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Why does my horse's front leg turn out when running? Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Farm Animal | Horse | Male | 900 lbs

My horse is rotating his front leg while moving fast is it a problem

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 16th, 2020

The video does not load but I can see what you are referring to in the still shot. The one photo of him just standing there with his head down does not show us anything.

Is the right front leg rotated outward or inward when he is just standing still? You would need to photograph him from the front to see that. My guess is that he is "paddling" or "winging" which are consequences of poor conformation, either toes turned in or turned out. Without examining him myself and watching him go I cannot tell you for sure what is going on.

It may become a problem over time. There is no way for me to tell you that. You would just to monitor him for any limping and if that is noticed you will need to speak to a vet about what is going on.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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