Not all dreams work out the way we hope or plan, but Moon Doggie went from a dream of glory to a fulfilling companion. He is now a 3-year-old appendix Quarter Horse that is a friend to a once lonely performance horse. Moon can run and play with
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
It is widely believed that exercise and limb-loading in foals help joint cartilage functionally adapt to the rigors of athletic activity. In 2005, Dutch researchers set out to find out if they could verify the concept of functional adaptation of
Limb conformation has bearing on the type of procedure used to alter a particular defect, including periosteal elevation, transphyseal bridging, hoof augmentation, and changes in management. Conformation also affects selection of sale and breeding
“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 initial saddle fit examination begins with evaluation of the horse’s back, including a fingertip exploration of the entire area under the saddle to identify any bumps caused by friction or areas of localized pain or swelling, he said. Also, the horse should extend and flex his back willingly, and his vertebrae should be palpated.
My 29-year-old Quarter Horse gelding has been diagnosed with a condition that my veterinarian called “stringhalt.” What causes this condition? What is the treatment and prognosis?
Like keeping the pistons of an engine lubricated for smooth, easy movement, the tendon sheaths of a horse function similarly by providing a friction-free environment in which tendons can move.
There are many reasons a horse might stumble. Work with your veterinarian and farrier to determine the cause, since the onset of stumbling might indicate a shoeing/trimming problem, or could be a warning of serious health problems.
The axiom, “You are what you eat” does have relevance to horses with regard to health and well-being. Here’s a review some of the more common dietary problems that affect various organ systems in the horse.
Bog and bone spavin don’t necessarily have to end your horse’s performance career, but they certainly require careful attention and care.
Named for the sport in which it often occurs, hunter’s (or jumper’s) bump is a sometimes painful pelvic condition that affects performance and gait.
What is good saddle fit? Simply put, it involves a saddle–English or Western–that spreads weight evenly on the longissimus dorsi muscles along either side of the spine. This well-fit saddle has clearance over the withers and doesn’t impede movement of the scapulas (shoulder blades). This saddle puts the rider’s weight in concert with the horse’s center of balance.
There are many causes for back pain in horses, and they can range from the dramatic to the benign.
Since bubble wrapping a horse isn’t an option, owners use boots and wraps to try to avoid lower limb injuries.
It is not unusual for foals to be born with some level of angular limb deformity, but this becomes a problem when the deformity is severe and doesn’t self-correct quickly. If the deviation is relatively minor, it might be resolved with stall
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