Lameness (equine)

Lameness in horses is when one or more legs are hurting, making it difficult for them to walk properly. Think about when you have a sore foot, it can be hard to walk without limping or feeling some discomfort. This can happen to horses too, and it can make it difficult for them to do things like run, jump or even walk normally.

Lameness can be caused by lots of different things, like an injury or a problem with a horse's bones, muscles, or joints. A horse might get an injury from running or jumping too much or by slipping, tripping or even running into a fence. Sometimes, a horse might have a problem with their hooves or shoes that can also cause lameness.

When a horse is lame, their caretaker or vet will check them over to try and figure out where the pain is coming from. They might watch the horse walk or trot, feel different parts of the leg or even use special tools to detect problems. Once they figure out what is causing the lameness, they can start to treat it. This might include rest, medication, or even surgery depending on the severity of the issue.

It's important to recognize and treat equine lameness because if left untreated, it can cause long term damage to the horse's legs and even make it difficult for them to ever walk or perform like they used to. By helping a lame horse get better, you're making sure they're healthy, comfortable and happy.