What to Do if Your Horse is Lame?
Updated: June 2026 · Rincón del Valle Team
What should I do if my horse is lame?
If your horse is lame, the first steps are: stop riding and let it rest; identify which leg is affected; check the hoof (it could be a stone, a puncture, or a shoeing issue); provide controlled walking on a soft surface; and if the lameness persists for more than 24-48 hours or is severe from the start, contact your veterinarian immediately.
First step: do not ride
At any sign of suspected lameness, stop riding. Continuing may worsen the injury.
Identify the leg
Walk the horse on a lead rope on a hard surface. Observe which leg it favors or shows an abnormality.
Check the hoof
Clean and examine the hooves. A stone or puncture could be the cause.
Veterinarian
If the lameness persists, is severe, or there is swelling, heat, or a visible wound, contact them immediately.
