Horse Lameness Patterns
Understanding lameness patterns is highly useful as they are predictable and inform us how they were created and how to clear them. Clearing lameness patterns is critical to performance and overall vitality.
Racing Thoroughbred Patterns
If they were in training to race, almost every Thoroughbred will have this pattern and it will be severely in place years later unless dealt with. The lameness is centered at the left pectoral area and the restriction is focused from there. When you pick up the left leg forward, the range of motion can be normal, but when you assist the horse to move his leg rearward, you’ll find a severely shortened posterior stride. So, every time the left leg heel plants, the stride is short, and the weight must transfer to the right leg quickly. This is clear especially at the trot where the rider feels a jerky uneven trot as most of the force must be taken by the right leg. This posterior stride issue is common in all horses and sets up the opposing leg for suspensory/bone failures. However, in raced trained Thoroughbreds the pattern goes deeper. Significant spasms/inflammation are found into the left lung, (see previous lung post), left ventricle cardiac inflammation, left diaphragm which creates bleeding issues, and automatically creates left gastric stomach ulcers, and T12 impingent. So, these horses will be vulnerable to right leg overstrain, bleeding, hind gut metabolic disturbances, entire left thoracic spasm, lymphatic blockages, and an inability to lift through the back. I believe that this lameness is caused by repeated traumas to the left pectoral from hitting the starting gate, left lead with emotion, and ponying the horse turned left. This pattern can be almost fully resolved in one or two osteo sessions if the Osteopathic Practitioner can reset the esophageal hiatus- most cannot. It is obvious that clearing this changes the game in performance and longevity.
Polo Pony Patterns
Polo horse patterns can be diverse but the main issue that always stands out is a severely impinged right lung. It is caused by rider weight on right side swinging the mallet. This lung issue will need a vascular reset to resolve but is straightforward and fully clearable. Polo horses will have right foreleg overstrain issues, much like a header roping horse does. These issues I feel are like PT or Physical Therapy, where they need a little deeper work to keep them performing at their best and prevent serious injuries.
Mustang Patterns
Mustang patterns are seen in most mustangs who were caught and gathered and not in those born in domestication. Their focal issue is the right foreleg usually pectoral (short posterior stride) right lung, scapula, and right diaphragm with right gastric ulceration. These issues don’t seem to ever be resolved without intervention.
I treated this pattern on many mustangs for years without really knowing the cause until I went to observe the BLM folks helicopter gathering a wild herd in my home state of Nevada. Then it became deafeningly apparent-literally. The catch pen, made of bull panels, will have a huge number of frightened and exhausted mustangs running in and around. The layout and method of moving these mustangs is to the left or counterclockwise in the pen. This causes mustang after mustang to slam their right leg into the steel panel. The sound of this is indeed deafening.
Looking at the range of motion of the front legs is a great way to assess forehand issues, combined with soft intentional stretching and a few acupoints- one can have a good impact on developing lameness’s. However, if the issue has become deep-literally- then more professional treatment is needed and no amount of supplements, medications will clear it.