Background: Locomotor diseases and lameness are significant health issues for horses, leading to considerable economic losses for the horse breeding industry and equestrian clubs each year. Understanding the prevalence patterns of these conditions and their associated factors is crucial for the prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of these disorders.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the frequency and occurrence patterns of locomotor lesions in horses used in equestrian clubs in Zarqan city and to investigate the relationship of these lesions with the age and sex of the affected animals.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 50 horses used for riding and jumping in equestrian clubs in Zarqan city. The diagnosis of musculoskeletal lesions was determined through clinical examinations, orthopedic diagnostic tests, radiographic evaluations, and, in cases like tendonitis, ultrasound assessments. The identified lesions were categorized into three main groups: bone and joint lesions, soft tissue lesions, and hoof lesions. The frequency of each type of lesion was recorded based on the age and sex of the horses.
Results: The findings indicated that soft tissue lesions were the most prevalent type of locomotor injury among the horses studied, with tendonitis being the most commonly observed lesion, occurring in 24% of the cases. Back pain ranked second, with a prevalence of 12%. In contrast, hoof-related lesions were found to be the least common among locomotor disorders and lameness cases.
Conclusion: This study concludes that soft tissue lesions, particularly tendonitis, are the most critical locomotor issues affecting horses in equestrian clubs in the Zarqan region. Attention to proper training management, improved maintenance conditions, and the implementation of preventive programs could be effective in reducing the incidence of these lesions, ultimately enhancing the health and athletic performance of the horses.