Many people recognise lameness in the horse due to unevenness in their stride or inconsistency in the footfalls at the walk. This may be accompanied by a ‘bob’ of the head as the horse uses the affected limb. Their head will rise as weight is placed on the limb and dip when weight is moved to another leg.
Ascertaining Lameness Problems
Some horses show only a slight inconsistency in their gait at the walk and may need to be trotted out to see a definite bobbing of the head with regards to the affected limb. Horses carry two thirds of their weight on their forelimbs. Consequently, many lameness issues are found in the forelegs. For this reason, good forelimb conformation should be high on the list when considering the purchase of a horse.
Once the affected limb is identified, the horse owner should seek to determine the cause of the problem. Something as simple as a stone in the horse’s hoof could be causing the equine to step tenderly. This can often be rectified by carefully picking out the horse’s feet. Indications of how the horse hurt itself may involve signs of:
- heat
- swelling
- bruising
- breaking of the skin
Of course, lameness issues may arise from exercising the horse, racing around in a paddock or even nutritional problems that lead to excessive weight gain and poor bone formation. Whenever a form of lameness is evident, the cause should be sought and a possible solution determined. If in doubt, a vet is a good point of call.
Unsoundness in the Equine
Lameness and unsoundness of the horse can vary. A horse that is unsound isn’t necessarily lame. Unsoundness relates to not being suitable for a particular task. Horses can be considered sound or unsound investments when it comes to breeding, riding, competing and as companion horses.
A horse that is unsound for eventing may be a suitable trail riding hack or paddock companion. Whilst a mare may not be sound for breeding due to not being able to fall pregnant or hold a pregnancy full term, she may be suited to being a nanny to a paddock of weanling fillies.
Unsoundness and lameness issues don’t always fall into the same category. In terms of the horse being in pain, a vet should be sought. When unsoundness deems a horse unsuitable for a particular task, consider other options – there are often other suitable possibilities.
Source
- Horse Sense, Huntingdon, Myers and Owens, Landlinks. Second Edition, 2004. ISBN 0 643 06598 9.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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