your Horse Spooks

Fall sports season is here—and if you’re a high school or college athlete, you’re probably itching to get back on the field, court, or track. But here’s the thing: preseason is also when we see a spike in injuries, especially for athletes who went light (or took a full break) over the summer.

Whether you play football or soccer, tennis or cross country, injury prevention isn’t just smart—it’s essential for a strong season.

So what gives? Why do so many young athletes go from excited to sidelined in a matter of weeks?

Let’s break it down—and give you the playbook for staying healthy and high-performing this season.

Why Do Injuries Spike During Preseason?

Think about your summer. Were you training regularly, or did your routine slow down? For a lot of athletes, August is a big jump from laid-back summer sessions to high-intensity practices.

This sudden ramp-up—what we call the “too much, too soon” trap—can overload joints, tendons, and muscle groups that aren’t ready for the demand.

And when that happens, it’s not uncommon to see injuries like:

– Shin splints

– Patellar tendonitis

– Stress fractures

– Hamstring strains

– Plantar fasciitis

Sound familiar?

Let’s walk through how to avoid becoming one of these statistics.