A 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood used for general riding and low-level jumping presented with chronic right forelimb lameness lasting over 12 months. Following extensive investigation, including two MRI examinations, the horse was diagnosed with right fore intersesamoidean ligament injury and sesamoiditis on 14 October 2024. Surgical treatment involved removal of a small OCD fragment and debridement of the ligament. Previous therapies also included multiple sessions of shockwave therapy and PRP treatment.

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EqueStride rehabilitation began on 24.06.2025 after conservative management proved insufficient. Initial clinical assessment showed:

• Mild persistent lameness graded approximately 1–2/10

• Increased sensitivity around the lateral sesamoid bone

• Reduced fetlock hyperextension in the right forelimb

• No swelling present

 

Throughout rehabilitation, lameness progression was monitored using the Sleip objective gait analysis system, allowing detailed assessment of asymmetry and movement quality during trot evaluations. Serial Sleip assessments documented progressive reduction in asymmetry and eventual return to soundness.

 

Ultrasound examinations demonstrated:

• Minimal visible lesion progression over time

• Good ligament fibre pattern development

• Mild residual calcification within the ligament

• Persistent but improving irregularity at the bone insertion surface

 

Rehabilitation progressed gradually through:

• Stable support and controlled hand walking

• Walker exercise with short trot bursts

• Progressive increase in stable support duration up to 7 hours daily

• Introduction of ridden walking, followed by structured trot work

• Controlled canter introduction during late rehabilitation phases

 

By the later stages of rehabilitation:

• The horse was sound at trot on both soft and hard surfaces

• Sleip gait analysis showed minimal to no detectable asymmetry

• The horse tolerated increased ridden exercise and canter work successfully

• The device was gradually withdrawn without recurrence of lameness