Gait Faults: Paddling, or Winging-Out

Paddling, also known as winging out, is a gait deviation in horses where the hoof swings outward in an exaggerated arc during the swing phase of the stride. This movement occurs after breakover, the moment when the horse’s heel lifts off the ground and the toe is about to leave the surface.

Although often described as a fault in many performance disciplines, paddling may be a conformational trait and, in some cases, a breed-specific characteristic that does not compromise soundness or performance.

If you are unfamiliar with gait faults, make sure you read our foundational knowledge article on the topic - Understanding Gait Faults in Horses: A Practical, In-Depth Guide.

Defining the Gait Fault

What is Paddling?

• Paddling (Winging Out): A motion abnormality where the front foot travels outward in a semicircular path instead of moving straight forward during the stride.

• Phase Affected: This occurs after breakover, during the swing phase of the stride.

• Direction: Unlike "winging in" (where the foot moves inward and may cause interference), paddling directs the foot outward.

This type of movement is often observed most clearly from the front of the horse as it moves.

Causes of Paddling

1. Conformation

Conformation is the primary contributor to paddling, specifically:

• Toed-in Horses: This refers to horses whose toes point inward while standing naturally. As a result of this inward orientation, the arc of the stride naturally swings outward, causing the characteristic paddling motion.

• Base-wide Stance: Horses whose forelegs are set wider apart than normal may also paddle. This positioning alters the straightness of limb motion, redirecting it outward.

  
  

These conformational predispositions are usually hereditary and largely unchangeable through training or hoof trimming.

To learn more about how conformation influences movement, and how particular conformation faults may lead to faults of gait, take our Equine Conformation Certification program, or download our Equine Conformation Study Flashcards.

2. Breed Characteristics

Certain breeds have paddling incorporated into their natural gait:

• Paso Fino

• Peruvian Paso

  
  

  

  Peruvian Paso Horses

In these breeds, paddling is not considered a fault but rather a part of the desired breed-specific movement. Their unique limb mechanics enhance the animation and rhythm of their gaits and are a product of selective breeding, not structural flaw.

Impact and Significance

How Paddling Influences Performance

While paddling does not typically cause lameness or injury, it can have indirect effects in certain scenarios:

• Energy Efficiency: Horses that paddle may expend slightly more energy per stride because the hoof travels in a longer arc. Over long distances, this can reduce stamina compared to a horse with a straighter action.

• Training Challenges: In high-precision disciplines—such as dressage or hunters—paddling can make a horse look less straight, affecting scores even if the horse is completely sound.

• Rider Perception: Some riders misinterpret paddling as a sign of weakness or unsoundness, which can lower a horse’s market value despite no real health risk.

When to Monitor Closely

Although paddling is generally harmless, it’s important to track changes over time. If a horse that previously moved straight begins paddling more:

• It may signal shoulder or hoof pain shifting how the horse loads the limb.

• Hoof imbalances or changes in breakover timing (from improper trimming) can exaggerate the arc.

• Sudden gait changes should always prompt a veterinary or farrier assessment.

Routine tracking of heart rate, temperature, and respiration can help detect subtle health issues early. Use our guide to The Horse’s Vital Signs for baseline reference values.

Comparing to Other Gait Faults

Unlike winging in (interfering), paddling rarely results in limb contact or injury. However, paddling is more visually noticeable from the front, which is why it draws attention in show disciplines even though it is biomechanically low-risk.

Gait Fault	Limb Path	Injury Risk	Show Ring Penalty
Paddling (winging out)	Outward	Low	Moderate (aesthetic)
Winging in (interfering)	Inward	High	High
Plaiting	Narrow crossover	Moderate	High

Key Takeaway

For most horses, paddling is an appearance issue, not a welfare issue. Management should focus on hoof balance, conditioning, and joint comfort, not on “correcting” the gait. Owners can instead track their horse’s overall performance, weight, and soundness—areas that truly reflect health.

For a deeper understanding of how conformation influences movement, our Equine Conformation Certification offers detailed lessons and diagrams to help identify gait tendencies early.

Management Recommendations

Should Paddling Be Corrected?

Generally, no correction is necessary. Because paddling is caused by conformational traits like toed-in stance or base-wide forelimbs, it cannot be fixed through trimming, shoeing, or training. Attempts to force a straight limb path often create new stresses on joints and soft tissue.

Example: A farrier who aggressively rasps the medial wall to “straighten” a toed-in foot may shift weight unnaturally to the outside, increasing strain on the fetlock and pastern joints.

Best Practices for Managing a Horse That Paddles

Focus Area	Practical Tips	Why It Helps
Balanced Hoof Care	Keep the hoof level and maintain correct breakover timing. Avoid extreme trimming to “correct” conformation.	Supports natural limb motion without adding strain.
Conditioning & Symmetry	Include hill work, cavalletti, and pole exercises to build even strength in forelimbs and shoulders.	Strengthens supportive muscles and improves straightness of stride without forcing joint angles.
Appropriate Surfaces	Work on flat, consistent footing. Avoid deep or uneven terrain.	Uneven ground exaggerates limb swing and increases fatigue.
Farrier & Vet Collaboration	Schedule regular hoof balance checks and annual soundness exams.	Ensures paddling isn’t combined with other gait faults like winging in or interfering.

Situations Where Extra Care Helps

• Show Horses: While paddling won’t harm the horse, it can affect scores in hunter and dressage disciplines. Good conditioning, balanced shoeing, and proper rider position can make the gait appear more controlled.

• Older Horses: Age-related arthritis can alter stride mechanics, exaggerating paddling. Routine dental care (Horse Teeth and Floating Guide) and correct nutrition (Equine Nutrition Basics) ensure overall comfort.

When to Seek Professional Input

If paddling worsens suddenly or appears in a previously straight-moving horse, consult a veterinarian. Sudden gait changes may indicate:

• Joint pain (fetlock, knee, or shoulder)

• Muscle asymmetry due to injury or poor conditioning

• Neurological conditions affecting limb coordination

Pro Tip: For horse owners wanting to understand limb mechanics in depth, our Equine Conformation Certification provides a structured approach to evaluating gait faults and their root causes.

Professional Insights

• Dr. Hilary Clayton, a leading equine biomechanics expert, notes that paddling rarely compromises soundness but may impact appearance in show rings where movement precision is judged.

• According to The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care, conformation faults like toed-in stance are often best accepted rather than forcefully altered through corrective shoeing.

  
  

For access to all our equine care guides, videos, and certification courses, explore our Horse Education Online Memberships.

Conclusion

Paddling, or winging out, is a common gait characteristic most frequently caused by toed-in conformation. It is primarily cosmetic, rarely leads to injury, and should not be aggressively corrected. In some horse breeds, it is even a desirable trait.

For horse owners, farriers, and trainers, the key is to understand the anatomical root of paddling and avoid unnecessary interventions. Observing the horse’s comfort and performance is more important than striving for idealized limb motion.

FAQ About Gait Faults: Paddling

1. Can paddling in horses get worse over time?

Mild paddling caused by conformation typically stays the same throughout the horse’s life. However, arthritis, muscle imbalance, or improper hoof care can exaggerate the motion as the horse ages. Regular hoof balance checks and conditioning can help maintain a consistent gait.

2. Does paddling affect jumping ability?

Paddling itself does not reduce a horse’s jumping ability. However, extreme toe-in conformation (the main cause of paddling) can sometimes predispose to uneven landing forces on the limbs. A vet or farrier can evaluate whether any special shoeing considerations are needed for a jumping horse.

3. Is paddling linked to lameness in the shoulders or knees?

No, paddling alone is not a sign of lameness. But if paddling worsens suddenly or is paired with heat, swelling, or uneven stride rhythm, it could indicate pain in the shoulder, elbow, or knee. In such cases, a veterinary exam is warranted. If paddling worsens or appears suddenly, it may be an early sign of discomfort. Check our Comprehensive Guide to Equine Lameness to understand how to investigate potential underlying causes.

4. Can young horses grow out of paddling?

Horses may appear to paddle more during growth spurts due to temporary changes in limb alignment. Some young horses improve slightly as they mature and develop muscle, but conformational paddling usually remains for life.

5. What kind of exercise helps a horse that paddles?

Focus on symmetrical strengthening exercises like hill work, pole work, and straight-line riding on even ground. Avoid deep or uneven footing that could exaggerate the outward swing. Balanced conditioning supports better limb control without forcing a change in gait.

6. Should horses that paddle wear protective boots?

Most horses that paddle do not require boots, since the limb swings outward and does not strike the opposite leg. Boots may be used for extra protection in disciplines with high-speed turns or uneven terrain, but they are generally unnecessary.

Self-Assessment Quiz

Multiple Choice

1. What is paddling in horses?

A. A lateral gait in gaited breeds

B. When the hoof arcs outward during the swing phase

C. When the horse's hind leg strikes the opposite leg

D. A sign of severe lameness in the forelimbs

2. When does paddling occur during the horse's stride?

A. At the moment of hoof impact

B. During breakover

C. After breakover, during the swing phase

D. Just before the horse lifts its hoof

3. Which conformational trait most commonly causes paddling?

A. Toed-out conformation

B. Cow-hocked conformation

C. Toed-in conformation

D. Base-narrow stance

4. Which of the following breeds is known to paddle as part of its natural gait?

A. Thoroughbred

B. Arabian

C. Paso Fino

D. Standardbred

5. What is the primary reason paddling should not be corrected?

A. It always results in lameness

B. It is caused by improper training

C. It is a cosmetic issue with no health impact

D. It is easily fixed with corrective trimming

True or False

6. ____ Paddling often causes interference injuries in horses.

7. ____ Base-wide horses may sometimes exhibit paddling.

8. ____ Winging in and paddling are two terms for the same gait fault.

9. ____ Farriers should always try to correct paddling through shoeing adjustments.

10. ____ Paddling is not considered a fault in Paso Finos or Peruvian Pasos.

Short Answer

11. Define paddling (winging out) in your own words.

12. Explain why paddling is typically not corrected in most horses.

13. Compare paddling and winging in, and describe one major difference between them.

14. How can you best observe paddling in a horse during movement?

15. What advice would you give to a client who is concerned that their horse paddles?

Answer Key

Multiple Choice

1. B – When the hoof arcs outward during the swing phase

2. C – After breakover, during the swing phase

3. C – Toed-in conformation

4. C – Paso Fino

5. C – It is a cosmetic issue with no health impact

   
   

True or False

6. False – Paddling usually does not cause interference

7. True – Base-wide conformation can sometimes lead to paddling

8. False – Winging in is the opposite of paddling

9. False – Corrections are discouraged unless other issues are present

10. True – These breeds are selectively bred for this trait

    
    

Short Answer (Sample Responses)

11. Paddling is a gait deviation in which a horse’s front foot swings outward in an arc during the swing phase of the stride.

12. Because paddling is usually caused by conformation and not associated with pain or interference, attempts to correct it are unnecessary and can cause more harm.

13. Paddling is an outward swing (winging out), typically seen in toed-in horses, while winging in is an inward swing seen in toed-out horses and may lead to limb interference.

14. Stand in front of the horse as it trots straight toward you; watch for an outward arc of the forelegs.

15. Reassure the client that paddling is generally harmless and not something that needs correction unless it causes other issues. Emphasize the importance of balanced trimming, not alteration.