Lameness remains the most common medical issue affecting horses, yet owners often feel uncertain about recognising subtle signs or knowing when to call their vet. Talk Lameness is a brand new initiative from Hallmarq aimed at empowering horse owners to become more informed on their animal’s health.
Intentionally designed as a comprehensive educational programme and online resource centre, ‘Talk Lameness’ helps bridge the gap between an owner’s initial observations and a veterinary consultation. By learning about lameness, and empowering the horse owner, the campaign aims to foster more productive conversations about equine lameness.
The new website addresses this by providing a trusted knowledge hub where owners can learn to identify, understand and manage lameness more effectively. The programme offers practical, expert advice and educational support to horse owners. It includes a lameness quiz for horse owners to test their knowledge, information on the available imaging modalities that may be used as part of the diagnosis, and a range of downloadable guides and resources such as ‘First aid for lameness.’
“We know that an informed owner is an invaluable asset in the successful diagnosis and treatment of lameness,” says Hallmarq’s Equine Clinical Product Manager, Holly Johnson.
Our goal with ‘Talk Lameness’ is not to replace veterinary expertise but to support it by providing owners with clear, practical information.”
Holly Johnson, Equine Clinical Product Manager, Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging
“In doing this, we hope to demystify lameness, reduce anxiety and encourage owners to seek professional help earlier. Ultimately, this leads to better outcomes for the horse and a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the owner and their veterinary surgeon.”
For veterinary professionals, Talk Lameness is designed as a welcome support tool. The programme reinforces the importance of the equine vet’s role while equipping clients with the foundational knowledge to have more meaningful discussions, describe symptoms accurately and understand the rationale behind diagnostic steps, such as the use of advanced imaging.
The Talk Lameness resource centre will continue to grow, offering guides, checklists and educational content on a range of topics, from recognising asymmetry to understanding the diagnostic process.
