Orthopaedic Evaluation
Locomotion
Not every orthopaedic problem causes an obvious lameness. Poor performance, reduced willingness to work, changes in behaviour or subtle asymmetries may all be early signs of musculoskeletal pain. Our locomotion service aims to identify these problems at an early stage and provide a personalised management plan that supports both performance and long-term soundness.
Our approach combines advanced lameness diagnostics, sports medicine, biomechanics and rehabilitation to identify the true cause of the problem and develop a long-term management strategy.
Rather than treating a single joint or tendon, we evaluate the horse as a whole. Every horse has its own biomechanics, workload and athletic goals. Understanding these interactions allows us to provide recommendations that go beyond pain relief and help maximise long-term soundness.
Our service is suitable for:
- Sport horses of all disciplines
- Racehorses
- Leisure horses
- Young horses entering work
- Horses with unexplained poor performance
- Horses requiring preventive locomotion evaluation
Why choose ESMP for locomotion?
Our philosophy is based on four principles.
Accurate diagnosis
Successful treatment starts with understanding exactly where the problem originates. We combine a thorough clinical examination with diagnostic imaging and, when appropriate, diagnostic analgesia to reach the most precise diagnosis possible.
Looking beyond lameness
Many horses never become visibly lame but still show subtle signs of discomfort:
- reduced willingness to work
- difficulty performing certain movements
- asymmetrical canter
- resistance during transitions
- behavioural changes
- declining performance
These signs often reflect an underlying musculoskeletal issue that deserves investigation.
Long-term management
Our goal is not simply to reduce pain for a few weeks.
We design an individual management plan that may include medical treatment, rehabilitation, exercise modification, farriery recommendations and ongoing monitoring to support the horse’s long-term athletic career.
Prevention
Many orthopaedic conditions develop gradually.
Regular locomotion assessments allow us to identify early changes before they become career-limiting injuries, helping owners and riders adapt training, management and shoeing proactively.
Our clinical services
Is something affecting your horse's health, well-being or performance?
Looking for answers about your horse's health, well-being or performance?
Our team combines clinical expertise with advances diagnostic tools to support your horse’s health and well-being at every stage.