Posted by Phil Armitage on September 14, 2003 at 22:31:30:
In Reply to: hoof and pastern conformation question posted by Margaret on September 14, 2003 at 13:07:46:
: I am considering purchasing a five year old Thoroughbred who recently came off the track. His conformation seems fine except for two areas that have been bothering me. His pasterns are medium, to slightly long, and are very slender. Also, his hooves are small and he wears leather pads to somehow help in reshaping him. Does this sound like a lameness case waiting to happen? He's about 16-16.1 hands and very muscled. Thanks for any suggestions.
Just my opinion, he is probably in pads because the soles are week. If the feet are small this could lead to problems since he is a big horse. Small feet on a big horse is not good, but that all depends on what you will be doing with him. The other thing is how is your horsemenship skills? If you are inexperienced with horses or even owned horses in the past but have experience with calm quit horses then this is not the horse for you. He may be a good horse but generaly thorough breds are high energy and sensitive and require good handleing skills. Just some things to consider.
Phil