Performance Issue or Pain? When Behavioural Changes and Poor Performance in the Horse Should Not Be Ignored

Apr 5
4 min read

Updated: Apr 6

Many musculoskeletal problems in horses do not begin with obvious lameness. Instead, riders often notice subtle changes or poor performance issues in their horse. The horse may feel weaker behind, less willing to sit in collected work, or resistant in transitions. Engagement may become inconsistent, movements may feel more difficult, or there may be reactivity during saddling, girthing or mounting.

Because these changes are often subtle, they are sometimes dismissed as behavioural or training issues. However, changes in behaviour and performance can also represent early indicators of musculoskeletal discomfort. Recognising when these signs warrant further investigation is an important part of protecting long-term soundness.

A structured veterinary assessment can help determine whether the issue relates to strength, coordination or pain. This typically involves a biomechanical examination, dynamic movement assessment and, when indicated, objective gait analysis and diagnostic imaging.

Changes in Behaviour as a Clinical Sign

Low grade pain can result in subtle changes in behaviour that may appear gradually over time and as such, have an insidious onset.

Common behavioural changes that may indicate pain include:

Reluctance to move forward
Resistance in transitions
Tail swishing or ear pinning during work
Difficulty maintaining contact
Increased tension or reactivity
Changes during saddling or mounting

These behaviours are sometimes labelled as “naughty” or attributed to attitude or lack of training. While behaviour can certainly reflect training challenges, it can also represent a horse’s attempt to communicate discomfort.

One of the most common things I hear from owners is that their concerns have previously been dismissed by other professionals or riders, despite them feeling that something is not quite right. For this reason, owners play an important role as advocates for their horses. If a horse consistently feels different under saddle or begins reacting in ways that are out of character, it is reasonable to investigate further rather than dismiss the behaviour outright.

Why the Cause is Not Always Obvious

Horses are highly effective at compensating for discomfort. When pain develops in one area, the body redistributes load to other structures, allowing the horse to continue working. As a result, the issue riders feel under saddle may not always reflect the primary source of discomfort.

For example, hindlimb pain may present as difficulty sitting or engaging the hindquarters, while forelimb discomfort may appear as resistance in the contact or reluctance to move forward. Secondary tension through the back can further alter posture and movement. Because these compensatory patterns are complex, distinguishing between training issues and musculoskeletal pain often requires a structured clinical approach.

How We Determine if Poor Performance in the Horse is Pain Related

When investigating performance or behavioural changes, the goal is not simply to confirm whether lameness is present, but to understand what may be driving the change.

Assessment typically involves several stages.

Biomechanical Examination: A thorough physical and biomechanical examination evaluates posture, muscle development, spinal mobility and areas of sensitivity. This provides valuable information about how the horse is using its body.
Dynamic Movement Assessment: The horse is then evaluated in motion on straight lines and circles to assess stride characteristics, symmetry and coordination.
Objective Gait Analysis: Technology such as sensor- based systems or AI-driven gait analysis can measure movement asymmetry more precisely than visual assessment alone. These systems help detect subtle changes that may otherwise be difficult to quantify.
Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: When asymmetry is identified, diagnostic nerve blocks may be used to determine whether a specific region is contributing to discomfort. By temporarily desensitising a region and reassessing movement, it becomes possible to localise the source of pain more accurately.
Diagnostic Imaging: Ultrasound or radiography may then be used to evaluate the structures involved and guide treatment or rehabilitation planning.

Why Early Investigation Matters

Investigating subtle changes early allows for a more proactive approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions before they become more significant. Early assessment enables targeted treatment and rehabilitation to be implemented before overt disease, tissue degeneration or established compensation patterns develop. This supports long-term soundness and reduces the risk of minor issues progressing into more significant lameness.

Equally, when investigation confirms that no significant pathology is present, riders and trainers can continue their training programs with greater confidence and clarity.

Unsure Whether Your Horse’s Behaviour or Performance Change Warrants Investigation?

A structured assessment can help determine whether subtle asymmetry or discomfort is present and guide the next steps in management.

FAQ's:

How can you tell if a horse’s behaviour is caused by pain?

Behavioural changes such as resistance under saddle, reluctance to move forward, or difficulty maintaining engagement may indicate discomfort. A veterinary assessment including physical examination, movement analysis and diagnostic testing can help determine whether pain is present.

What are early signs of lameness in horses?

Early signs may include reduced impulsion, difficulty collecting, resistance in transitions, uneven contact, or changes in behaviour during work.

How do veterinarians diagnose subtle lameness?

Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, movement assessment, objective gait analysis, diagnostic nerve blocks and imaging such as ultrasound or radiography.

Core Equine provides structured orthopaedic and lameness investigations for sport horses across Victoria.