Lameness in cattle is an expensive problem. Gait studies may assist in understanding the factors involved. The gait changes of four lame cows were related to the gaits of non-lame cows. The vertical forces and horizontal fore-and-aft forces during the stance phase of steps were investigated using a force plate. The maximum vertical force (MVF) was often reduced on lame limbs. The horizontal forces showed an initial decelerative force followed by an accelerative force. For sound cows the maximum accelerative force (MAF) and the maximum decelerative force (MDF) were of the same order of magnitude, while those for lame animals were generally modified. Forces applied to the non-lame limbs of lame cows were also changed, probably to reduce further the loads exerted upon the lame foot.