Equine Conditions & Conformational Faults

When buying, selling, or caring for a horse, understanding some of the more common equine conditions and conformation faults is essential. Some issues are minor and manageable, while others can impact performance, soundness, or long-term health.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, an experienced seller, or simply looking to expand your knowledge, knowing what these terms mean can help you make informed decisions.

In this article, we’ll break down key conditions such as club foot, locking stifle, Queensland itch, and sarcoids, as well as behavioural vices like crib biting, weaving, and windsucking. By understanding these terms, you’ll be better equipped to assess a horse’s suitability for riding, breeding, or resale.

Club Foot – A hoof deformity where the heel is abnormally high, causing a steep hoof angle and potential lameness.

Cow Hock – A conformation fault where the horse’s hocks turn inward and the lower legs angle outward, affecting movement and soundness.

Crib Biter – A horse that grips solid objects with its teeth and sucks in air, a behavioural vice that may be linked to boredom or stress.

Cryptorchid / Monorchid – A male horse with one or both testicles undescended, which can lead to stallion-like behaviour and fertility issues.

Impaired Vision – Partial or total vision loss that may affect depth perception, confidence, and the horse's ability to be ridden.

Locking Stifle – A condition where the patella (kneecap) momentarily locks, causing the hind leg to get stuck in an extended position.

Ongoing Lameness – Chronic or recurring unsoundness that affects movement and performance.

Parrot Mouth – A misalignment of the jaw where the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth, potentially affecting grazing and bit fit.

Pigeon Toe – A conformation fault where the hooves turn inward, affecting movement and putting strain on joints.

Previous Eye Disease – A history of eye infections or conditions (e.g., uveitis, cataracts) that may impact vision and overall health.

Previous Eye Trauma – Past injuries to the eye that may have caused scarring, vision impairment, or sensitivity.

Queensland Itch – A skin condition caused by hypersensitivity to biting insects, leading to intense itching, hair loss, and skin irritation.

Rig – A gelding that retains stallion-like behaviour due to incomplete castration or undescended testicular tissue.

Roarer – A horse with laryngeal hemiplegia, causing a distinctive roaring or whistling noise during breathing, especially during exercise.

Sarcoids – A common type of equine skin tumour, usually benign but often recurring and difficult to treat.

Stringhalt – A neurological disorder causing exaggerated, jerky movement of the hind legs, especially when stepping backward or turning.

Undershot / Overshot – Misaligned jaws where the lower teeth extend beyond (undershot) or the upper teeth extend beyond (overshot), affecting chewing and bit fit.

Weaver – A stable vice where the horse shifts weight from side to side, often swinging its head and neck, typically due to boredom or stress.

Windsucker – Similar to crib biting but without gripping an object; the horse gulps air, which can lead to digestive issues.

Wobbler – A neurological condition affecting coordination and balance due to spinal cord compression, leading to unsteady movement.

Here's a few reasons why you should disclose this information when selling a horse:

✅ Ethical Responsibility – Buyers deserve to know about any existing conditions that may affect the horse’s suitability for their intended use.
✅ Legal Protection – Full disclosure helps prevent misrepresentation claims and ensures a smoother, dispute-free sale.
✅ Buyer Confidence – Being upfront about a horse’s health and history builds trust and attracts serious buyers.
✅ Welfare Considerations – The right buyer will be prepared to manage specific conditions, ensuring the horse’s long-term well-being.

By clearly listing any conditions, sellers demonstrate integrity and increase the chances of a successful and fair sale.