Horse owners looking to improve their understanding of equine lameness now have access to a new online educational resource, following the launch of Talk Lameness by veterinary imaging specialist Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging.

Designed to help owners recognise the early signs of lameness and better understand the veterinary diagnostic process, the free resource hub aims to bridge the gap between spotting a potential problem and consulting a vet.

Lameness remains the most common medical issue affecting horses, yet subtle signs can be difficult to recognise.

Hallmarq says the Talk Lameness website, which includes a quiz about lameness, has been created to give owners practical, reliable information to help them identify changes in their horse’s movement, understand what those changes might mean and know when it’s time to seek veterinary advice.

Practical advice at your fingertips

The online resource centre includes a range of downloadable guides and educational materials, including First aid for lameness: water and ice, which explains simple first-aid techniques such as cooling a swollen limb, managing wounds and gathering useful information before the vet arrives.

“We know that an informed owner is an invaluable asset in the successful diagnosis and treatment of lameness,” said Hallmarq’s Equine Clinical Product Manager, Holly Johnson.

“Our goal with ‘Talk Lameness’ is not to replace veterinary expertise but to support it by providing owners with clear, practical information.

“In doing this, we hope to demystify lameness, reduce anxiety and encourage owners to seek professional help earlier.

“Ultimately, this leads to better outcomes for the horse and a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the owner and their veterinary surgeon.”

Helping owners ask the right questions

As well as supporting horse owners, Hallmarq says the resource has been developed to complement veterinary consultations by helping clients describe symptoms more accurately and understand the reasoning behind different stages of a lameness investigation, including the use of advanced imaging where appropriate.

The company plans to continue expanding the Talk Lameness hub with additional guides, checklists and educational content covering topics including recognising movement asymmetry and understanding the diagnostic process.

Test your knowledge

Think you could recognise the early signs of lameness? Put your knowledge to the test with the Talk Lameness quiz.

Designed to be educational rather than diagnostic, it highlights some of the most common signs of lameness, explains what they can mean and covers the observations your vet is likely to ask about during an examination.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge or learn something new, it’s a quick way to build confidence in recognising when something may not be quite right.

Try the quiz here.

About Hallmarq

Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging is a global leader in advanced diagnostic imaging for equine and small animal veterinary practices. Since 2000, the company, which has offices in the UK and North America, has supported more than half a million scans across 27 countries, helping improve access to advanced imaging through innovative technology and customer support.

Find out more about the Talk Lameness resource hub here. You can also follow Talk Lameness on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.