Stringhalt in Horses: Neurological Welfare Challenges

Stringhalt causes involuntary, exaggerated hind limb flexion in horses. Understanding its causes and management helps horse owners provide appropriate welfare support.

Key Facts

Stringhalt causes hyperflexion of one or both hind legs, typically at the walk
Australian stringhalt is associated with ingestion of toxic pasture plants including hypochoeris (flatweed)
Classical stringhalt may have neurological, tendon-related, or unknown causes
Severity varies from mild exaggeration to severe involuntary jerking that prevents normal movement
Removing affected horses from suspect pastures often leads to gradual improvement
Surgical treatment (lateral digital extensor myotenectomy) can improve severe cases

Welfare Considerations

Stringhalt causes variable degrees of welfare impact depending on severity. Mild cases allow relatively normal function, but severe cases impair gait so significantly that horses cannot walk comfortably, are unable to perform normal activities, and may fall. The involuntary nature of the movement is distressing to observe and likely uncomfortable. Horses with severe stringhalt suffer from fatigue of compensatory muscles and reduced ability to graze or move around their environment freely. Treatment decisions should be guided by severity of impact on quality of life, with welfare assessment central to management planning.

What You Can Do

Remove horses from pastures containing flatweed if Australian stringhalt is suspected
Seek veterinary assessment and neurological examination for any horse showing abnormal hind limb movement
Consider surgical management in consultation with an equine specialist for severe cases
Assess quality of life regularly and make management decisions accordingly
Provide supportive care including access to easily accessible food and water