The art of trotting up
The trot up is an integral part of not only lameness detection, but your regular physio and farriery appointments, too. Harriett Wareham explains how to get it right
Our expert
Harriett Wareham PgDip MNAVP is a veterinary physiotherapist and Founder of Animals in Action Vet Physio. She has more than 10 years’ experience working with animals having previously worked as a head eventing groom, an equine and canine massage therapist and at a small veterinary practice as a veterinary physiotherapist.
Horses trot all the time, right? Well, yes. But trotting up your horse in hand so your vet, physiotherapist or farrier can assess how they are moving does take a bit of practice and co-ordination from horse - and handler.
In order for the professional looking at your horse to get a clear picture of any asymmetry, weakness or lack of mobility, horses need to trot straight, forward and in their own balance - the less ‘turbulence’ or wiggling they do and the less interference from the handler, the more accurate the professionals can be. But, how does one prepare your horse to trot up well? It takes a bit of practice. Here’s how...