This study aimed to identify the source of lameness in Criollo horses that are competing in the most important discipline for this breed in Southern Brazil and also in reining competitions. Clinical records of adult Criollo horses (n=201), 5.6 2.1 years of age, that underwent lameness examination due to history of poor performance or lameness between 2002/2009 were analyzed. Lameness was diagnosed in the front limbs in 47.1% (n=105) and in the hind limbs 52.9% of the cases (n=118). In males 60.0% of the lameness cases were located in the hind limbs. In females 57.1% of the lameness cases were located in the front limbs. In the front limbs (47.1%, n=105/201), problems proximal to the fetlock were diagnosed in 17.1% (18/105). Fetlock problems were diagnosed in 14.3% (15/105) and lesions located distal to the fetlock level were seen in 68.6% (72/105) of the lameness cases diagnosed in the front limbs. In the hind limbs, problems located proximal to the tarsus were seen in 17.8% (21/118), 78.8% (93/118) in the tarsus and 3.4% (4/118) of the cases were seen distal to the tarsus. The distal interfalangeal joint in the front limbs and the distal tarsal joints in the hind limbs were the two most important sources of lameness. Criollo horses presented similar lameness problems as described in other show horses (reining, cutting and roping). This is the first lameness study done in Criollo horses and it will help to better understand the musculoskeletal diseases affecting this breed.
lameness; Criollo horses; locomotor system
