Why Does a Horse Rest a Hind Leg?

A vet and horse behavior expert shares how to distinguish between normal hind-leg resting behavior and lameness.
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Why Does a Horse Rest a Hind Leg?
Resting a hind leg—that is, with one hind leg slightly flexed and the hoof not fully on the ground—is a common resting posture in normal, sound horses. | Photo: Photos.com
Q: My horse always rests his hind leg. Some horse friends say that this means a horse is relaxed. Others have mentioned that this could be indicative of lameness. Can you provide me with some insight as to how to identify if this is a normal behavior or an early sign of lameness?

—Mariah, via e-mail

A: Resting a hind leg—that is, with one hind leg slightly flexed and the hoof not fully on the ground—is a common resting posture in normal, sound horses. Most of the time when we see this, we don’t think twice. But if you have concerns that it might be a sign of lameness, here are some things you can consider.

It’s tempting to say look at his demeanor about his face: Does he look drowsy and relaxed, alert, or anxious? But I don’t think that’s going to distinguish anything for you, because horses can look relaxed while a little lame, and alert while resting a leg

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Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Nancy Diehl completed a master’s degree in animal science while studying stallion sexual behavior. Later, she completed a residency in large animal internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center and worked in equine practices in Missouri and Pennsylvania. Diehl also spent six years on faculty at Penn State, where she taught equine science and behavior courses and advised graduate students completing equine behavior research. Additionally, Diehl has co-authored scientific papers on stallion behavior, early intensive handling of foals, and feral horse contraception. Currently she is a practicing veterinarian in central Pennsylvania.

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