Tripping or stumbling isn’t clumsiness — it’s a message. Horses trip when something feels weak, sore, unbalanced, or neurologically “off.” This guide helps you read the signs before they escalate.
Horses trip when they don’t want — or aren’t able — to load a limb correctly. It’s one of the earliest movement clues for discomfort, weakness, or imbalance.
Sometimes the horse catches a toe. Sometimes the whole limb momentarily gives. Each pattern tells a different story.
Tripping rarely starts suddenly without cause — it’s almost always a whisper before a shout.
Use this if the horse is sound, the tripping is mild, and there is no heat, swelling, or lameness.
Start with long-and-low stretching, large circles, and straight lines to unlock the back and loosen the hind-end mechanics.
Use raised poles, hill work, transitions, and slow, controlled trot sets to build stability and lift the stride.
Discomfort in the stifle, hock, suspensory, or topline often shows up as tripping. Comfort routines help stabilize the stride.
Sudden tripping usually means discomfort — stifles, hocks, suspensory, SI tension, or sore feet. It can also signal neurologic concerns if severe or inconsistent.
Not always — mild tripping can come from fatigue or footing. Persistent or one-leg tripping is often the first stage of lameness.
Deep footing stresses the suspensory, stifles, and hocks. Weak or sore horses have more trouble stabilizing and lifting the limb through deeper ground.
Avoid riding if stumbling is frequent, worsening, or paired with heat, swelling, or signs of pain. Safety first — for you and your horse.
Tripping often stems from discomfort in stifles, hocks, suspensory, or the back. Draw It Out® products support soft-tissue comfort, helping horses stabilize and lift more confidently.
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