What Is a Sound Horse?

The term soundness or "a sound horse" does not refer to a horse's whinny—it actually refers to the overall health of the animal. A sound horse is one that has no lameness or illness. When purchasing a horse, it is a good idea to have a veterinarian check the animal's soundness.

Determining Soundness

A sound horse is considered close to perfect. Few horses truly fit this description and if so will only be for a few years of life. This does not mean that a horse that is a little past its peak is no longer a good investment. A horse that is labeled as practically or serviceably sound is capable of regular work for the horse's class but may have some health issues It is important to understand horse classes before assessing soundness since what an owner requires from a sound racehorse will be inherently different from a field horse. 

Addressing Lameness or Illness

Lameness is one of the most common health issues for horses.2 A horse with lameness means that it has difficulty walking. There are degrees of lameness, which range from difficult to observe to a complete inability to 

 walk. While lameness can be a sign of trouble in the legs, it can also indicate issues in another part of the body. Many common horse ailments can cause lameness in horses. Severe lameness

Vets will also examine the horse for any hereditary illnesses such as cataracts or bone spavin. These types of hereditary illnesses can limit a horse's usefulness when it comes to breeding and reproduction. However, these kinds of hereditary issues may matter less to someone in need of a workhorse as opposed to a breeder. 

Checking Soundness at Home

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.