Free Practitioner’s Program Training Videos

Lameness

Using soft and firm surfaces to your advantage

Some lameness can only be seen in certain circumstances so it is important to use soft and firm surfaces to your advantage when conducting a lameness exam.

Differentiating Between Equine Ataxia & Lameness

Learn how Dr. Sue Dyson differentiates low-grade ataxia and mild lameness cases at a glance.

Bilateral Forelimb Lameness in Horses: Signs & Solutions

How does bilateral forelimb lameness present in a horse? In this short video, Dr. Sue Dyson explains the signs and solutions to detect bilateral forelimb lameness.

Assessing Forelimb lameness

Here are some tips when assessing forelimb lameness such as tools for detecting a head nod, how to observe the horse as a whole, and listen to the horse’s gait.

How Good Vets Become Great: 3 Habits to Sharpen Your Equine Practice

I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count, especially in my early years of practice. Would I trust myself with my own horse? On a good day? Maybe.On a bad day? I’m…

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How to assess lameness at a walk versus a trot

Being able to distinguish aspects of lameness at a walk and a trot is essential, learn how Dr. Sue Dyson does it in this short video.

Horse Tail Tells: Hind Limb Lameness & Back Pain Explained

In this video, learn how a horse’s tail positioning can be the gateway into hind limb lameness and back pain with Dr. Sue Dyson’s expertise.

Horse Toe Drag Explained – Signs & Causes

In this video, Dr. Sue Dyson unveils the signs and causes surrounding toe drags in horses.

How to Classify Mild Lameness in Horses

Using Dr. Sue Dyson’s 0-8 grading system, learn when a horse is classified with mild lameness.

How Great Clinics Are Built: 3 Habits of High-Performing Teams

Ever wondered what makes some equine clinics thrive while others plateau? These 3 clinic-wide habits can sharpen clinical standards, improve case outcomes, and boost team retention – fast.

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Core Principles of Equine Lameness Evaluation: A Practical Framework for Clinicians

Effective lameness evaluation requires a combination of careful observation, structured examination, and an understanding of how subtle gait abnormalities present under different conditions. The videos on this page highlight practical strategies that help veterinarians refine their eye, improve diagnostic accuracy, and distinguish true lameness from neurologic or behavioural abnormalities.

  • Using Different Surfaces to Reveal Subtle Lameness
    Some gait abnormalities only become apparent on specific surfaces. Hard ground emphasises impact-related pain such as foot soreness, while soft footing can expose weaknesses in propulsion and joint flexion. Knowing when to change surfaces – and what to look for – helps clinicians identify low-grade lameness that might otherwise go undetected.
  • Distinguishing Mild Lameness From Low-Grade Ataxia
    Neurological deficits can mimic orthopedic lameness, making differentiation essential. Subtle signs such as inconsistent limb placement, delayed protraction, hind-end drift, or changes in tail carriage often provide early clues. Observing the horse through transitions, circles, and straight lines helps determine whether gait asymmetry arises from pain, proprioceptive deficits, or both.
  • Understanding Bilateral and Forelimb Lameness Patterns
    Bilateral presentations are among the most challenging to identify, as head movement may be minimal or absent. Instead, veterinarians must rely on stride length, limb loading, rhythm, and subtle changes in body posture. Developing a systematic approach to bilateral lameness ensures early recognition and avoids misdiagnosis.
  • The Importance of Watching the Walk
    Although many clinicians focus primarily on the trot, the walk reveals a wealth of diagnostic information. Changes in stride symmetry, foot flight, limb placement, or joint flexion often appear more clearly at the walk. Careful evaluation in straight lines and circles provides a fuller understanding of how the horse distributes weight and compensates for discomfort.
  • Tail Carriage as a Diagnostic Indicator
    Tail position can offer valuable insight into hindlimb discomfort and back pain. Deviations, stiffness, or guarding may indicate sacroiliac issues, lumbar pain, or uneven loading of the hindquarters. Observing the tail dynamically – not just at rest – adds an important layer to gait interpretation.
  • Recognising Toe Drag and Its Underlying Causes
    Toe drag can stem from a variety of sources including neurologic disease, stifle dysfunction, mechanical lameness or compensatory gait patterns. Identifying whether drag occurs intermittently, unilaterally, or during specific phases of stride helps narrow the differential diagnosis and guides further investigation.
  • Classifying Mild Lameness with Confidence
    Low-grade lameness can be difficult to quantify without a structured scoring system. Consistent use of numerical grading enhances communication with clients, improves record-keeping, and supports clinical decision-making – especially when monitoring progression over time. A disciplined scoring method helps ensure subtle improvements or deteriorations are accurately captured.