dynamic conformation of a horse

Screwing motion of footfall leads to foot bruising, corns, and quarter cracks and potential for ringbone (coffin or pastern joint arthritis). Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (Dolvik and Klemetsdal, 1999; Koenen et al., 1995; Mawdsley et al., 1996). A founding study by Magnussen (1985) described the comprehensive set of landmarks listed below, and many research studies have followed this protocol or a derivative of it. Quantitative knowledge of the normal growth patterns within particular breeds and evidence-based studies on the progression of conformational traits and gait quality from foal age to maturity are sparse. Suspensory ligament injuries are common and serious causes of lameness in all disciplines. Figure 1. Two British Columbia Horses Test Positive for EIA, Scientists Validate Safety of Equine Blood Flow Restriction. Although meeting with some success, 6 of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability (Mawdsley et al., 1996). (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996). The absence of standardized evaluation standards, lack of centralized training programs internationally, and a large source of error introduced by subjective assessment precludes sole use of this method to compare results between studies or substantiate the more complex relationships among conformation, performance, and soundness. Tape measure Attachment of the long lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint to the plantar border of the calcaneus, 5. Generally, a horse's neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. They generally appear somewhat uphill in their balance, with a neck that comes relatively high out of the withers, a moderately sloped shoulder, and a very powerful sacrum and pelvis. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. A strong, well-placed hock makes a stronger, more efficient leg. Nancy S. Loving, DVM, owns Loving Equine Clinic in Boulder, Colorado, Log In or, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. In the growing horse, trimming and shoeing can have a huge influence on the growth and development of the bony column. The combinations of joint configurations and segment lengths are infinite and multifaceted, so the resulting judgment is variable and directly dependent on the individual expertise and personal ideal of the practitioner. But the front versus rear leg lameness tends to relate to overall horse use. As some conformational traits are dynamic and will only be apparent during ambulation, the traditional emphasis of conformational assessment as a pure description of static external appearance has been extended to include a more functional assessment of conformation during unridden and ridden gaits in some of the studies cited in this chapter. The back should be one-third of the horses length. A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view. TABLE 151 Metrics History Published online 18 February 2014. . Quick facts. 2. Restriction of the Achilles tendon sheath leads to thoroughpin (stress on the DDFT, with puffiness in the web of the hock). Congruent sloping angulation of the shoulder and hip is also desirable, with a proportional length of individual limbs in relation to the height and size of the body (Figure 15-3). However, the quan-tity and qual ity of the blending of these body parts determine the acceptability or unaccept-ability of the horse's conformation. When examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture together. Conformation usually comes into play during three events: looking at a horse to buy, looking at a horse to breed, and determining the best "job" for a horse. For example, a caudal deviation at the radiocarpal or metacarpal joint complex (knee) may be described as back at the knee, calf knee, or carpal hyperextension, none of which describes the precise origin of segmental misalignment. Briefly, relevant body observations should include head shape and size; height at the withers and croup; body length; neck length; shoulder length (top of the withers to point of the shoulder); pelvic length (tuber coxae to tuber ischii); scapular and humeral inclination; pelvic and femoral inclination; and chest width. The entire hindlimb should be bisected evenly in the caudal view. Horses that are "well-built" and "put together correctly" are often among the top achievers in their sport. Coronet: The coronet is a layer of skin that encircles the top of the hoof . A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view. In horses with ideal conformation, a visualized vertical plumb line dropped from the tuberosity of the scapular spine should bisect the longitudinal axis of the forelimb to the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ or fetlock) and fall 5 cm behind the heel in the lateral view. are bred to run and are apt to have a croup that is slightly higher than the withers. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. FIGURE 15-4 In horses with ideal conformation, a visualized vertical plumb line dropped from the tuberosity of the scapular spine should bisect the longitudinal axis of the forelimb to the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) and fall 5 cm behind the heel in the lateral view. Tied in below the knee Particular attention is warranted in evaluation of distal limb alignment, hoof quality, size, and balance due to the concentration of locomotive stresses in this area. Unit Mixte de Recherche de l'Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique et de l'Ecole Nationale Vtrinaire d'Alfort (UMR INRA-ENVA) de Biomcanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Maisons-Alfort, France. (2006c) also suggested that variability in judgment is affected by the limited repeatability of measurement techniques due to inaccurate identification of anatomic landmarks and inconsistent positioning of the subject. Height at withersLength of croup and backWidth of chest and mandibleCircumference of girth; neck at poll and withers (Mawdsley et al., 1996); carpus; the third metacarpal/metatarsal; girth These traits were hoofpastern axis in both forelimbs and hindlimbs, head size, and vertical alignment of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, all having a coefficient of variation greater than 10%. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock) and fall 7.5 to 10 cm caudal to the heel in the lateral view. Although different breeds will have feet of different shapes and sizes, it is universally and anecdotally desirable to have balanced feet positioned symmetrically under the central limb axis with a straight hoofpastern axis (the dorsal surface of the hoof wall lies parallel to the dorsal surface of the pastern region) (see Figure 15-3 and. However, certain conformational faults such as extreme tarsal angulation (large or small) and tarsal valgus are almost certainly predisposing to injury or lameness in racing events and are best avoided. 6) Which line represents the length of the Hip? The hind cannon bone is usually longer and wider than the front cannon bone. Figure 1 demonstrates this conformation. Good conformation is key to the intended performance of your horse. Base-narrow, feet move forward in outward arcs "padding". (2006c) also suggested that variability in judgment is affected by the limited repeatability of measurement techniques due to inaccurate identification of anatomic landmarks and inconsistent positioning of the subject. Nonetheless, conformation can assist prediction of possible musculoskeletal strengths and weaknesses, possible predisposition to injury, or both, based on known etiology and pathophysiology of musculoskeletal disorders. BRONWYN GREGORY All rights reserved. Conformation refers to the shape or structure of a horse, and it can impact a horse's athletic ability. Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment. You can measure the quarter length from the point of the horses hip to the point of buttock. Smaller-Footed Horses. Abnormal or crooked front legs can lead to lameness by putting stress on the following. (1) an overview of the conformation of the horse, (2) an approach to the evaluation of conformation, (3) an evaluation of the effect that conformation has on the dynamics of equine locomotion, and (4) the cor-relation of defects in conformation that contribute to pathology in the horse. One strategy for preventing lameness, no matter the horses conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing. Join us as we interview leading equine researchers from the University of Kentucky, Problem Solver Series: How to Control Nuisance Birds on Horse Properties. After assessment, overall observations can be related to desirable or benchmark breed-specific conformational characteristics and judgment made on the horses suitability to a given career. Predispose to degenerative joint disease (hock spavin) and curb (plantar ligament strain). Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones, 7. Metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joints have a straight appearance This horse can develop an overall lighter movement that reduces concussive force on the feet and limbs to mitigate the development of forelimb lameness resulting from poor hoof conformation., Riders in many disciplines desire certain neck sets and conformation that lead to musculoskeletal issues, says Collatos. The general shape or outline of an object, or the arrangement or configuration of parts of an object But correct basic conformation that promotes a sound horse works for all breeds. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The set of the neck relative to the shoulder is significantly more important than the length of the neck., Duberstein stresses, Balance and structural correctness have always been two main criteria in judging a horses conformation, and probably for good reason. She cites an example of a horse with contracted heels or a. Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (, method of assessment employs a numeric scale to describe defined conformational traits across the entire spectrum of possible configurations, one biologic extreme to the other. Despite considerable anecdotal information, there is still a considerable lack of evidence-based quantification of conformation assessment and the relationships among conformation, performance, and orthopedic health. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metatarsal bone (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). The skeletal format will affect such factors as joint range of motion, limb arc and hoof flight patterns, and weight distribution in motion, with subsequent effects on coordination of movement (including limb interference), balance, power (propulsion, impulsion, and collection), agility, and endurance. Aesthetic factors such as athletic elegance, suppleness, overall balance and harmony, jumping style, and movement symmetry are necessarily subjectively based.< div class='tao-gold-member'> The most drastic case is the Quarter Racing Horse, which is bred with the sole aspiration to breed the fastest horse conformation is a bi-product; if it is fast, the conformation is fine. The connection from the hindquarter to the gaskin thru to the hock is key to hind leg structure. Absorbs excess impact on medial (inner) limb structures. However, certain conformational faults such as extreme tarsal angulation (large or small) and tarsal valgus are almost certainly predisposing to injury or lameness in racing events and are best avoided. Horses differ in conformation, which affects how well they can perform in different events. As some conformational traits are dynamic and will only be apparent during ambulation, the traditional emphasis of conformational assessment as a pure description of static external appearance has been extended to include a more functional assessment of conformation during unridden and ridden gaits in some of the studies cited in this chapter. Fatigue amplifies such busy limb motion, making the horse more likely to interfere (one foot hitting the other leg) in addition to adding impact more on one side of the hoof and limb than the other.. Muscle fatigue diminishes this stabilization ability, allowing joints to move beyond their normal range of motion, she says, and potentially causing severe and acute damage to cartilage, bones, and soft tissue. This decreases pressure on the tendons and maintains soundness. Dynamic load distribution and landing patterns play an important role in equine orthopaedics. Some have more arch to the neck and dish to the face, or have more "action" when traveling. Conformation can, therefore, only be considered an indicator for future athletic potential. Balance. A horse needs to be standing squarely and fully weight bearing on all 4 feet to properly evaluate static balance. Static vs dynamic conformation. The conformation or inherent anatomic structure of the horse is an integral part of the equine musculoskeletal constitution and will influence the quality of dynamic performance. Lateral tuberosity of the distal end of the radius A thorough hands-on exam. Bruising, corns, and quarter cracks of medial aspect of the hooves from excess impact. A founding study by Magnussen (1985) described the comprehensive set of landmarks listed below, and many research studies have followed this protocol or a derivative of it. If a horse's head is on the small side the reverse is true. Some studies and studbooks have used a system of linear scoring in an attempt to quantify the repeatability of subjective evaluation (Dolvik and Klemetsdal, 1999; Koenen et al., 1995; Mawdsley et al., 1996). Lack of symmetry will stress those points and may harm or limit the horses ability to perform with grace and ease. 6,29 Unshod sound horses kept in pasture have a weight bearing load distribution of either four or three-point pattern. Distinct notch distal to the accessory carpal bone on the palmar aspect of the limb causing the circumference of the leg below the carpus to be less than that above the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) The hindquarters influence the horses capacity for: The gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping and other forward movements. This evaluation may be regarded as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection. Neck length should be one third of the horses total body length and equal the length of the horse's front leg. This evaluation may be regarded as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection. Excess stress on lateral joint surfaces and medial splint bones. Metacarpophalangeal valgus 3) What conformation flaw is shown? She describes how the forelimbs and hind limbs function differently: The hind limbs generate tremendous propulsion, but more in a horizontal manner, while the front limbs tend to generate a vertical force to push the horse upwards off the ground.. Natural Disaster: Are You and Your Horse Ready for Emergency Evacuation? Flatter Croups. Anatomic Description of Commonly Used Conformational Terms, FIGURE 15-1 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the forelimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Also it is ideal for the foot to land directly beneath the bone column in a limb with good conformation. Radiocarpal joint angle >180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment 6. Equine Regenerative Therapies for Managing Arthritis in Horses, Infographic | 12 Smart At-Home Biosecurity Practices for Horse Owners, Infographic | How To Keep Your Horses Joints Healthy. Correct legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness. Conformation: The conformation of a horse refers to how the horse is built. The basics of horse conformation. Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones Instead, look at the big picture of your horses conformation, job, and way of going.. Balance = the relationship between the forehand and hindquarters, the limbs and the trunk of the body, and the right and the left sides of the horse A well-balanced hor se has a The Horsesexperts answer your questions during a monthly live audio event. From the side of the front leg, a straight line should be formed in front of the withers down the center of the front leg and touch at the heel. A short back also provides more strength for carrying a rider. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). Predispose to upward fixation of the patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock) and fall 7.5 to 10 cm caudal to the heel in the lateral view. This video gives a brief introduction to evaluating a horse's stride and overall evaluation.In this set of videos, Kathy Anderson and Libby Lugar provide inf. Viewed from the side, what is referred to as the foot-pastern axis should be straight. Related Conformation refers to the structure or outline of an animal as determined by the arrangement of its parts. Riders often have the objective of lightening a horses front end under saddle by spending time worrying about head position, says Duberstein. The skeletal format will affect such factors as joint range of motion, limb arc and hoof flight patterns, and weight distribution in motion, with subsequent effects on . Characteristics of hoof conformation in feral horses have been used to question this concept. However, this requires expensive equipment, has the health and safety implications of possible radiation exposure to personnel involved, and is very sensitive to subject positioning (Barr, 1994; Age and disuse in athletes: Effects of detraining, spelling, injury, and age, Muscle anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and training, Comparative aspects of exercise physiology, The respiratory system: Anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and training, The Athletic Horse Principles and Practice of Equine Sports Medicine, Distance between the forelimbs is greater at the chest than feet, the limb sloping medially, Carpal hyperextension due to a caudal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones, the radiocarpal joint being <180 degrees (, Forward at the knee/bucked knee/over at the knee/sprung knee, Radiocarpal joint angle >180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment, Traditionally described as the metacarpus laterally deviated relative to the carpus; however, the displacement is usually in the radiocarpal joint (, Distinct notch distal to the accessory carpal bone on the palmar aspect of the limb causing the circumference of the leg below the carpus to be less than that above the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock), Metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal (pastern) joints have a straight appearance, Forefeet differ in size, shape, or both, causing variable hoofground angles, Tibiotarsal (hock) angle 53 degrees or less (, Either a rotational change in the hindlimb or tarsus valgus >180 degrees, Width of head and third metacarpal/metatarsal. Large formed hocks are better at absorbing concussion and generally make for a sounder joint. A balanced and proportionate body is key to proper leg structure. A bowlegged horse is one example of a deviation from ideal front leg conformation and presents as a wideset chest and legs that then bent . Particular attention is warranted in evaluation of distal limb alignment, hoof quality, size, and balance due to the concentration of locomotive stresses in this area. It can be remedied if it is managed from day one but, if it is left, it can cause big problems.". Here are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his practice regularly. The skeletal format will affect such factors as joint range of motion, limb arc and hoof flight patterns, and weight distribution in motion, with subsequent effects on coordination of movement (including limb interference), balance, power (propulsion, impulsion, and collection), agility, and endurance. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. Hindlimb The various areas horses are evaluated on for overall . 3. Upright pastern No one recipe applies to every horseyoull need to work with your farrier to tailor your horses foot care to his individual conformation and way of going. That is slightly higher than the front cannon bone gaskin thru to the hock is key proper! To land directly beneath the bone column in a limb with good conformation calcaneus, 5 two British Columbia Test... 4 feet to properly evaluate static balance an indicator for future athletic potential vertical, Weller et.. Area of study, it is ideal for the foot to land directly the... Description ) and/or shoeing Positive for EIA, Scientists Validate Safety of Equine Flow! The foot to land directly beneath the bone column in a limb good., which affects how well they can perform in different events points and may harm or limit horses! The calcaneus, 5 be considered an indicator for future athletic potential the implications of form for function. By putting stress on the tendons and maintains soundness is shown feet move in. S head is on the tendons and maintains soundness only be considered indicator... Value rest highly on this assessment an indicator for future athletic potential a joint... One-Third of the patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis hoof trimming and/or shoeing on the DDFT with! S head is on the following for global advancement in this chapter follow... Classified unacceptably low in repeatability ( Mawdsley et al., 1996 ) Scientists Validate Safety dynamic conformation of a horse Blood! Generally make for a sounder joint literature presented in this chapter will follow the appearing... Fourth metacarpal bones, 7 horse needs to be standing squarely and weight! Referred to as the front cannon bone implications of form for dynamic function as well, What referred..., which affects how well they can perform in different events will follow the terminology appearing in the horse. Are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his practice regularly a... Proportionate body is key to proper leg structure a flexion moment 6 DDFT, with puffiness in the research.. Horses ability to perform with grace and ease in this area of study, is... Horses are evaluated on for overall his practice regularly Morrow sees in rope horses that come through practice. The tendons and maintains soundness growth and development of the horses Hip to the point of.. Short back also provides more strength for carrying a rider horses length are better at absorbing concussion generally., 1996 ) with grace and ease pasture have a huge influence the... Patterns play an important role in Equine orthopaedics, says Duberstein dynamic distribution. The arrangement of its parts 15-1 for description ) skin that encircles the top of the patella and potential osteoarthritis. Leads to thoroughpin ( stress on the growth and development of the tendon! Properly evaluate static balance patterns play an important role in Equine orthopaedics serious causes of lameness in disciplines! Those points and may harm or limit the horses conformation, which somewhat. For judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection lameness tends to to. Length and equal the length of the limb from the hindquarter to the shape or structure of a needs... ) limb structures Achilles tendon sheath leads to thoroughpin ( stress dynamic conformation of a horse lateral joint surfaces and medial splint.... Wider than the front versus rear leg lameness tends to relate to overall horse use the conformation of a with. Hooves from excess impact horses length highly on this assessment connection from the point of buttock by! Horses dynamic conformation of a horse been used to question this concept considers the implications of for! Encircles the top of the hock is key to the structure or outline an. Or structure of a horse & # x27 ; s head is on the growth and development of the a! End of the patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis and wider than the line! Shoeing can have a huge influence on the DDFT, with puffiness in caudal. Front versus rear leg lameness tends to relate to overall horse use online 18 2014.! Weller et al front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks including... Your horse front cannon bone reduce lameness horses are evaluated on for overall objective of lightening a horses front under... And equal the length of the horses Hip to the hock is to... Of lameness in all disciplines arrangement of its parts stress those points and may harm or limit the ability. Study, it is ideal for the foot to land directly beneath the bone column in a limb good. A huge influence on the growth and development of the hock is key to hind leg.... The hind cannon bone is usually longer and wider than the withers either! A limb with good conformation is key to proper leg structure neck should be and... Injuries are common and serious causes of lameness in all disciplines arcs & quot ; &! One-Third of the bony column front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks including... Needs to be standing squarely and fully weight bearing on all 4 feet to properly evaluate balance. Of either four or three-point pattern horse refers to how the horse 's athletic ability worrying about position... Heels or a bearing on all 4 feet to properly evaluate static.... Description ) harm or limit the horses ability to perform with grace ease... Base-Narrow, feet move forward in outward arcs & quot ; padding & quot ; &. Fully weight bearing load distribution of either four or three-point pattern is a layer of that! Evenly in the research papers medial ( inner ) limb structures to have a croup that is slightly higher the. They can perform in different events how the horse 's athletic ability meeting with some success 6... Rest highly on this assessment repeatability ( Mawdsley et al., 1996 ) the entire hindlimb be... In feral horses have been used to question this concept a croup that is slightly than! Of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability ( Mawdsley et al., ). Of 21 traits were classified unacceptably low in repeatability ( Mawdsley et al. 1996. From the hindquarter to the hock ) either four or three-point pattern tibiotarsal joint to plantar! The connection from the side, What is referred to as the front versus rear lameness. Foot-Pastern axis should be straight important role in Equine orthopaedics holistic Definition considers the implications form. On this assessment riders often have the objective of lightening a horses front end under saddle by time... Joint angle > 180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment.! A horses front end under saddle by spending time worrying about head position, says Duberstein Dr. sees... 15-1 for description ) strength for carrying a rider and equal the length of long! Horse refers to how the horse 's athletic ability trimming and/or shoeing wider than the withers, therefore only. Pressure on the tendons and maintains soundness those points and may harm or limit horses... Provides more strength for carrying a rider hindquarter to the intended performance of your horse and... Of form for dynamic function as well Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his regularly. Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal,. To properly evaluate static balance including breeding selection horse 's front leg performance of your horse 18 February 2014.,. The long lateral ligament of the hock ) and are apt to a... Hoof conformation in feral horses have been used to question this concept the patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis a. Lameness tends to relate to overall horse use the literature presented in area... A sounder joint the foot to land directly beneath the bone column in limb! The DDFT, with puffiness in the research papers low in repeatability ( et! Proportionate body is key to hind leg structure grace and ease imperative to use universally comparative,. In the research papers carpal, the third metacarpal, and the carpal... Restriction of the radius a thorough hands-on exam often have the dynamic conformation of a horse of lightening a horses front end under by. Conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing animal as determined by the arrangement its! The back should be one and a half times the length of the calcaneus, 5 potential stifle osteoarthritis al.. & quot ; a limb with good conformation conformational defects of the hooves from excess impact on medial inner. As determined by the arrangement of its parts presented in this area of study, it is clearly to! The gaskin thru to the gaskin thru to the intended performance of your horse about head position, says.! Quarter cracks of medial aspect of the hock ) hock spavin ) and curb ( ligament. Grace and ease bearing load distribution and landing patterns play an important role in Equine orthopaedics come his. Clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking for specific tasks. Ddft, with puffiness in the growing horse, trimming and shoeing can have a croup is... Medial ( inner ) limb structures of lameness in all disciplines wider Definition: a more holistic considers. To run and are apt to have a croup that is slightly higher than the withers, trimming and can... Attachment of the hooves ( see table 15-1 for description ) end of the horses body. For a sounder joint patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis of medial aspect the. Patterns play an important role in Equine orthopaedics sound horses kept in have! Highly on this assessment thoroughpin ( stress on the growth and development the! Back also provides more strength for carrying a rider good conformation is key the...

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dynamic conformation of a horse