Working Animals

Horse Stringhalt: Neurological Gait Disorder

Stringhalt is a neurological condition causing exaggerated hind limb flexion in horses, with both classic and plant-induced forms requiring different management approaches.

Key Facts

Stringhalt causes involuntary jerky exaggerated flexion of one or both hind limbs
Australian stringhalt is caused by ingestion of certain toxic plants including flatweed
Classic stringhalt is less well understood and may be idiopathic or associated with injury
Plant-induced stringhalt often resolves when horses are removed from affected pasture
Severe cases cause significant gait abnormality and distress during movement

Welfare Considerations

Stringhalt causes significant welfare problems through impaired locomotion, distress during episodes of uncontrolled limb movements, and reduced ability to perform normal equine behaviours. Severe cases may be unable to walk normally. Removal from toxic pasture is essential for plant-induced cases. Surgical intervention (lateral digital extensor tenectomy) may help refractory classic cases.

What You Can Do

Remove horses from pastures with suspected toxic plants if stringhalt develops
Seek veterinary diagnosis to distinguish plant-induced from classic stringhalt
Support pasture improvement to reduce flatweed and toxic plant populations
Provide appropriate nutritional support to recovering horses
Discuss surgical options with an equine specialist for non-resolving cases