Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Bobbing Head when Trotting or at Gait
Summary
Head bobbing at the trot is a classic sign of lameness. Head bobbing is more noticeable in forelimb lameness but is also seen in many hind limb lameness conditions (although it tends to be inconsistent).
Some sound gaited horses bob their head normally when they are at their classic gait. Without experience, it can be difficult to determine from a head bob whether these horses are lame or not.
Some sound gaited horses bob their head normally when they are at their classic gait. Without experience, it can be difficult to determine from a head bob whether these horses are lame or not.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If lameness is noticeable at the walk.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If this seems mild or occasional and the horse seems normal otherwise.
your role
What To Do
If you notice a head bob at the trot, suspect lameness. Start by checking the limbs for swelling, heat or soreness. Always check the lower limbs for digital pulse.Watch the horse trot on a straight line, as well as in circles to each direction. If you think this might be lameness, call your vet and discuss your findings and concerns. Keep in mind that most lameness originates in the lower limb.
Take a video of the problem and send it to your vet. In most cases, the best you can do for your horse is to have the problem evaluated promptly by a vet. For most lameness conditions, early diagnosis and treatment yields the best prognosis.
What Not To Do
The horse should not be ridden until a diagnosis is reached and the lameness is resolved or managed.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet performs a lameness exam to determine the cause of the lameness or gait abnormality.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is head bobbing worse on the straight, or when turning one direction or another?
- When did you first notice this?
- Is the lameness noticeable to you at the walk?
- Do you notice swelling, heat or injury in any of the limbs?
- What are you seeing specifically?
- Does this horse have a history of lameness?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Very Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health