Why Does My Horse Stumble?

Sweeney is most commonly seen in driving horses and can be caused by the pressure of the harness on the shoulder. This can interfere with the horses ability to move its leg forward.
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis nerve damage in the spinal column due to protozoa. This is a serious disease some horses never recover from and it can make them unsuitable to ride.
Eyesight cataracts eye infections and other eyevision problems.
Ringbone or side bones bony growths on and below the pastern area. These can make a horse lame or slightly off.
What To Do If Your Horse Is Stumbling
There are lots of reasons a horse might stumble. If it happens consistently contact your veterinarian or blacksmith to help you find and solve the problem. Your veterinarian can perform an exam and determine if further tests are necessary such as Xrays. Your horses blacksmith or farrier can asses your horses hooves and shoeing.
Treatment for Stumbling
Treatment options for a stumbling horse will vary depending on the cause. In some cases the treatment is as simple as having the hooves trimmed or the shoes adjusted. In other cases a veterinarian may need to prescribe medications or administer joint injections. Surgery may be necessary to treat some serious physical conditions. Some conditions cannot be cured and will require longterm medications or treatments.
How to Prevent Stumbling in Horses
The best way to prevent stumbling is to take good care of your horse especially the hooves. Clean your horses hooves regularly and pay attention to anything that looks abnormal. Have your horses hooves trimmed regularly and reshoed as necessary 1
Assess your saddle fit or consult with a saddle fitter so your horse is more comfortable.
A horse may trip more often with an unbalanced rider. A good rider can help their horse keep their balance especially where the going gets uneven. By improving your riding skills and getting into better shape you can help prevent tripping and stumbling.
You can also prevent stumbling by contacting your veterinarian at the first sign of gait issues. Early detection and treatment can prevent some physical conditions from getting worse.
If you suspect your pet is sick call your vet immediately. For healthrelated questions always consult your veterinarian as they have examined your pet know the pets health history and can make the best recommendations for your pet.