Is Your Horse Just ‘Lazy’—Or Is It in Pain?

We’ve all heard it before: “My horse is just lazy.”

It drags its feet, ignores cues, and just doesn’t seem interested in moving forward. But before you write it off as stubbornness or a bad attitude, ask yourself—could it be pain?

Horses don’t wake up one day and decide to be slow and unresponsive. What looks like laziness is often a subtle cry for help, and one of the biggest culprits? Bad feet.

The Silent Signals of Pain

Horses communicate discomfort in quiet ways—changes in stride, reluctance to move out, avoiding certain maneuvers. But because they’re prey animals, they’re wired to mask pain until they can’t anymore. That means by the time your “lazy” horse is noticeably off, the issue has probably been brewing for months.

Common Hoof and Joint Issues Misinterpreted as Laziness:

1. Long Toes, Low Heels – Causes excessive strain on the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular area, leading to heel pain and shortened stride.[1]

2. Improper Breakover – Delayed breakover forces the horse to exert more effort in each step, making them hesitant to move forward.[2]

3. Thin Soles or Bruising – If walking on gravel makes your horse tiptoe, imagine how it feels at a lope.[3]

4. Subclinical Laminitis – Mild laminitis cases often go unnoticed until they turn into full-blown problems. A horse with sore feet won’t want to engage or push off correctly.[4]

5. Poor Hind-End Support – Weak or improperly balanced hinds can lead to reluctance in forward motion, difficulty collecting, and resistance to transitions.[5]

6. Chronic Hoof Pain and Undiagnosed Abscesses – Even low-grade, recurring abscesses can make a horse unwilling to move freely.[6]

7. Joint Inflammation and Arthritis – Poor farriery can lead to joint strain, which often presents as sluggish movement or refusal to work.[7]

How a Farrier Can Turn Your ‘Lazy’ Horse Around

A skilled farrier understands that proper shoeing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about biomechanics and comfort. Here’s what a good farrier should be checking:

• Breakover Placement – The sooner the foot leaves the ground, the less effort your horse has to put into each step.

• Heel Support – A well-balanced trim supports the digital cushion and reduces strain on tendons.

• Sole Protection – Horses with thin soles may benefit from pads or alternative shoeing methods.

• Joint Alignment – A farrier who knows their craft will set the foot up to reduce stress on joints and soft tissues.

• Shoeing Adjustments for Discipline – Barrel racers, dressage horses, and reiners all have different biomechanical needs—your farrier should understand these differences.[8]

Ignoring It Will Cost You

Every unnecessary ounce of effort adds up, and a horse that’s uncomfortable isn’t going to perform at its best. Whether you ride for pleasure or competition, if your horse isn’t moving right, you’re losing out—on results, on partnership, and on potential.

Before you chalk it up to attitude, take a closer look. Find a farrier who knows what they’re doing. Because the truth is, most “lazy” horses aren’t lazy at all—they may be hurting.

References:

1. Parks, A. "Understanding Hoof Balance." Equine Veterinary Journal, 2003.

2. Clayton, H. "The Biomechanics of Breakover in Horses." Journal of Equine Science, 2015.

3. Turner, T. "Sole Sensitivity and Hoof Pathology." AAEP Proceedings, 2011.

4. Pollitt, C. "Laminitis: Early Signs and Prevention." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2008.

5. Dyson, S. "Hindlimb Lameness and Performance Issues in Sport Horses." Equine Veterinary Education, 2017.

6. O’Grady, S. "Hoof Abscesses: Diagnosis and Management." The Veterinary Journal, 2012.

7. Smith, R. "Joint Degeneration Due to Hoof Imbalance." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2019.

8. Kane, A. "Shoeing Considerations for Performance Horses." Farrier Science Review, 2021.