 |
While
talking to the owner, I watch the horse in his normal environment.
How is he standing, what is he doing, what does the bedding look
like, are there any marks on the stall walls, what's the field
like, and so on?
|
Habits are important!
|
Then I look
at the horse standing square on a level surface.
|
An abnormal limb
conformation will
stress the musculo-skeletal system
|
Poor foot balance,
or poor conformation? |
|
|
This
horse's upright pasterns, especially behind, are a source of increased
concussion up the leg and could be a cause of back pain. |
|
|
This horse is
very long in the back and tucked up. The clue to the possibility
of a low back problem is the muscled shoulder and comparatively
weak quarters suggesting he works on the forehand, unable to take
weight behind.
|
Standing
on a box behind your horse
can give you all sorts of information
|
This horse has more muscle development over the left shoulder,
which would throw the rider to one side.
His quarters
are also very unlevel. Could there be a problem with his R hindlimb
action and consequently an effect on the diagonal L fore? Whatever
the cause, this horse has a back problem as a result.
|
|
A scuffed toe
R hind, and a generally miserable
appearance would make you suspicious here |
Examination from
behind confirms
your suspicions |
|
Next I watch the horse moving - walking and trotting
up, circling, backing, and sometimes lunged or ridden.
I check for:
|
|
|
- Level footfall
- Abnormalities
of gait
- Tracking
up
- Freedom
of limb movement
- Mobility
of neck, back and pelvis
- Head movement
- Flexibility
and fluidity
- Muscle
use
- Tail carriage
|
