Your Horse Might Be Hiding Its Pain—Here’s How to Spot It Before It’s Too Late
Horses are masters of masking discomfort, so it’s easy for even the most attentive owner to miss the subtle signs of pain. Don’t wait for a serious issue to show up! Here are 10 subtle clues that your horse may be silently suffering—and how to catch them before it’s too late.
1. A change in appetite could be more than just being picky
If your horse suddenly becomes less interested in food or starts to leave hay untouched, it’s not just them being picky. A reduced appetite can be a sign of pain or discomfort, especially if they’re usually eager eaters. Keep an eye on this, as digestive or dental pain could be the root cause.
2. Shifting weight frequently might mean they’re uncomfortable
Does your horse seem restless, constantly shifting their weight from one leg to the other? This could be a sign of limb discomfort or joint pain. Horses instinctively try to relieve pressure from sore areas, so if you notice this behavior, it’s time to check for underlying issues.
3. Reluctance to move could be hiding a bigger problem
If your usually active horse is hesitant to walk, trot, or canter, this could be a red flag for pain. It might be tempting to brush off their sluggishness as laziness, but reluctance to move could mean they’re dealing with sore muscles, joint pain, or even more serious internal issues.
4. Ears pinned back isn’t just moodiness—it’s pain talking
Your horse’s ears can speak volumes. While pinned-back ears might sometimes signal annoyance, they can also indicate physical discomfort. If this behavior becomes frequent, especially during riding or handling, it could be a cry for help from a horse in pain.
5. Tail swishing might not be about flies—it could signal pain
If your horse is excessively swishing their tail when there’s no sign of flies, it could be more than a bug battle. Tail swishing during grooming, saddling, or riding might mean they’re experiencing back pain or saddle discomfort. It’s their way of telling you something’s off!
6. Stiffness after rest can be a sign of joint pain
Does your horse seem extra stiff when you bring them out of the stall? While some stiffness can be normal, especially in older horses, persistent stiffness after rest could be a sign of arthritis or joint pain. This is a clue that their mobility might need attention.
7. A change in posture can be a silent scream for help
Watch how your horse stands. If they’re suddenly favoring one side, standing awkwardly, or even shifting their back position, it could indicate they’re trying to relieve pain somewhere. This change in posture might be subtle, but it’s a big sign that something’s not right.
8. Reluctance to be saddled might mean saddle sores or back pain
Is your horse normally calm during saddling but now seems irritated or resistant? This change in behavior could signal that the saddle is causing discomfort, or worse, they might be dealing with back pain. Check for pressure sores or saddle fit issues as the first step.
9. Grinding teeth can be more than a quirk—it’s often a pain signal
Teeth grinding isn’t just a habit. If your horse has suddenly started grinding their teeth, this could be a sign of stress or pain. Pay attention to when it happens—during riding, after eating, or in the stall—so you can help pinpoint what might be causing the discomfort.
10. A sudden change in behavior is your horse trying to tell you something
Horses are creatures of habit, so if your horse has had a drastic behavior change—such as becoming more aggressive, anxious, or withdrawn—it might be a sign of underlying pain. Whether it’s during grooming, riding, or even just in the pasture, behavioral changes are often the first clue something is wrong.