ABSTRACT
Early recognition of lameness is vital to the success of treatment in many cases. A horse that is lame in the foot will try to place the foot so that direct pressure is less and it doesn't hurt as much. He stands with the foot placed forward of the normal vertical position Horses with severe navicular disease or a coffin-bone fracture are good examples. Keep in mind that horses with a subtle lameness may stand normally and only show signs at a trot. If the horse has an abscess, fracture, joint infection, severe strains or sprains, the way he stands should lead Stud Managers to the lame leg that should be examined more closely by visual inspection, palpation, and manipulation. A horse that is equally lame in each front toot or leg shows a shortened length of stride and a choppy gait. Lameness in a rear limb is a different situation and is always more difficult for beginners to notice.
