Silent Suffering? Unmask Hidden Pain in Your Horse

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Is Your Horse in Pain or Just Acting Out? Discover the Hidden pain in your horse.

One of the toughest questions horse owners face when something feels off is this:

Is my horse reacting to pain — or just being difficult?

Often, a veterinarian is called to examine the horse. Yet, if there’s no obvious physical issue, the horse may get labeled as having learned bad habits. At other times, people brush off these quirks and say, “that’s just how that horse is.”
However, in reality, these so-called quirks can be your horse’s way of begging for help.

What Is the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram?

To address this challenge, Dr. Sue Dyson, VetMB, PhD, developed the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) in 2018. This powerful tool helps owners and trainers detect hidden pain in your horse to include lameness and discomfort.
Specifically, the RHpE outlines 24 observable equine behaviors. Research shows that if your horse displays eight or more of these signs under saddle, pain is very likely the culprit.

24 behaviors of the RHpE – if your horse exhibits 8 or more of these then the horse likely is lame.

The 24 Telltale Signs Your Horse Could Be in Pain

Here’s what to watch for:

  1. Repeated head bobbing up/down, out of rhythm with trot
  2. Head tilted or tilting frequently
  3. Head held in front of vertical (>30°) for over 10 seconds
  4. Head behind vertical (>10°) for over 10 seconds
  5. Frequent head tossing, twisting, or correction
  6. Ears pinned flat or rotated back for five seconds or more
  7. Eyelids half-closed, shut briefly, or frequent blinking
  8. White of the eye (sclera) showing repeatedly
  9. Intense staring or zoned-out look lasting at least five seconds
  10. Mouth repeatedly opening and closing with teeth separated for over 10 seconds
  11. Tongue hanging out, protruding, or moving in/out often
  12. Bit pulled through to one side repeatedly
  13. Tail clamped tightly or held to one side
  14. Excessive tail swishing, especially during transitions
  15. Rushed gait (trot >40 steps per 15 seconds) or irregular rhythm
  16. Gait too slow (trot <35 steps per 15 seconds); passage-like steps
  17. Hind legs not tracking forelegs, creating a three-track movement
  18. Frequent lead changes, wrong lead, or disunited canter
  19. Spontaneous changes of gait without being asked
  20. Multiple stumbles, trips, or dragging hind toes
  21. Sudden changes of direction or spooking
  22. Reluctance to go forward, needing strong encouragement
  23. Rearing (both front legs off the ground)
  24. Bucking or kicking backward

What Should You Do Next?

Importantly, if your horse shows eight or more of these behaviors — or if your instincts tell you something isn’t right — consult an experienced equine veterinarian.
Early detection matters and could prevent chronic pain, behavioral fallout, or worse.

For a deep dive, read the original research here:
👉 The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram – BEVA Journal

Want to learn more about horse care? Click here to learn how to treat an abscess!