Lameness: when to investigate

16 March 2026

You know your horse’s normal better than anyone, which is why small changes in the way they go are often first noticed under saddle. Sometimes it is not obvious lameness, but simply a feeling that something is not quite right.

Subtle lameness can show up as unevenness through turns, resistance in one direction, difficulty stepping under, or inconsistency in the canter. A horse may still appear sound in hand, particularly if they are fit, willing and compensating well.

That is why early investigation can be so valuable. Assessing the issue before it becomes more established can lead to clearer answers, a more targeted plan and better support for your horse’s long term soundness.

At Willinga Park Vet Hospital, every lameness investigation begins with a full assessment. If the issue is not clearly visible on the ground, we may ask you to bring your usual tack and ride your horse in our arenas so we can observe what you are feeling under saddle and identify the most appropriate next steps.

Early signs often present as changes in performance rather than an obvious limp. You might notice:

reduced willingness to go forward,
a shortened stride,
loss of swing through the back,
difficulty maintaining straightness,
sticky transitions,
or a contact that feels uneven or inconsistent.

Canter is another area where problems often appear early. Difficulty picking up a lead, swapping behind, feeling unbalanced, or resisting collection can all be useful indicators.

Behaviour can also be an important signal of discomfort. The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, or RHpE, identifies 24 behavioural changes, including tail swishing, rearing, bucking, pinned ears and specific facial expressions, that can be associated with musculoskeletal pain. We use these indicators to help assess both the presence and severity of pain in the horse.

If your horse feels different, it is worth paying attention.

What a lameness assessment involves

We assess lameness using a thorough and comprehensive approach, working closely with owners every step of the way. The first step of a lameness examination is identifying the source of the lameness.

Assessments include different gait analysis across different surfaces, including rubber, asphalt, and arena footing to highlight pain in different tissue types. Flexion tests are used to show the full degree of lameness. , Some lamenesses may only be evident under saddle. For these cases, we encourage clients to bring their tack so we can assess the horse in the conditions where the lameness appears during performance. Diagnostic anaesthesia including nerve and joint blocks, before diagnostic imaging such as radiographs, ultrasound or mri is performed.

That ridden component is important. Some lameness only appears when the horse is carrying a rider, turning, balancing, accepting contact, and loading specific structures. Seeing what you feel, in a controlled setting, can be the missing piece that turns uncertainty into a clear plan forward.

What you can do before your appointment

You do not need to have all the answers before you book in. That is what the assessment is for. But a few details can help your vet build a clearer picture quickly.

Make a note of when you first noticed the change and whether it is improving, staying the same, or worsening. Think about what influences it, such as surface, direction, warm up, intensity of work, recent shoeing, or travel. If you can safely take short phone videos in hand and under saddle on both reins, they can be helpful for showing patterns that are hard to describe.

If your horse is suddenly unable to comfortably bear weight, has significant swelling or heat, or you are worried about a serious injury, seek urgent veterinary attention.

The takeaway

If you are thinking, I can feel it but I cannot see it, you are not alone. Subtle lameness is common, especially in performance horses, and it is exactly where a structured assessment can make the biggest difference.

If something feels off, do not ignore it. If you are concerned, contact our team on (02) 4405 5660, email vethospital@willinga.com.au or visit https://willingapark.com.au/vet-hospital