Posted by Danvers on September 06, 2003 at 18:15:36:
In Reply to: Hock issues in dressage horses. posted by Fred Molinari on September 06, 2003 at 16:47:57:
: Just started doing a barn full of dressage horses. Several of them have hock issues and one has just been diagnosed with Bone Spavin.
: Upon rereading James Rooneys book I was reminded that he feels all horses that work in a sickle hocked fashion (like the collected dressage positions force them into) will ulimately develop various hock arthroses. He prescribes moderate work until the joint fuses which is what the Vet involved in the fellow with bone spavin has presecribed as well. The vet has given no opinon on shoeing while we wait for fusion. I could use a shock absorbing wedge pad to minimize motion of the affected area and reduce concussion but while we wait for fusion to occur it would seem that irritation to the joint is to be encouraged not minimized. Thoughts on this horse would be most welcome.
: The next issue is prevention in the horses who are much less acute do not have a diagnosis of spavin and upon x-ray would most likely not have any bony changes showing yet. One could almost make a case for a shock absorbing wedge pad for all dressage horses LOL. I wonder what those who prepare dressage horses do to prevent this type of injury and look forward to your responses.
: Fred
Hey Fred,
I've had good luck with these guys by dropping them into a plain stamped shoe behind.
~~Danvers