Why Does My Horse Keep Tripping

Every rider has felt that heart-stopping moment when their horse stumbles beneath them. Occasional trips can be normal, but if your horse is tripping frequently, it’s important to ask why. Repeated stumbling can signal underlying issues that deserve attention.

Common Reasons Horses Trip

1. Musculoskeletal Weakness or Pain

If the topline, core, or hindquarter muscles aren’t strong enough to support correct posture, a horse may struggle to stabilise its limbs — especially on uneven ground.📖 Dyson (2011) highlights that muscular dysfunction can present as poor coordination, stumbling, or reduced performance.

2. Saddle Fit and Spinal Comfort

An ill-fitting saddle can create pressure points that restrict back movement and interfere with coordination. Horses with sore or weak backs often shorten their stride or fail to lift their limbs fully, increasing the chance of tripping.📖 Greve & Dyson (2013) demonstrated that poor saddle fit is associated with gait abnormalities, discomfort, and even lameness.

3. Hoof Balance and Farriery

Incorrect trimming or shoeing alters the way the hoof meets the ground. A long toe, low heel, or imbalance can delay breakover and make stumbling more likely.📖 Kummer et al. (2006) showed that hoof trimming and shoeing directly affect stride length, limb loading, and breakover.

4. Neurological Conditions

Though less common, neurological disorders such as wobblers syndrome or spinal cord compression can affect proprioception (the horse’s awareness of limb position). These horses may appear clumsy, tripping or dragging their toes.

5. Underlying Pathology

Frequent tripping can also be linked to conditions such as navicular disease, arthritis, or degenerative joint changes. These issues may not always show up as obvious lameness but can cause subtle gait abnormalities.

6. Rider Influence

A horse carrying a crooked or unbalanced rider may find it harder to coordinate its stride, particularly in schooling work. Subtle rider asymmetry can increase strain and reduce stability.

Safeguarding First: Always Involve Your Vet

While training, saddle fit, and farriery play a huge role, persistent tripping should always be investigated by a veterinarian. A vet can rule out serious causes like navicular disease or neurological problems and guide you toward the right management plan.

The Takeaway

Frequent tripping isn’t just clumsiness — it’s often a red flag for discomfort, weakness, or imbalance. By identifying the root cause early, you can improve your horse’s comfort, performance, and safety.

👉 Book a Back in Balance session today to assess your horse’s musculoskeletal health, address saddle fit, and design a tailored rehabilitation plan to improve strength and stability — working alongside your vet and farrier to safeguard your horse’s wellbeing.