Straight conformation in the forelimb doesn’t necessarily beget a more successful racehorse. This is what a research group from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine discovered in a recent study. However, the group also
The horse is an amazing athlete, with great speed and endurance considering his body size and weight. For the past 20 years, researchers have evaluated what makes the equine locomotive system so efficient for racing and other strenuous
The monitoring committee for the Sales Integrity Program is taking action to address some consignors’ concerns about how the Thoroughbred auction industry will handle the disclosure of invasive joint surgeries and other procedures designed to
In her study, nearly all racing-bred Thoroughbred foals were carpus valgus (knock-kneed) at birth, many toed out, and a few had offset knees. But at about 18 months of age, nearly two-thirds had offset knees and the incidence of knock knees
“What is the relationship between conformation and performance, and what can we do to impact it?” These questions have been asked by those focused on performance in many species, and they were the focus of one presentation by Liz Santschi, DVM,
The mechanical engineering involved in the structuring of equine joints is both complex and masterful. Not only do healthy joints allow the horse to move freely, but they also help to effectively absorb concussion, especially when the horse is
Tendon injuries can be extremely frustrating. The best way to deal with them is to make every effort to prevent them, or if possible, limit the degree of damage that occurs. Certainly some tendon injuries occur acutely without any warning, but
Conformation…what does it mean? If you’ve spent any time around horses or horse people, you’ve heard this word or related words used again and again. "Wow, that horse has great conformation!" or "My trainer said not t
We asked several leading experts for their take on the conformation-performance-soundness issue.
A newborn foal, teetering on spidery legs, has a knock-kneed, awkward charm that can melt hearts.
Last time we talked about carpal arthrosis, pointing out that too much bowing–dorsiflexion–of the foreleg at the knee was the immediate cause of damage to the articular cartilage. Further, with a bit of mechanics, we saw that too much
In the first article of this series (The Horse of June 1995, page 21), I went on at some length about how much one could expect to predict performance based on the examination and evaluation of conformation. I tried to make it clear that,
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