Most horses with acquired stringhalt improve within days, but recovery can take months or years in some cases. Relapses may occur, but even severely affected horses may return to normal. Idiopathic stringhalt is usually irreversible without surgery.

Can you ride a horse with mild stringhalt?

For horses increasingly affected by stringhalt, the uneven, exaggerated limb movement will significantly affect the gait and their capability will be limited. Dressage horses with mild symptoms of stringhalt may be able to perform at some levels, but are at a disadvantage.

Is stringhalt a progressive?

Unfortunately Stringhalt can be a progressive condition with the gait abnormality becoming so severe that euthanasia is warranted. Mild Stringhalt may be intermittent, in some cases is seen only in the first few steps and often the signs are less intense or even absent during warmer weather.