19/08/2026
We asked… What do you see in this horse’s L.H. movement pattern? 🌊💦🐴
What do we see? An inward arc of the left hind limb during swing phase of stride.
When assessing movement, we ask: Is it consistent? Asymmetrical? Does it change on land vs. in water?
We consider: clinical history, pain/discomfort, strength and asymmetry, conformation and compensatory movement.
In this horse, the subtle deviation is only visible in slow motion. He is fit, well and recently vet-assessed. He has mild pelvic asymmetry following a previous, fully healed injury.
Here we are seeing a functional postural asymmetry, influenced by reduced hindquarter strength and a tendency to become one-sided.
Notice the (excessive) water turbulence—even at < mid-level depth. He has learned to rush and pull himself forward rather than fully engage from behind, reinforcing compensatory movement patterns & potentially increasing the risk of injury.
So what do we do?
Slow it down. Maintain low–mid water height, encourage straightness and promote hindquarter engagement.
Often, the smallest adjustments create the biggest changes. 😊
Observe. Record. Review. Reassess. Adjust. 🔄
Effective rehabilitation is about responding to what the body is telling us—not simply following a rigid plan 🌊💦🐴
Marston Stud Equine Hydrotherapy and Rehab - Therapist led Equine Hydrotherapy. Follow us to keep updated.
