Lameness
Lameness is a change in the way a horse moves, often linked to pain, discomfort or reduced function. It can be obvious, but it can also look like stiffness, reluctance, unevenness or a change in attitude.
Lameness is a change in the way a horse moves, often linked to pain, discomfort or reduced function. It can be obvious, but it can also look like stiffness, reluctance, unevenness or a change in attitude.
A lameness grade is a score vets use to describe how clear or severe lameness appears under specific conditions. It helps compare movement over time, after tests, or during recovery.
The laminae are sensitive tissues inside the hoof that help connect the hoof wall to the pedal bone. These tissues are involved in laminitis, which can be extremely painful and serious.
Laminitis is a painful condition affecting the sensitive tissues that help attach the hoof wall to the pedal bone inside the foot. It should be treated as urgent: contact your vet if you suspect it.
Localisation is the process of narrowing down where the pain is coming from. Finding the right area helps your vet choose the most useful imaging, treatment or next step.
This quiz is educational, not diagnostic. It helps you check what you already know and learn what vets often ask owners to look for.

Owner-first guides to help you notice patterns, reduce worry and feel prepared for your next vet visit.

Treating without diagnosing can work. But it can also mean months of time, money and effort spent managing a problem rather than solving it, while the underlying cause quietly becomes harder to treat.

Treating without diagnosing can work. But it can also mean months of time, money and effort spent managing a problem rather than solving it, while the underlying cause quietly becomes harder to treat.

Proximal suspensory injuries are a common cause of lameness and poor performance in horses. Clinical signs can vary depending on whether the forelimbs or hindlimbs are affected, and a thorough lameness examination is essential to localise the source of pain.