What Is a Sound Horse?

While a trained veterinarian is the best person to assess the soundness of a horse, there are some warning signs you may observe that tell you an educated, veterinary opinion is necessary.

Head: Asymmetry in the face muscles can indicate a dental issue as can signs of teeth grinding.3

Neck and back: Run your hands along the horse's neck and back along its spine. Check for signs of swelling or inflammation. Does the horse have a limited range of motion along its neck, turning its head or raising it up or down?

Legs: Run your hands down one leg, and then compare it to its opposite leg. If you notice any heat or swelling, those are classic signs of injury, but sensitivity to your touch is also an indicator of a problem.

Hooves: Look for cracks in the hoof wall. Hooves should land evenly, not toe first or one side before the other. Horseshoes should also wear down evenly. Use hoof testers. Reactions in certain areas may point out problems like bruising or an abscess.

While not every cause of lameness will be hereditary or untreatable, it's best to know in advance, before making an expensive purchase.  

Keeping Your Horse Sound

Keeping a horse sound can take a lot of work. That usually means a lot of your time and attention observing the horse and providing it ample care. There are several things to do to increase your chances of keeping your horse sound:

Timely foot care: You will need a regular schedule, like every four to six weeks between trims or shoeing.

Constant checkup: Do quick body checks of your horse daily. Catching something quickly usually can lead to a quicker recovery.

Maintain a healthy weight for your horse: Do not let your horse gain excess weight. The extra weight can put undue stress on the joints.

Warm up: Just like humans need to warm up before exercise or running to prevent muscle sprains or strains, so do horses.

Turn out your horse: In general, horses living outside in the fresh air with room to move are healthier.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.