18/09/2024
A horse that is lame in ANY gait is in PAIN. It doesn't matter if they look sound in some gaits. If they can't walk trot canter, walk uphill and downhill soundly, there is a problem that needs addressing. This may need pain relief from a vet. It may mean investigations. It will mean spending money and indeed, may mean missing out on riding/competing. This is part of horse ownership and welfare.
💥Pain is the body's way of saying "something isn't right, we need to stop this movement to prevent more damage"💥Why are we ignoring this and pushing horses through pain (unless under the vets advice that some gentle movement is required)? I am fed up of seeing lame horses being ridden, lame dogs on agility equipment, instructors coaching horses or dog walkers walking dogs who are clearly lame. The chances are, the animal needs rest at a minimum. This ALSO applies to your cats, rabbits, sheep, alpacas ect. If your child was limping you wouldn't make them do PE. If the leg was hot and swollen you'd rest and ice and calpol, if not a trip to a&e.
A physio can not treat a lame animal without the animal's vet consent and approval that physio will help. Physio will not quick fix deep underlying issues. That's what xrays/nerve blocks/scans are for. Please, listen to your pets. Help them.
I am always happy to be sent videos of your animals of any species and advise if the animal is lame and needs a vet check. Gait assessment is an art and your professionals are here to help and advice which ultimately helps your animal be pain free and happy 😊 🐎🐕🐈🐇
“My horse is lame in trot, but fine in canter.”
No, no, no. Someone sent me a screenshot of a comment they saw on FB stating exactly this. If your horse is lame in trot, he/she is PAIN. The horse world really needs to concentrate on ACTUAL horse welfare issues, and riding a horse in canter that is lame in trot, is an enormous welfare issue. Riding a horse in WALK that is lame in trot, is a huge welfare issue.
Your horse may well “look” ok in canter, but actually be in a lot of pain. Canter is a three time beat, so it’s very hard to visualise a lameness, especially a forelimb lameness. If you are actually aware that your horse is visibly lame in trot, and are still riding them, this is a welfare issue (unless under frequent veterinary guidance). If you are aware that your horse is obviously lame in trot but haven’t sought veterinary advice, that is a welfare issue.
If your horse is lame in trot, he/she is also in pain in canter; you just may be struggling to see it.
Let’s focus on ACTUAL, living, breathing, welfare issues. People hacking out lame horses is a real thing, and a serious welfare concern.
