Dental pain in horses manifests through subtle behavioral changes that are often misinterpreted as training issues rather than recognized as pain signals.
Dental pain in horses is one of the most commonly overlooked sources of suffering. Horses labeled 'difficult', 'strong', or 'resistant' under saddle are frequently in dental pain - the bit contacts sensitive areas created by sharp points or pathological teeth. The discomfort of eating with sharp enamel points also reduces food enjoyment and intake. Regular dental examination by a qualified professional removes the source of pain and often produces dramatic behavioral improvements under saddle. Behavioral changes that seem like training problems frequently resolve completely with dental treatment.