Objective lameness assessment in horses used for equine-assisted therapy in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
Authors: P. M. Taschetto, M. S. Azevedo, A. Rodrigues, Luíza Gonçalves Martini, Daniélle Fernandes Cosentino Siqueira, Andressa Schunemann Bernardes, Bruna Martins Parodes
Journal: Ciência Rural
Summary
Horses used in equine-assisted therapy programmes must maintain optimal biomechanical function to effectively transmit the therapeutic impulses through movement and saddle contact that support neurological rehabilitation in human clients, yet little is known about lameness prevalence in these working populations. Using Lameness Locator® wireless inertial sensors, researchers objectively assessed gait in 21 therapy horses across six equestrian centres in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, a methodology that provides quantifiable kinetic data rather than relying on subjective visual evaluation. Nearly 90% of the assessed horses exhibited some degree of lameness—54.2% affecting the hind limbs and 45.8% the forelimbs—with the majority classified as mild (72%). These findings have significant implications for farriers, veterinarians and therapy programme coordinators: even subclinical or mild lameness can alter the quality and consistency of the biomechanical stimulus transmitted to therapy clients, potentially compromising treatment efficacy and suggesting that regular objective gait assessment should form part of routine health monitoring for equine-assisted therapy horses. The study underscores the necessity for structured veterinary oversight and early intervention protocols to maintain both therapeutic effectiveness and equine welfare standards in this specialised working context.
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Practical Takeaways
- •All therapy horses should undergo regular objective lameness assessment with modern technology (e.g., Lameness Locator®) before therapeutic use, as 90% in this study had detectable lameness
- •Even mild lameness affects the biomechanical signals delivered to riders; select only sound or minimally lame horses for therapeutic work to maximize therapeutic benefit
- •Establish a veterinary health monitoring protocol for therapy horses including objective gait analysis, as subjective clinical assessment alone misses significant lameness
Key Findings
- •90.1% of equine-assisted therapy horses presented lameness (54.2% hind limb, 45.8% forelimb)
- •72% of lame horses had mild lameness severity
- •Objective lameness assessment using wireless inertial sensors detected lameness not apparent on subjective evaluation
- •Even subtle lameness can alter therapeutic impulses transmitted to riders during equine-assisted therapy