July 2009

Flexion Tests For Horses

Flexion tests are a standard part of lameness exams, but you’ll need practice to do it.

A flexion test is when a part of the horse’s body is held in a flexed position for a period of time, then the horse immediately jogged/trotted off in hand to see if the test causes any obvious discomfort or worsening of lameness. With a positive test, the first few steps when the horse jogs off will show an obvious lameness including things like short striding and head bobs. If a hind leg, the horse may "hop" when jogged off. …