What is proprioception in horses and how to improve it

Proprioception might sound like a complicated word, but at its core it simply means the body’s awareness of where it is in space. Think of it as your horse’s built-in balance system that helps them place each hoof exactly where it needs to go. When proprioception is weak, horses may trip more often, struggle with coordination, or be more prone to injury. 

The good news is that proprioception can be trained, and by doing so your horse's movements, confidence, and long-term wellbeing can dramatically improve.

What is proprioception and why is it important? 

Proprioception is often called the body’s “sixth sense.” It’s the awareness of where the body is in space without relying on sight. Specialized receptors in the muscles, tendons, and joints send constant information to the brain, helping the body make tiny corrections to stay balanced and coordinated.

Good proprioception in your horse can present itself as:

Accurate hoof placement on uneven surfaces
Quick, stable reactions during sudden movements
Body control, reducing the risk of injury
Confident and smooth performance under the saddle

For horses, this sense is vital. It allows them to place their hooves accurately, stay upright during quick maneuvers, and react instantly to a slip. Strong proprioception not only improves performance, it also reduces the risk of injuries by giving the body faster feedback and control (Colla & King, 2025).

Is my horse showing signs of poor proprioception?

So how do you know if your horse could benefit from proprioception training?

We created this short evaluation that you can fill in by circling what applies to your horse:

Posture at rest: hollow/flat/rounded back
Topline: visible/well-covered
Standing square: difficult/easy
Transitions: unbalanced/stiff/smooth
Behavior when saddling/grooming: resistant/sensitive/calm

When one or more of the first signs have been circled, this could be an indication your horse's proprioception is lacking. Be sure to contact your vet to make sure any of these signs are not caused by other issues.

Another good place to start is by looking at core strength. Horses with a weak core often compensate with these unbalanced movements and are early warning signs that proprioception may be lacking.

Not sure if a weak core could be an issue for your horse? Take a look at our guide on recognizing weak core muscles and how to improve them.

How can I improve my horse's proprioception?

One of the most effective (and surprisingly simple) tools for this is the Equimove Balance Pad, co-created by veterinarians Elien and Mounia from Equimove. Developed to gently challenge your horse’s body to make continuous micro-adjustments, over time, this strengthens stabilizing muscles, increases joint flexibility, and sharpens proprioceptive awareness.

And the best part? You don’t need long or complicated sessions. Starting with less than a minute a day and slowly increasing every week can show noticeable changes.

If you’d like a clear roadmap, we’ve created a practical 8-week schedule that shows exactly how to introduce and build up Balance Pad training step by step.

After the 8-week program you will start to notice your horse's posture has improved. The deep core muscles your horse has developed over the course of these past weeks, will help your horse with their stability.

You can keep using the pads as part of your horse’s routine. The best time is before riding or lunging. After training they’re less effective, since tired muscles can’t hold posture well. Just a few minutes before work, a few times a week, helps your horse stay supple, stable, and confident over time.

Conclusion

Improving your horse’s proprioception doesn’t just enhance performance, it builds a stronger foundation for long-term strength and confidence. With consistent exercises, you can help your horse become more balanced, agile, and resilient for daily riding or high-level competition.

Paying attention to these small details in training makes a big difference in your horse’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being.