Real Rider Resource
Horse Tripping Or Stumbling Under Saddle
Tripping isn’t clumsiness — it’s information. Horses stumble when something feels weak, unbalanced, or uncomfortable. This quick guide shows you what to look for before it becomes something bigger.
What Riders Notice First
- Toe-catching during warmup
- Frequent stumbles in deep or uneven footing
- One leg tripping more than the other
- Hind end dipping or feeling weak in a stumble
Tripping is often the first hint of hind-end soreness — long before a true limp appears.
Common Causes
- Stifle weakness or pain
- Hock stiffness
- Suspensory strain
- Back or SI tension
- Poor hoof balance or long trimming cycles
- Weak conditioning or fatigue
Quick Rider Checks
- Is the tripping mild or frequent
- Does warmup improve (or worsen) it
- Any heat, swelling, or tenderness in limbs
- Any toe-dragging or shortened stride
- Is one hind consistently the problem
How Draw It Out® Fits In
Riders support stable, confident movement with Draw It Out® 16oz Gel on stifles, hocks, and back RTU Spray over major muscles CryoSpray for cooling after hard work and MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft-tissue focus.
Want the full tripping guide Learn deeper cause breakdowns, red flags, and care routines to keep your horse safe.
