EquiFeast is an innovative, problem solving horse supplements manufacturer. EquiFeast's VCAL technolo
17/03/2025
Why is your horse’s lameness a mystery?
“To ask the ‘right’ question is already half the solution of a problem.” Carl Jung
We cannot solve most problems because we are asking the wrong question, and thus getting the wrong or not complete answer.
What is the definition of lameness?
- Lameness is characterized by an abnormal gait, with scoring 0-5, AAEP
- Lameness in horses refers to a change or abnormality in a horse's gait or stance, petMD
- Lameness is a symptom that something within the limb or body hurts enough that the horse alters its gait to control the amount of load the affected limb has to, UC Davis
- Lameness is an abnormality in gait or inability to use one or more limbs, Merriam Webster
Stop asking which leg is the horse lame in. Instead, we need to be asking:
- What is dysfunctional in the horse?
- What is the primary, secondary, and tertiary issues?
- Is the painful spot the real problem?
- Which dysfunction is causing a performance concern?
- Which biotensegrity dysfunctions are causing limb pain?
- Is there a systemic condition causing body dysfunction?
- Which dysfunctions are causing issues and which are helping?
- What is this horse’s nutrition, environment, farrier care, stress levels currently?
- What impacts are the owner making on the horse?
- Does the horse have structural defects?
When we start asking better questions, we will be significantly more likely to get better results. Shifting from traditional equine sports medicine to Equine Functional Medicine – has been the paradigm change we needed at Denali Equine to start solving the mysteries.
