How to Do a Simple Soundness Exam on a Horse

Because horses cannot talk we have to rely on our own instinct to tell if a horse is feeling okay or not. Horse's do have distinct tell-all signs of when they are not feeling 100 percent, especially if they are not sound. Using a few of these tips below you will be able to do a simple soundness check of whether your horse is lame or not, and then possibly decide whether to call a vet or blacksmith if needed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• At least one extra person

1. Know your horse. Knowing whether your horse is young, old, has an old injury or a funny way of travelling is crucial.
2. Find a stretch of flat, solid ground that is at least 25 yards long. Have your assistant put the horse on a lead rope and walk back and forth along this stretch.
3. Watch the horse at the walk from both sides, then head on and walking away. Notice whether the horse is following its motion with its head. The head and shoulders should have a synchronized motion without either side being compromised. If you notice any stiffness, unwillingness to put weight on, or the head making a significant nod then there is likely something bothering the front end.
4. In the same way watch the horse's back. The back should be relaxed with each motion. If it is not, the back is compromising for a soreness somewhere. Watch the hind feet. The hind feet should track up into the footsteps of the front feet. If they do not then there could be a soundness issue behind. Sometimes older horses with arthritis have more trouble with this exercise.
5. Examine your horse from behind. Watch the muscles along their rear end. These muscles should move the same way as the legs move forward. If one side is more exaggerated or stiff this could be a sign of soreness behind as well.
6. Ask your assistant to now trot the horse. Use the same steps as above to watch the trot. The trot is generally where a horse will give signs of lameness.
7. Call the vet first if you think that there is a soundness issue with your horse. If it is an issue for a blacksmith the veterinarian will tell you.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes mild soundness issues go away within days depending on the severity of what is causing the discomfort. If the horse is not showing any major signs perhaps wait a few days before calling the veterinarian. The horse might be able to shake it off on their own.
• At the trot watch your horse's tail from behind. A lot of horsemen believe that your horse will point its tail at the side it is sore. This can be true sometimes but is a neat little trick to try.
• If your horse has a serious head nod, significant hip drops or is barely putting weight on one leg do not wait to call the vet. Get your horse medical attention as soon as possible.