How to Keep a Horse Sound

Here are some of the main contributing factors to why one horse might be lame, while another is not.

Diet

A horse who is fat will risk having lameness problems, mostly because of stress on the legs, but also because of a risk of developing founder. Making sure a horse (ponies especially) does not have too many oats, or too rich of a feed is very important in prevention of problems. Maintaining a regular diet is also key. Horses who have had large diet variations will have marked growth rings on their hooves.

Stabling

Stabling plays a huge role in soundness or lack there of. A horse who is stabled too much will lose bone density, much like astronauts do due to less exercise. A horse stabled on a hard floor will generally experience more cases of lameness than one stabled on a rubber floor, or one who is kept outdoors.

Hoof Care

Some issues can be kept in check simply by picking a horses hooves out before and after every ride. Applying a dressing to the hoof if it appears try, and checking for cracks regularly, is a good way of keeping a horses hoof healthy.

Farrier

The person who looks after your horses feet is certainly valuable to keeping a horse sound. A farrier who trims a horse too short, or at the wrong angle, will contribute to lameness concerns. The use of shoes can help a lame horse return to a sound state, or if used incorrectly, can make a sound horse lame. Neglecting to trim a horses feet regularly will also result in lameness. Selecting a knowledgeable and skillful farrier is very important.

Conformation

How a horse is built will impact its ability to stay sound or not. Look at a horses leg, the cannon bone should run straight down from the knee (or hock) if it is off to either side, even slightly it puts the horse at risk of developing splints. Looking at the horse from the side, a too upright leg will not absorb shock as well as a sloping one, with 45% being a good guide. Of course too much slope can be a problem too.

Way of Traveling

A horse should move its legs straight forward and back (when viewed from the front) there should be no side to side motion. While we do see this in some of the gaited breeds, such as the Paso's, it is going to put more strain and risk of injury on a horses legs.

Exercise

What a horse does will increase its changes for becoming lame. If an owner does not warm-up or cool-down a horse, there is every reason to suspect it could become lame from joint or muscle pain.

Use

What the horse does specifically may increase its chances of experiencing lameness. A horse who is ridden weekly on the trails will not be at as much risk as one who is ridden over jumps or on barrels, especially if in combination with any of the above concerns.

Summary

Preventing lameness really is a health concern many owners do not think about. By following this guide a person should be able to reduce the chances of their horse becoming lame.