Glossary Index

A circle or lungeing assessment means watching the horse move on a circle, usually on both reins and sometimes on different surfaces. Some lameness shows more clearly on a circle than in a straight line.

Cold therapy means cooling an area with water or ice as part of basic first aid, usually to help manage heat, swelling or discomfort while seeking advice. Always follow your vet's guidance, especially if lameness is severe or there is a wound.

Compensation is when a horse changes how they move to avoid discomfort somewhere else. This can make lameness confusing, because the most obvious movement change is not always the original source of pain.

Conformation means the way a horse is built, including limb shape, balance and overall structure. It can influence how a horse moves and may be considered by your vet as part of the wider lameness picture.

CT, or computed tomography, is an advanced X-ray technique that creates detailed cross-sectional and 3D images. It can help vets assess complex bony areas or injuries that may not be fully clear on standard X-rays.