Tips to Checking for Lameness in Racehorses
A lame horse can never expect to win in a competition against healthier horses. However, it can be difficult for the untrained or the first-time horseman or racehorse bettor to decipher if a particular horse is lame. Being prey animals, it is instinctive in horses to not show when they are feeling pain. In the wild, showing vulnerability is a sure way for them to get spotted by a predator. Thus, it takes some time before those who work around horses can determine if an equine under their care is in pain and otherwise unfit to run or be ridden.
For the bettor, observing as horses are led to the stables can reveal a lot about its condition. A horse who isn't in the peak of health or one who is in pain is never a good bet. Here are some ways by which you can tell if a horse is lame:
- Observe as the horse trots. Mild pain on one leg usually results in an uneven gait while severe pain results in the horse reluctantly refusing to put the other foot down or dragging a toe.
- The head movement of the horse is also an indicator of pain. Like the grimace we humans feel when we have to exert effort on an injured foot, an equine in pain will most likely throw his head up when the sore foot makes contact with the track. Thus, if he feels pain in his hind legs, he will try to lean onto the pain-free side to take as much pressure off the sore leg.
- There will be no limp when a horse feels pain on all four legs. Instead, it will walk in a short and stumbling manner with his head strained up.
- You can also check for lameness when the horse is at a standstill. Normally, an equine will stand with his legs kept under his body and perpendicular to the ground. A horse who is feeling pain won't be in this position.
- A healthy horse keeps his weight balanced on both front feet when resting a hind foot. A horse relieves pressure from a painful or sore front leg by keeping its toe on the ground.
If you see any of these signs in your horse, it's time to ask the vet to check out what's causing it. If you're a bettor and you see a horse with a lame gait, then you can leave that out of your potential bets for the day.
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