New research reveals a surprising gap in horse owner awareness. A study presented at our 2026 conference found that most horse owners struggle to identify hindlimb and bilateral lameness — and are more confident than their results suggest.

At this year’s Horses Inside Out Conference: Soundness and Symmetry, a veterinary chiropractor from Cornwall won the scientific poster competition. The questions she raised are ones every native pony owner should be asking.

From the science of laterality to rehabilitation, nutrition, and welfare, day 2 of the 2026 Conference highlighted just how complex the subject of soundness and symmetry really is. While symmetry is often viewed as the ideal, the speakers over the whole weekend made it clear that the reality is far more layered. Just like humans, horses are naturally asymmetrical and understanding the difference between normal variation and when it is more serious is essential for anyone working with horses.