Lameness Exams

Forward Equine - A Sound Choice For Your Horse

At Forward Equine, lameness evaluations are where we excel—day in and day out. We are dedicated to helping you and your horse reach your highest potential. Lameness is one of the most common and frustrating challenges riders face, but with the right approach, we can get your horse back on track.

Our Approach to Lameness Exams
The goal of our lameness examinations are to pinpoint the source of your horse’s discomfort and then focus on diagnosing the underlying issue. Once identified, we can create a tailored treatment plan to address it. A simple exam can often be completed in one to two hours, though more complex cases may require additional time or follow-up visits.

Thorough Evaluation Process
A lameness exam involves observing your horse both at rest and in motion. After a thorough physical exam we observe your horse’s movement at various gates and often perform flexion tests to help localize the areas of discomfort. 

We utilize a sensor system called the Equinosis for our lameness exams. It is a gait analysis system that allows us to gather and track data on your horse's movement over time.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
As needed, we use diagnostic blocks, numbing specific nerves or joints, to localize the problem area. By reducing sensation in targeted areas and monitoring changes in your horse’s movement, we can better understand where the pain originates.

Once we have a specific area in focus, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays (radiographs) or ultrasound may be recommended. 

Customized Treatment Plan
After the diagnostic process, we work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your horse’s needs, as well as your own. Our goal is to help your horse recover and return to full performance as quickly and effectively as possible.

If your horse is showing signs of lameness or for a routine soundness exam contact us at (920) 851-3545