The stifle joint is a common source of lameness in horses. Understanding stifle conditions helps owners recognize pain and access appropriate treatment.
Stifle lameness causes pain that significantly affects gait and quality of life. Horses with undiagnosed stifle problems may be pushed to perform through pain that is attributed to reluctance rather than physical cause. This creates a welfare failure where pain is compounded by pressure to perform. Any change in a horse's way of going or willingness to work deserves lameness investigation before training pressure is increased.