Three aspects that affect horse movements are conformation, medical conditions, and hoof care. This altered movement can affect one or multiple limbs, giving the horse an “odd” movement while still not actually being “lame”. While some conformation flaws are genetic and may be challenging, or even impossible, to correct, a deep understanding of these flaws and conditions can aid in effective management and mitigation of their impact. This comprehensive article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of various horse conformation flaws, as well as medical conditions and hoof care that can affect equine movement, even when not causing lameness. We will explore what these flaws and conditions are, how they influence movement, and their potential long-term implications.
Horse Conformation Flaws and Their Effect On Equine Movement
1. Over at the Knee (Buck-Kneed)
What It Is: This is a conformation where the horse’s knee bends slightly forward, rather than being straight.
Effect on Movement: The forward bend causes the horse to put extra stress on the tendons and ligaments behind the knee, leading to stumbling and a lack of smoothness in gait.
Solution: Supportive shoeing and targeted exercises can help strengthen the tendons and ligaments.
Long-term Implications: Increased risk of arthritis and joint issues due to the unnatural stress on the knee.
2. Cow-Hocked
What It Is: In this conformation, the hocks are turned inward while the feet point outward.
Effect on Movement: This alignment affects the horse’s ability to move in a straight line, causing the hind legs to brush against each other, which is inefficient and can lead to injuries.
Solution: Corrective shoeing and exercises can help realign the legs to some extent, however correcting this is very limited.
Long-term Implications: Increased risk of hind limb lameness and joint problems.
3. Splay-Footed
What It Is: Here, the horse’s feet point outward, away from the centerline of the body.
Effect on Movement: This causes the horse to “paddle” or swing its feet outward during movement, leading to inefficiency and quicker fatigue.
Solution: Corrective shoeing can help align the feet more naturally.
Long-term Implications: May lead to uneven wear on joints and an increased risk of lameness.
4. Asymmetrical Body Conformation
What It Is: This refers to an uneven muscle development or skeletal structure on either side of the horse’s body.
Effect on Movement: The asymmetry causes an uneven gait and balance issues, making it difficult for the horse to move fluidly.
Solution: A balanced diet and targeted exercise can help improve muscle symmetry, but skeletal structure can not be changed.
Long-term Implications: Chronic lameness and joint problems may develop if not managed.
5. Splints
What It Is: Splints are bony enlargements found between the splint and cannon bones in the horse’s legs.
Effect on Movement: These enlargements can cause stiffness and may affect the horse’s gait, leading to an uneven and uncomfortable movement.
Solution: Rest and anti-inflammatory treatments can help reduce the size of the splints.
Long-term Implications: Permanent bumps may form, and lameness could occur if not treated.
6. Tight Stifles
What It Is: This is a condition where the stifle joint in the hind legs is too tight, restricting movement.
Effect on Movement: The tightness restricts the range of motion in the hind legs, causing a stiff and awkward gait.
Solution: Regular exercise and, in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Long-term Implications: Chronic lameness and muscle atrophy are potential risks.
Here is a video of working a horse to use its stifles better to get a more symmetrical movement in the stifles.
7. Post Legged
What It Is: In this conformation, the hind legs are too straight, lacking the natural angle at the hock.
Effect on Movement: The overly straight legs cause a restricted and less fluid gait, making it hard for the horse to absorb shock effectively.
Solution: Unfortunately, there are no known corrective measures; management through supportive shoeing and exercise is key.
Long-term Implications: Increased risk of arthritis and joint issues due to the unnatural leg position.
8. Upright Pasterns
What It Is: This refers to a steep angle of the pasterns relative to the ground.
Effect on Movement: The steep angle causes a jarring, uncomfortable gait as the pasterns are less effective in absorbing shock.
Solution: Corrective shoeing can offer some relief by changing the angle at which the hoof strikes the ground.
Long-term Implications: Increased risk of lameness and joint problems due to the ineffective shock absorption.
9. Club Footed
What It Is: This is a deformity where the hoof wall is steeper on one side, causing an uneven hoof.
Effect on Movement: The uneven hoof leads to an imbalanced gait and can cause the horse to trip or stumble.
Solution: Corrective shoeing and regular trimming can help balance the hoof.
Long-term Implications: Chronic lameness can occur if the condition is not managed effectively.
Medical Conditions and Their Effect on Equine Movement
1. Ringbone
What It Is: Ringbone is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the pastern and coffin joints, leading to the formation of bony growths.
Effect on Movement: While not necessarily causing lameness, ringbone can make a horse’s gait shorter and choppier due to the reduced flexibility in the affected joints.
Long-term Implications: If left untreated, ringbone can lead to chronic lameness and significantly affect a horse’s performance.
2. Sidebone
What It Is: Sidebone is the ossification or hardening of the collateral cartilages in the horse’s hoof.
Effect on Movement: This condition can make the horse’s gait less fluid and more rigid, as the hoof loses some of its natural ability to absorb shock.
Long-term Implications: Over time, this can lead to other hoof-related issues and potentially cause lameness.
3. Navicular Disease
What It Is: Navicular disease affects the navicular bone and associated structures in the horse’s hoof, causing degeneration and, in severe cases, lameness.
Effect on Movement: Even in non-lame horses, navicular disease can cause a tentative or “eggshell” gait, as the horse tries to minimize pressure on the affected area.
Long-term Implications: If not managed properly, the condition can progress to chronic lameness and significantly impact a horse’s quality of life.
4. Arthritis
What It Is: Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, which can occur in various parts of the horse’s body.
Effect on Movement: Arthritis can cause stiffness and reduced range of motion, leading to a less fluid and more laborious gait.
Long-term Implications: Chronic arthritis can severely limit a horse’s athletic capabilities and may require long-term medication and management.
Incorrect Hoof Trimming and Its Effect on Equine Movement
1. Long Toes and Low Heels
Effect on Movement: Strains tendons and ligaments, causing excessive leg movement.
Solution: Regular and correct trimming.
Long-term Implications: Chronic lameness and tendon issues.
2. Uneven Hoof Wall
Effect on Movement: One side of the hoof hits the ground first, causing a twisting motion as the rest of the hoof hits the ground.
Solution: Corrective trimming and shoeing.
Long-term Implications: Joint problems and uneven hoof wear.
3. Flared Hooves
Effect on Movement: Causes instability and stumbling and excessive leg movement.
Solution: Regular trimming to remove the flare.
Long-term Implications: Hoof cracks and lameness.
Conclusion
Understanding both the intricacies of horse conformation flaws and the complexities of specific medical conditions is indispensable for anyone involved in equine care. Many of the conditions described can affect only 1 limb, causing altered movement in just that one effected limb, giving the horse an odd and irregular movement when traveling while still not actually lame. While some of these flaws and conditions are genetic and may be challenging, or impossible, to correct, a proactive approach can often manage and minimize their impact on a horse’s health and performance. Regular check-ups from veterinarians and farriers are not just recommended, but essential for identifying and effectively managing these issues. My blog article, Evaluating Lameness – When to call the Vet?, can be helpful when evaluating your horse’s condition and the article, Transforming Crooked to Confident, describes a situation where a chiropractor was able to correct a horse’s poor movement. By being vigilant and proactive, you can ensure that your horse not only moves more efficiently, but also enjoys a healthier and more fulfilling life in the long run.
Below are three references that can provide further information and scientific backing for the topics discussed in the blog post:
- Equine Locomotion, 2nd Edition
Authors: Willem Back and Hilary M. Clayton
Publisher: Saunders Ltd.
Year: 2013
ISBN: 978-0702029601
Link to Book
This book offers an in-depth look at equine locomotion and biomechanics, covering various conformation flaws and medical conditions that affect movement. - Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse, 2nd Edition
Authors: Michael W. Ross and Sue J. Dyson
Publisher: Saunders
Year: 2010
ISBN: 978-1416060697
Link to Book
This reference is particularly useful for understanding the medical conditions like ringbone, sidebone, and navicular disease that affect equine movement. - The Horse Conformation Handbook
Author: Heather Smith Thomas
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Year: 2005
ISBN: 978-1580175586
Link to Book
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to horse conformation, discussing how various flaws can affect a horse’s performance and long-term health.