When evaluating a horse's soundness, one of the most common procedures performed is the flexion test. These tests can offer valuable insights into joint and soft tissue health, but they're not without limitations. Understanding how and why they're used can help owners interpret results more accurately and avoid unnecessary concern.
What are flexion tests?
A flexion test is a diagnostic procedure in which a veterinarian applies controlled pressure to flex a specific joint or group of joints in the horse's limb for a short period, typically 30-60 seconds. Immediately after the flexion, the horse is trotted off, and the veterinarian observes for any signs of lameness, stiffness, or altered gait.
The test is designed to temporarily stress the joint, tendons, and ligaments within the flexed area. A positive response (lameness or shortened stride) may indicate inflammation, soreness, or an underlying injury that isn’t otherwise visible during a standard exam.
Why flexion tests are important
Flexion tests serve as an important screening tool. They help veterinarians identify subtle sources of discomfort or pinpoint which area of the limb warrants further imaging or diagnostic work. In pre-purchase exams, they provide insight to previous injuries or weaknesses, or how a horse may handle athletic demands.
Flexions are particularly helpful in:
- Detecting early soft tissue strain before swelling or visible lameness occurs
- Revealing joint inflammation or cartilage wear
- Assessing recovery progress after injury rehabilitation
When interpreted alongside other diagnostics (i.e., nerve blocks, ultrasound, or radiographs) flexion results help form a more complete picture of a horse's orthopedic health.
The limitations (and risks) of flexions
While flexions can provide useful information, they aren’t foolproof. A number of factors can influence a horse’s reaction — including the amount of force applied, duration of flexion, footing, or even the horse’s temperament on that day.
Because flexion tests temporarily overload joints and soft tissues, excessive or aggressive flexion can cause discomfort or transient soreness, particularly in horses with pre-existing soft tissue vulnerabilities. For this reason, results should always be interpreted as part of a larger clinical picture, not in isolation.
A horse that reacts mildly to flexion may not have a significant problem — just as a horse that “passes” perfectly could still have early microdamage in a tendon or ligament not yet detectable by physical exam.
Balancing caution with context
When used correctly, flexion tests are an important part of assessing performance soundness. However, it’s essential that veterinarians and buyers view them as a diagnostic indicator, not a diagnosis.
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Mild positive reactions don’t automatically disqualify a horse.
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Consistency across limbs and retesting can provide clarity.
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Follow-up imaging, like ultrasound or MRI, can confirm whether discomfort originates in the joint or surrounding soft tissue.
Supporting soft tissue health beyond the exam
Whether your horse is in full work or just beginning a new program, proactive soft tissue care plays a vital role in maintaining long-term soundness.
Tendonall is formulated with high concentration of Vitamin A (Retinol) and other key nutrients that support collagen integrity, elasticity, and repair, helping the tendons and ligaments withstand the daily demands that flexion tests aim to evaluate.
Flexion Tests in Horses: Understanding Their Role and Limitations
When evaluating a horse's soundness, one of the most common procedures performed is the flexion test. These tests can offer valuable insights into joint and soft tissue health, but they're not without limitations. Understanding how and why they're used can help owners interpret results more accurately and avoid unnecessary concern.
What are flexion tests?
A flexion test is a diagnostic procedure in which a veterinarian applies controlled pressure to flex a specific joint or group of joints in the horse's limb for a short period, typically 30-60 seconds. Immediately after the flexion, the horse is trotted off, and the veterinarian observes for any signs of lameness, stiffness, or altered gait.
The test is designed to temporarily stress the joint, tendons, and ligaments within the flexed area. A positive response (lameness or shortened stride) may indicate inflammation, soreness, or an underlying injury that isn’t otherwise visible during a standard exam.
Why flexion tests are important
Flexion tests serve as an important screening tool. They help veterinarians identify subtle sources of discomfort or pinpoint which area of the limb warrants further imaging or diagnostic work. In pre-purchase exams, they provide insight to previous injuries or weaknesses, or how a horse may handle athletic demands.
Flexions are particularly helpful in:
When interpreted alongside other diagnostics (i.e., nerve blocks, ultrasound, or radiographs) flexion results help form a more complete picture of a horse's orthopedic health.
The limitations (and risks) of flexions
While flexions can provide useful information, they aren’t foolproof. A number of factors can influence a horse’s reaction — including the amount of force applied, duration of flexion, footing, or even the horse’s temperament on that day.
Because flexion tests temporarily overload joints and soft tissues, excessive or aggressive flexion can cause discomfort or transient soreness, particularly in horses with pre-existing soft tissue vulnerabilities. For this reason, results should always be interpreted as part of a larger clinical picture, not in isolation.
A horse that reacts mildly to flexion may not have a significant problem — just as a horse that “passes” perfectly could still have early microdamage in a tendon or ligament not yet detectable by physical exam.
Balancing caution with context
When used correctly, flexion tests are an important part of assessing performance soundness. However, it’s essential that veterinarians and buyers view them as a diagnostic indicator, not a diagnosis.
Mild positive reactions don’t automatically disqualify a horse.
Consistency across limbs and retesting can provide clarity.
Follow-up imaging, like ultrasound or MRI, can confirm whether discomfort originates in the joint or surrounding soft tissue.
Supporting soft tissue health beyond the exam
Whether your horse is in full work or just beginning a new program, proactive soft tissue care plays a vital role in maintaining long-term soundness.
Tendonall is formulated with high concentration of Vitamin A (Retinol) and other key nutrients that support collagen integrity, elasticity, and repair, helping the tendons and ligaments withstand the daily demands that flexion tests aim to evaluate.