Every horse tells a story with how they move. A head bob here, a shortened stride there, an unwillingness to pick up a lead — these subtle changes can be the first clue that something deeper is going on beneath the surface.
At Epona Equine Veterinary Care, movement isn’t just something we observe — it’s something we interpret. That’s why thorough Lameness and Neurological Exams are a cornerstone of how we support your horse’s comfort, longevity, and performance.
Let’s break down what these exams are, why they matter, and how they help horses of every discipline — from calm trail partners to elite athletes.
What Is a Lameness Exam?
A lameness exam is a detailed evaluation to help determine whether your horse’s way of going is being affected by pain or dysfunction in the neuromusculoskeletal system.
Instead of guessing, a lameness exam gives Dr. Gnadt a roadmap. She watches your horse at the walk and trot in hand, assesses movement patterns, and evaluates balance, rhythm, and symmetry. When indicated, she may add lunging and movement under saddle to see how your horse responds in different contexts.
Importantly, the exam doesn’t stop at watching movement. It includes:
- Palpation of key muscle groups, joints, and tendons
- Flexion tests to reveal subtle pain or restrictions
- Hoof and limb alignment evaluation
- Assessment of posture and muscle balance
By combining what the horse shows us with what the hands feel, we get a clearer understanding of how your horse is using — or compensating with — their body.
What Is a Neurological Exam?
A neurological exam evaluates how well the nervous system is functioning. While it can be part of a lameness evaluation, it’s especially useful when movement concerns might be related to the spinal cord or nerve pathways rather than — or in addition to — pain in a specific joint or soft tissue.
During a neurological exam, Dr. Gnadt assesses your horse’s:
- Awareness of foot placement
- Coordination
- Muscle tone and symmetry
- Reflexes and responses to specific stimuli
Signs that may prompt a neurological exam include:
- Uneven or inconsistent movement on both sides
- Drifting, crossing over, or tripping
- Gradual loss of balance
- Difficulty navigating tight turns or changes in footing
These subtleties don’t always show up on x-rays or joint scans, but they tell us how the horse’s body is responding to signals from the nervous system.
Why These Exams Matter — For Every Horse
Whether your horse is a weekend trail companion or an upper-level competitor, early detection leads to better outcomes.
Here’s why these exams are so important:
- They help pinpoint the source of discomfort.
Horses can hide pain extremely well. A lame-looking gait could be masking a soft tissue injury, compensation from dental imbalance, or early neurologic change. - They guide smarter diagnostics.
Instead of randomly ordering imaging, the exam tells us where to look — whether that’s with radiographs, ultrasound, or other tools. - They reduce the guesswork.
By breaking down movement patterns and neurologic function, we can develop care plans with more confidence and better precision. - They catch subtle changes early.
Not all issues are dramatic. Early changes in coordination, rhythm, or stride length often precede obvious lameness. Detecting these early can save time, money, and discomfort down the road.
What to Expect
When Dr. Gnadt performs a lameness or neurologic exam, it’s always done in the context of your horse’s lifestyle, job, and history. She combines:
- Quiet, systematic observation
- Hands-on evaluation
- Experience with a wide range of equine athletes
- Current research-informed techniques
The goal isn’t to rush, it’s to understand.
You’ll walk away with clear findings, practical next steps, and a care plan tailored to your horse.
Lameness and neurological exams are not just for when something looks wrong. They’re for when something feels different, when performance dips subtly, or when you want peace of mind that everything is functioning as it should.
Confidence in Movement Starts with Understanding
Your horse’s way of going is one of the best forms of communication they have. Thorough examinations help us speak that language clearly, compassionately, and with purpose.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a lameness or neurologic evaluation, reach out. The sooner we catch subtle changes, the better we can support comfort, performance, and long-term wellbeing.
