Understanding Gait Faults in Horses: A Practical, In‑Depth Guide
- Horse Education Online
- Jul 23
- 12 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Scope: What This Guide Covers—and What It Doesn’t
This guide addresses mechanical irregularities in the way a sound horse moves—the little quirks you may notice in hoof flight, limb tracking, or timing that don’t necessarily stem from obvious pain. Horses that are lame (altering gait because something hurts) must be evaluated by a veterinarian before you analyze or attempt to manage gait faults. Pain changes everything: a horse will alter breakover, shorten stride, lean, or land unevenly simply to avoid discomfort. Always rule out lameness first.
Why Gait Quality Matters
Even minor irregularities can, over time, produce unequal stresses on joints, tendons, ligaments, and hooves. Uneven loading may predispose to interference injuries (when one limb strikes another), excess concussion, premature fatigue, or performance limitations. Good movement is not just about show‑ring scores; it is about comfort, longevity, and safety for both horse and rider.
Conformation + Horsemanship = Movement
Most gait faults trace back —at least in part— to conformation, the horse’s underlying skeletal and soft‑tissue structure. Very few horses are built perfectly. Mild deviations are common and usually manageable; severe ones can channel forces in ways that make straight, efficient movement difficult.
Yet conformation is only half the equation. How we manage, ride, feed, condition, and trim our horses strongly influences how those structural traits play out in motion. Skillful riding can help a horse carry itself better; poor balance or an ill‑fitting saddle can magnify unevenness. Thoughtful conditioning develops the musculature needed to support less‑than‑ideal angles. In short: you can’t change the bones, but you can often improve how the horse uses them.
Recommended materials to deepen your understanding of equine conformation:
Certification Program: Equine Conformation Certification
Study Materials: Conformation Flashcards
Key Movement Terms—Plain‑Language Definitions
Understanding a few pieces of movement jargon will help you communicate with veterinarians, hoof‑care professionals, and trainers.
The breakover phase begins the instant the heel starts to lift and ends when the toe leaves the ground. Imagine rolling a rocking chair forward: the hoof loads, the body passes over it, the heels lift, and then the toe “rolls” off. Where and how quickly breakover occurs affects effort, stride timing, and stress on the deep digital flexor tendon and other internal structures. Long toes delay breakover; appropriately short, well‑aligned toes ease it.
Read our in-depth guide on breakover here.
Footfall
Footfall is simply the moment the hoof first meets the ground. Ideally the hoof lands heel first, in line with the horse’s direction of travel. Some horses will land flat, this is not an issue. Landing toe-first is always considered indicative of palmar heel pain (pain in the back of the hoof). Uneven hoof balance, conformational deviations, or pain can cause a heel‑first, toe‑first, inside‑first, or outside‑first landing pattern, altering concussion pathways up the limb.
Arc of Flight
The arc of flight is the path the hoof takes through the air between breakover and the next footfall: its height, shape, and inward‑ or outward‑swing. Conformation, muscular development, rider influence, hoof balance, and speed all shape this arc. Watching the arc helps you recognize faults such as paddling, winging in, or plaiting.
Observing Your Horse’s Gait: A Step‑by‑Step Owner Checklist
You don’t need fancy lab equipment to gather meaningful information. Consistent, methodical observation is your most powerful tool.
Safety First
Have a knowledgeable handler lead the horse in a well‑fitting halter with a lead rope. Wear gloves and closed‑toe shoes. Choose a firm, level, nonslip surface long enough for at least 30–40 strides.
Surfaces & Directions
Observe at walk and trot (and canter or ridden work if requested by your veterinarian) in:
A straight line away from and toward you.
From the side (ask someone to lead while you watch).
On a large circle in both directions on firm footing; repeat on a softer arena surface if available.
Video each pass on your phone in slow motion if possible. Capture close‑ups of limbs and full‑body views.
What to Watch
Symmetry: Are left/right strides equal in length and timing?
Tracking: Do hind feet land in (or near) the prints of the front feet on the same side?
Flight Path: Does each hoof travel straight, swing out (paddle), swing in (wing), or cross over (plait)?
Landing: Heel‑first, flat, or toe‑first? Inside or outside edge striking first?
Interference: Evidence of brushing marks, nicks, or shoe strikes on opposite limbs?
Head & Neck (under saddle or in hand): Nodding, bracing, abnormal carriage?
Back & Hip Motion: Level pelvis? Hip hike? Excess swing?
Rhythm & Regularity: Four clear beats at walk; two even diagonal beats at trot; three distinct beats at canter.
Record your impressions in a notebook or app so you can track changes over time and share consistent information with your care team.
When Is a Gait Fault a Problem?
Not every irregularity warrants intervention. Many horses move a little wide, narrow, or crooked and remain comfortable for years. Consider action when:
Self‑injury occurs (cuts, scalps, grabbed heels, overreach wounds, splints from interference).
Performance declines (reluctance to go forward, shortened stride, repeated knocking of rails, stumbling under saddle).
Abnormal wear shows up on hooves, shoes, or bell boots. A slightly uneven wear is not abnormal.
The fault worsens with work or fatigue.
You suspect pain (head bobbing, heat, swelling, sensitivity to touch, behavior change).
When in doubt, collect video and consult your veterinarian or farrier; early guidance can prevent small mechanical issues from becoming injuries.
Common Front‑Limb Gait Faults
Below are patterns owners frequently notice in front limbs. Because terminology varies, the same pattern may have more than one common name. Read our in-depth series of articles on gait faults, and get our Gait Faults Study Flashcards to deepen your knowledge.
Paddling (Winging Out / Dishing)
The hoof swings outward in a half‑circle before landing, like a paddle stroke. Often associated with horses that are toed‑in (feet point inward) or base‑narrow in front. Usually more of a cosmetic issue unless extreme; may slightly increase concussion on the outside limb structures. Monitor for uneven hoof wear.
Winging In
Opposite of paddling: the hoof swings inward toward the midline. Common in toed‑out or base‑wide horses.
Risk: the hoof or shoe may strike the opposite limb, leading to brushing injuries (skin scuffs) or cannon interference higher up.
An inside hoof grazes or knocks the opposite leg: pastern, fetlock, or cannon bone. Repeated trauma can lead to skin wounds or splints. Protective boots, careful hoof balance, conditioning for straightness, and rider straightness help reduce risk.
At the trot, the toe of a hind hoof hits the bottom of the front hoof or shoe on the same side, making an audible “click.” Often seen in horses with a short front stride/long hind stride, fatigue, or when front toes are long and slow to leave the ground. Can remove front shoes or bruise heels if severe. Read our in-depth forging guide here.
Overreaching / Grabbing
A hind hoof strikes the heel bulbs or grabs the shoe off the front foot. Common in young, energetic, or long‑striding horses; also when footing is deep or horse is traveling downhill. Bell boots are widely used to protect against grabs while you address underlying timing or hoof balance.
Common Hind‑Limb Gait Faults
Crossfiring
Seen especially in pacers and some gaited horses: a hind hoof strikes the opposite front limb (diagonally). May relate to speed, stride length, or lack of coordination in lateral gaits.
Scalping
The toe of a front hoof hits the coronary band of the hind hoof as the hind limb is breaking over. Distinct from forging (hind strikes front); here the front strikes hind.
Speedy‑Cutting
A hind hoof hits the inside of the opposite hind limb, high—above the fetlock. Fast work and conformational narrowness contribute. Protective hind boots are advisable when schooling.
Running Down (Fetlock Burn)
At high speed, the back of the fetlock contacts the ground and becomes abraded. Racing and sliding disciplines see this; skid boots or run‑down bandages protect skin while training addresses underlying mechanics.
Less Obvious Patterns Owners Notice
Plaiting: Horse places each hoof in front of the other along an imaginary tightrope; common in narrow‑chested horses, can predispose to stumbling.
Rotational Flight: Hoof rotates outward or inward as it leaves the ground; sometimes linked to joint deviations higher up (e.g., carpal valgus/varus).
Toe Dragging / Scuffing: Front or hind toes drag, leaving skid marks; can reflect fatigue, neurologic issues, poor engagement, or long toes.
Frequent Stumbling: May indicate poor proprioception, long toes/low heels, fatigue, uneven footing, or discomfort in the back, shoulders, or neck.
Twisting: Usually only seen in the hind limb. Prior to breakover, the hoof will twist in or out. This can be caused by unbalanced feet, hock problems, or stifle problems. Some horses have a "twisty" hock, and this is the way they naturally travel.
Factors That Influence Gait Faults
Conformation Details
Base‑wide vs. base‑narrow steers the limb swing arcs.
Toe‑in / Toe‑out orientation redirects breakover line and arc.
Long or short backs influence timing; short‑backed horses may forge more easily.
Shoulder and pastern angles affect stride length and concussion.
Neck and head carriage shift balance front to back and side to side.
Hoof Balance & Trim Interval
Hooves grow continuously. Long toes, underrun heels, or medial‑lateral imbalances can exaggerate gait faults by delaying breakover or tipping the hoof. Regular, skilled trimming (barefoot or shod) tailored to the individual horse is essential.
Conditioning & Fatigue
Unfit horses tire quickly; fatigued muscles no longer guide limbs accurately, increasing stumbling, forging, and interference. Progressive conditioning improves neuromuscular control and stride consistency.
Rider Balance & Skill
An unbalanced rider who tips, collapses a hip, or rides with uneven contact can displace the horse’s center of mass and alter limb loading patterns. Improving rider symmetry often improves the horse’s straightness.
Saddle Fit
A saddle that pinches or bridges can make the horse hollow its back, shorten stride, stumble, or travel “inverted,” all of which can worsen gait faults. Dynamic fit (in motion) matters as much as static fit on the rack.
Footing & Environment
Deep, sticky, or uneven footing changes limb timing and increases interference risk. Slippery or rutted ground invites missteps. Horses kept in small pens without room to move may lack coordination.
Speed
Many gait deviations become more pronounced —or only appear— at faster gaits. Interference that is minimal at the walk may become obvious at the trot or lope. Conversely, some corrections (e.g., training for straightness) only “engage” when the horse is moving with enough impulsion to organize its limbs.
Working With Your Care Team
Gait management is a team sport. Your veterinarian, hoof‑care professional, trainer/instructor, bodyworker, and saddle fitter each see different pieces of the puzzle.
What to Share
Clear description of what you see/feel.
When it occurs (specific gait, lead, footing, speed, rider).
Recent changes (trim/shoeing date, new saddle, increase in work, turnout change, weight gain/loss).
Video clips.
What Professionals May Do
Full lameness exam to rule out pain.
Conformation & hoof balance assessment.
Saddle fit evaluation (static & dynamic).
Movement analysis (slow‑motion video, inertial sensor systems, force plates, pressure mats).
Training program adjustments & conditioning plans.
Trimming and Shoeing Protocols
A little history helps set expectations
Many of the dramatic, highly mechanical shoeing "corrections" you may see in old texts were developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when horses powered transportation, agriculture, and industry. Longevity sometimes took a back seat to getting a hard‑working horse down the road today, and aggressive packages that might compromise long‑term hoof health were considered acceptable tradeoffs for immediate utility.
Why speed mattered then—and matters to results
Most historical corrective shoes were intended to influence limb flight at gaits faster than a quiet walk. As a hoof bears weight and seeks traction, added mass, leverage arms (extensions, trailers), or traction devices exert greater mechanical influence the quicker the limb is cycling. At slower speeds the forces are smaller, so dramatic shoe designs often yield minimal visible change—and may simply add unnecessary stress. Modern research and professional guidance show that shoe configuration, breakover placement, and traction devices do measurably alter forces and timing under specific conditions; however, these effects scale with gait speed and footing. Use the least severe intervention that achieves the job, and be cautious of over‑traction, which can create secondary lameness.
Today’s reality: most pleasure horses live slow
Companion, trail, and light‑use horses spend the majority of their time at the walk and only brief periods trotting or faster. For these horses, extreme historical corrective methods are seldom warranted. Trimming and shoeing can enhance good movement or moderate a problem, but they cannot re‑engineer a horse’s basic conformation. Regular trim/shoeing intervals (often 5–8 weeks, adjusted for growth, work, and season) help prevent long toes, underrun heels, and imbalance that exaggerate gait faults. Discuss realistic goals with your hoof‑care professional and reassess each cycle; small, progressive changes are safer and more sustainable than drastic one‑time "fixes."
What to expect from a skilled hoof‑care professional
Your farrier or trimmer will evaluate conformation, hoof wear, and how your horse actually moves in its typical workload. They may adjust breakover (rolled, rockered, squared toes), alter ground surface width, or use mild extensions or traction only when they provide a clear benefit relative to risk. Ask: What change are we trying to encourage? At what gait will we see it? How will we monitor success between visits? Video before/after each cycle to track results objectively. Evidence‑informed farriery emphasizes incremental adjustments, data sharing among your care team, and choosing the least‑invasive option that supports sound, confident movement.
Protective Leg Gear: When and What to Use
Leg protection does not fix a gait fault, but it can prevent injury while you work on underlying causes.
Problem Pattern | Typical Risk Area | Common Protective Options | Owner Tips |
Brushing/winging in | Inside pastern/fetlock/cannon | Brushing (splint) boots, polo wraps | Ensure correct size; clean debris that could rub. |
Overreaching/grabbing heels | Heel bulbs, back of front feet/shoes | Bell (overreach) boots | Fit so rim just clears ground; check for rubs. |
Speedy‑cutting / high interference | Inside upper hind cannon | Hind brushing / sports medicine boots | Use during schooling; monitor heat buildup. |
Running down / sliding | Back of fetlocks | Skid boots, run‑down bandages | Required in sliding disciplines; keep snug but not constricting. |
Transport scrambling | Entire lower limb | Shipping boots or standing wraps | Learn correct wrapping technique to avoid pressure points. |
Managing Specific Faults: Practical Strategies
Important: Mechanical adjustments (hoof trimming, therapeutic shoes, physical therapy exercises) should be planned with professional guidance tailored to your horse. All gait faults are exacerbated by hoof length: shortening the hoof care cycle will be necessary in all attempts at correction.
For Paddling / Winging
Maintain regular trim intervals to minimize flare or imbalance that exaggerates swing.
School straight lines and correct bend; use ground poles to promote even tracking.
Strengthen core & topline so the horse carries weight evenly.
For Brushing / Interfering
Use brushing boots during work.
Evaluate if the horse is traveling crooked (rider alignment, saddle slip).
Check hoof symmetry; uneven medial‑lateral wear can push the hoof toward the opposite limb.
For Forging / Overreaching
Ensure timely front breakover (avoid overly long toes).
Build front end strength & engagement; use transitions to rebalance.
Consider bell boots until timing improves.
Avoid working when horse is overtired—fatigue lengthens hind stride relative to front.
For Stumbling / Toe Drag
Rule out lameness, neurologic issues, and saddle pain.
Shorten long toes; improve fitness.
Ride with horse in an appropriate frame; a hollow, unengaged posture predisposes to tripping.
School over varied but safe terrain to sharpen proprioception.
Tracking Progress
Create a movement log:
Date of observations.
Trim/shoeing dates.
Workload changes.
Surfaces worked.
Noted gait changes (better/worse/unchanged).
Any injuries (photos).
Periodic slow‑motion rechecks (monthly or at each farrier visit) help you see trends you might otherwise miss.
Special Considerations for Gaited Breeds
Gaited horses (Tennessee Walking Horse, Missouri Fox Trotter, Paso Fino, Icelandic, Rocky Mountain, many Morgans, and others) naturally perform additional “ambling” gaits—running walk, rack, fox trot, tolt, paso corto/largo, stepping pace, etc. These gaits differ in beat sequence, timing, and degree of suspension, which changes both what “normal” looks like and how faults present.
Owner Tips:
Learn the expected footfall pattern for your breed so you can recognize deviations.
Overstride (hind foot landing ahead of front track) is desirable in some gaits but increases the chance of overreaching if hooves are long or the horse is fatigued.
Transitions between gaits are prime times for interference; use protective boots when schooling green or pacey horses.
Because some ambling gaits are lateral, inside‑to‑inside brushing (hind to front on same side) or crossfiring (hind to opposite front) may appear in ways unfamiliar to riders used to the trot.
Video from the side in slow motion; count the beats—smooth does not always equal correct.
Work with trainers experienced in your specific gaited breed; subtle timing adjustments in rein and seat can markedly influence gait clarity and reduce interference risk.
Myths & Realities
Myth: “A special shoe can permanently fix my horse’s crooked gait.”
Reality: Shoeing and trimming can influence breakover timing and support, but they cannot re‑engineer bone alignment. Expect improvement, not perfection.
Myth: “Every odd step must be corrected.”
Reality: Many harmless quirks cause no pain or injury. Intervene when the horse is hurting itself, performance suffers, or the fault is worsening.
Myth: “Boots replace good hoof care.”
Reality: Boots protect skin; they don’t change mechanics.
Red‑Flag Signs: Call Your Veterinarian Promptly If…
Sudden, marked change in gait.
Reluctance to bear weight on any limb.
Heat, swelling, or digital pulse increase in a foot.
Repeated stumbling that escalates.
Neurologic signs (ataxia, crossing limbs, dragging toes severely).
Persistent interference wounds that do not heal.
Putting It All Together
Observe methodically; document with video.
Rule out pain with veterinary input.
Assess conformation & hoof balance with your care team.
Support mechanically (timely trims, appropriate terrain, correct tack).
Condition thoughtfully to build strength and coordination.
Protect as needed (boots, wraps) while underlying issues are addressed.
Reassess regularly—horses change with age, workload, and season.
Quick Reference: Glossary
Arc of Flight – Hoof’s path through the air between push‑off and next landing.
Base‑Wide / Base‑Narrow – Distance between left and right limbs when viewed from front or behind.
Breakover – From heel lift to toe‑off.
Brushing – Inside hoof strikes opposite leg at or below fetlock.
Forging – Hind toe hits the underside or shoe of front hoof on same side at trot.
Overreaching / Grabbing – Hind toe hits front heel bulbs (may pull shoe).
Paddling (Dishing) – Hoof swings outward before landing.
Plaiting – Hooves land on/near a single centerline, crossing over.
Speedy‑Cutting – Hind hoof strikes opposite hind limb above fetlock.
Toe Drag – Hoof scuffs ground before lift; may leave track marks.
Winging In – Hoof arcs inward toward midline before landing.
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