15/04/2026
Sometimes all you need to see is how the horse stands to start alarm bells ringing.
What concerns me with this particular stance?
Neurological issues.
Why?
The fact that the back legs are crossed to such an extreme suggests to me that this horse cannot simply rest a leg without loosing balance. Therefore one leg needs to be underneath to take the weight in the middle and maintain balance.
The first step is to start neurological tests and see how he responds:
🧠 Gait anaylsis - Can he maintain a straight line?
🧠 Tight circles - Can he turn on the spot whilst maintaining balance and without dragging feet?
🧠 Backing up - Is he confident going backwards - does he drag his feet?
🧠 Walking with head raised - Is he confident walking when he can't see the floor?
🧠 Tail pulls in walk - Will he regain balance if I shift his weight to the side?
🧠 Obsticles - How does he negotiate obsticles - does he trip oevr them?
There are also many tests that can be done statically too to assess potential neurological issues.
This horse was positive during these neruological tests - he is therefore referred to his vet for further testing.
Once the vet has given an official neurological diagnosis, a rehabilition plan can be put in place to enhance strength and propioception as much as possible.
The Biomechanic Veterinary Physiotherapy
BSc(Hons), FdSc, MIRVAP, RAMP
📞 07861195709
📧 emma@the-biomechanic.co.uk
💻 www.the-biomechanic.co.uk