Anushka von Oppen

Subtle asymmetry or lameness in the horse is rarely random. It is often the earliest indicator of musculoskeletal strain, long before obvious head nodding or a clear hip hike develops. In many performance horses, the first signs of dysfunction present as a loss of impulsion, reduced engagement, resistance in transitions or an overall sense that the horse feels different under saddle. These changes can be difficult to quantify visually, even for experienced clinicians. Objective gait analysis ...

Remote gait assessments improve access to care by providing objective movement data that supports clinical decision-making across training, rehabilitation, and performance management. Used alongside in-person veterinary assessment, this approach allows structured monitoring beyond a single visit. Why is Objective Gait Monitoring Valuable Subtle asymmetries are often difficult to quantify visually, particularly when they develop gradually or present bilaterally. Objective gait assessment...

A pre-purchase examination in the horse is often described as a pass or fail assessment. In practice, it is neither. It is a structured clinical evaluation designed to describe the horse’s current musculoskeletal and general health status, and to support informed decision-making. The value of a pre-purchase examination lies not in eliminating risk, but in identifying and contextualising it. The goal is to identify findings, explain their relevance, and contextualise risk in relation to the...