What gaits should I film for a lameness evaluation?

At minimum: walk and trot in a straight line, filmed from head-on and behind. Trot on hard flat surface is the gold standard for lameness detection. Add canter if your vet requests it, and circle work (lunge line) to exaggerate inside-leg lameness.

Do I need slow motion?

Slow motion (120+ fps) is very helpful for trot analysis, especially subtle lamenesses. Most modern smartphones can shoot slow motion. It’s optional but strongly recommended for veterinary review.

What are flexion tests?

Flexion tests involve holding a limb in a flexed position for 60 seconds, then releasing and immediately trotting the horse. Increased lameness in the first 5–8 strides suggests joint pain in the flexed area. Your vet may request specific flexion test videos.

Can ConductVision analyze my gait videos?

Yes. Upload standardized gait videos to ConductVision (vision.conductscience.com) for AI-powered gait analysis including stride symmetry scoring and lameness detection.

ToolsConductScience tool

Filming ProtocolFree in-browser calculator

Gait Video Checklist.

Generate a printable filming protocol with camera angles, gaits, surfaces, and standardized file naming for vet review or ConductVision analysis.

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Validated2026-04-08

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Session Info

Horse name *

Date

Slow-moFlexion testsVet requested

Gaits

Camera Angles

Surfaces

Filming Protocol (0 clips)

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File naming: _2026-06-18_[GAIT]_[ANGLE]_[SURFACE]_clip[N]

Select gaits, angles, and surfaces to generate your protocol.

Analyze your gait videos with ConductVision

Upload your standardized clips for AI-powered gait analysis, stride symmetry scoring, and lameness detection.

Go to ConductVision

Filming protocol follows AAEP lameness examination guidelines. Upload completed videos to ConductVision for AI gait analysis.

How It Works

Select the gaits you want to capture (walk, trot, canter, gallop, back), camera angles (head-on, behind, left/right side, diagonals), and surface types (hard flat, soft arena, grass, gravel, hill, circle). Optionally enable slow-motion notes and flexion test protocols. The tool generates a numbered shot list with specific instructions, duration, and filming tips for each clip. A standardized file naming format is provided for consistent labeling. Download the protocol as a printable PDF to bring to the filming session. Upload your completed videos to ConductVision for AI-powered gait analysis.

Filming Best Practices

Camera height matters: film at the horse’s shoulder height, not from above or below. Use landscape orientation. Keep the camera stable — a tripod or fence brace helps. The handler should lead at arm’s length with a loose lead rope, allowing natural head movement (head bob is a key lameness indicator). Capture at least 4–6 complete strides per clip. For trot, the head-on and behind views are most diagnostic. On hard surfaces, listen for asymmetric hoof strikes. For circle work, film both directions. Avoid filming in direct harsh sunlight that creates shadows across the horse.

Method

Filming protocol based on AAEP lameness examination guidelines and equine video gait analysis best practices. Camera angles prioritize the diagnostic views most useful for lameness grading: head-on and behind at trot (primary), lateral profiles for stride analysis, and diagonal views for 3D assessment. Surface recommendations follow standard lameness workup: hard flat surface to exaggerate lameness, then soft surface for comparison. All computation runs locally in your browser — no data is uploaded.

Validated

Last validated 2026-04-08. Calculations are designed for planning and documentation support; verify procurement decisions against manufacturer specifications or institutional SOPs.

How to cite

How to Cite

ConductScience Team (2026). Gait Video Checklist [Web application]. ConductScience. https://conductscience.com/tools/equine-gait-video-checklist

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