Lameness is one of the most common performance-limiting issues in equine athletes, affecting horses across all disciplines. Catching lameness early can mean the difference between a minor setback and a long-term problem. As equine veterinarians, we often emphasize the importance of recognizing subtle changes that may indicate discomfort before they progress into a more serious injury. In this article, we’ll explore how horse owners, trainers, and riders can identify early signs of lameness and when to seek veterinary attention.

Why Early Detection Matters

Equine athletes put significant stress on their joints, tendons, and muscles. Minor discomfort can quickly escalate into severe injury or stress other anatomical structures if not addressed early. Prompt recognition and intervention allow for better treatment outcomes, reduced downtime, and improved long-term soundness.

Subtle Signs of Lameness:  Lameness doesn’t always present as an obvious limp. Early signs are often subtle and require careful observation. Some of the key indicators include:

1. Changes in Performance

• Resistance to certain movements (e.g., reluctance to turn, collect, or extend)
• Decreased impulsion or engagement from behind
• Loss of balance, stumbling, or inconsistent stride rhythm
• Difficulty with lead changes or refusing jumps
• Starting out stiff or not bending as well and improving with warm up.

2. Changes in Behavior

• Unwillingness to be tacked up
• Pinning ears, tail swishing, or general irritability during work
• Increased spookiness or reluctance to go forward
• Here is a link to a video of 24 behavioral changes seen with a horse with pain. https://youtu.be/hrZgtrqbMVI?si=PIkTE4jwGRuhkpWe
• Misbehaving or uncomfortable when being shod

3. Subtle Physical Signs

• Muscle asymmetry or loss of topline condition
• Uneven hoof wear or abnormal shoe wear
• Slight heat or swelling of joints or tendons
• Changes in posture when standing (e.g., resting one leg more than usual)

How to Detect Lameness in Motion: A structured lameness assessment can help pinpoint an issue before it worsens. Here are ways to evaluate your horse’s movement:

1. Watch Your Horse at Different Gaits

• Lameness may not be apparent at the walk but becomes evident at the trot or canter.
• Observe your horse traveling in both directions on a straight line and in circles on the lunge or with another rider

2. Look for Head Bob or Hip Dropping

• A horse with a forelimb lameness will typically bob its head, lifting it when the sore leg bears weight.
• A horse with a hindlimb lameness may show excessive hip movement sometimes described as dropping or hiking on the affected side.

3. Evaluate on Different Surfaces

• Some lameness conditions worsen on harder ground, while others become more obvious in deep footing.

4. Perform a Flexion Test

• Flexing a joint and then trotting the horse off can help identify discomfort in specific areas.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

If you notice any of these subtle signs, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before the issue worsens. Early intervention may include:

• A thorough lameness exam, that may include flexion tests, diagnostic blocks and imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, bone scan,etc.)
• Chiropractic and/or acupuncture treatment
• Anti-inflammatory treatments
• joint injections
• shock wave
• regenerative therapies
• A rehabilitation program tailored to your horse’s needs

Final Thoughts

Recognizing early signs of lameness in your equine athlete can help prevent minor issues from turning into career-threatening injuries. Regular monitoring, proper conditioning, and routine veterinary check-ups are key to keeping your horse performing at its best.

If you suspect lameness or want to discuss a preventative soundness plan for your horse, contact us today to schedule an evaluation!