As horse owners, we’re often quick to recognise the signs of acute pain. A sudden lameness, reluctance to move, or obvious reaction to touch makes it clear that something isn’t right. But what happens when we see chronic pain in horses that doesn’t shout so loudly?
That’s where chronic pain comes in, a very different story altogether.
Like all prey species, horses have evolved to hide illness or injury for as long as possible. To show weakness in the wild could mean losing their place in the herd or becoming an easy target. While domesticated horses may not face those same threats, their instincts remain the same. This means that the signs of long-term or chronic pain can be incredibly subtle, inconsistent, and easy to miss.
Acute pain is sharp, sudden, and usually linked to an injury or illness that demands immediate attention. It’s your horse’s way of saying, “Something just happened, help me!”
Chronic pain, on the other hand, develops slowly and lingers, often persisting even after the original cause has been treated. This can make it difficult to recognise, as the horse may adapt their behaviour over time.
Senior Equine Vet Sally Hodgson will be diving into this important subject in her upcoming talk:
Exploring the key differences between acute and chronic pain
How those differences influence veterinary diagnosis and treatment choices
Practical advice on spotting both subtle and not-so-subtle signs of pain and stress in your horse
Whether you own a competition horse or a much-loved field companion, this session will give you new insights into equine behaviour, health, and welfare. Most importantly, you’ll take home tools to strengthen the bond you share with your horse, built on trust, empathy, and a deeper understanding of their needs.
Date: 3rd December
Location: Sibford Village Hall
Time: 7:00 pm
Tea, Coffee & Cake!
Contact our Equine Reception Team to book your FREE place: 01608 730085 or email equine@hooknortonvets.co.uk
