The biomechanics of a horse allow it to store kinetic energy in the spine and back musculature allowing it to use only 15% of the energy it would usually require to move itself. In order for this mechanism to work effeciently the horse needs both strength and flexibility. If any portion of the mechanism does not function to it's maximum capacity there are 2 options:

1. The surrounding structure must make up the deficit - leading to overuse trauma and fatigue
2. The output of the system falls and so the horse has to work harder or more rapidly to compensate - leading to shorter, quicker steps and fatigue

Biomechanical problems are often the result of the accumulation of everyday activities such as running and jumping and can effect any horse. For a horse to truely collect it not only needs to have impulsion from the pelvis but must also be able to lift the forehand and flex the neck. Without all of these areas functioning fully the horse will not achieve its maximum potential regardless of the discipline, but  each discipline requires different standards and puts a different strain on the animal which may result in problems.

Dressage horses have to maintain an overall outline while changing pace, leading to muscle fatigue and repetitive-strain injury. There is often no lameness but a loss of impulsion that will impact upon the marks.

Show-jumping is a high impact sport and horses can suffer injury due to repetitive concussive forces on landing, slipping on turning or over-exertion on take-off.

Cross-country like show-jumping is high impact and the risks of injury are similar as well as the strain of jumping out of deep ground, traveling at higher speed over a greater distance and the risk of solid fences.

Show horses may develop gait problems such as not moving straight or reluctance to work on one rein. As with dressage horses there is often no lameness but the problem is significant enough to impact performance.

Driving horses often suffer from shoulder problems and need to pull evenly, any uneveness will loose vital seconds in time-trials.

Endurance & Trec horses are working consistently over long distances leading to muscle creep and fatigue. A horse that is trying to compensate for underlying problems will fatigue quicker, be more prone to injury and take longer to recover.