A flexion test is a veterinary proceure performed on a horse, generally during a prepurchase or a lameness exam. The animal's leg is held in a flexed position for 30 seconds to up to 3 minutes (although most veterinarians do not go longer than a minute), and then the horse is immediately trotted off and its gait is analyzed for abnormalities and uneveness. The flexion places stress on the joint capsule and soft tissue of the joint, and sometimes the cartilage and bone, usually accentuating any lameness that is present, such as arthritis. The horse may take a few uneven steps, or may be lame for several minutes following the procedure.