In addition to straight-line evaluation, horses are often assessed on the lunge during lameness examinations. Lunging the horse is also a prevalent method for owners to perform a quick lameness check at home. The circular track induces changes in movement, limb angles, and load, which can increase lameness visibility. However, given the well-documented limitations of visual assessment, the risk of misinterpretation is significant. Utilizing objective gait analysis could help bridge this diagnostic performance gap, but it is crucial to understand how to accurately interpret the objective gait analysis data collected during lunging. Compensatory patterns have been well described for straight-line evaluations. In this project, our objective is to establish evidence-based guidelines for interpreting objective gait analysis data of horses on the lunge. During 2024 and 2025 data from 800 clinical cases from multiple veterinary clinics were collected, and these are currently being analysed. In Sweden, data from Icelandic horses in particular have been collected to assess the clinical question of whether Icelandic horses compensate differently than other breeds on the lunge, and are currently undergoing further evaluation. Due to maternity leave, some aspects of the data analyses are delayed in comparison to the schedule, but is still well underway. During 2026, further cases will be collected, and data further analysed with the goal of publishing scientific articles detailing the compensatory patterns of lame horses on the lunge.
Horses are often assessed on the lunge during lameness examinations and it is a common method for owners to
perform a quick lameness check at home. The circular movement can increase lameness visibility but also adds
complexity that predisposes for misinterpretation. In this project, we aim to provide evidence-based guidelines to
interpret objective gait analysis data collected on the lunge. Specifically, to describe common compensatory patterns
and investigate if withers movement is useful to differentiate between a compensatory head nod and a true forelimb
lameness. Further, to explore if lameness severity differs with the affected limb on the inside or outside of the circle
for different diagnoses, a possible adjunct method for localizing pain. Effectively sharing this knowledge with horse
owners and trainers will improve early lameness detection. Transferring the knowledge from this project to equine
veterinarians will increase animal welfare by improved lameness diagnostics.
