Performance Medicine Articles

Drug Piracy and How it Affects Your Performance Horse

Strategies to Maximize Performance in Your Horse
Lameness and Poor Performance in the Sport Horse: Eenting
!he Most "mportant !hree "nches in Your Horse#s $areer
Lameness and Performance in the Sport Horse: Show %umping
Lameness and Performance in the Sport Horse: Dressage
$onformation Myths and Misunderstandings
A Humane &se of the E'uine Ath(ete
Protect Horses from Exhaustion and )erheating
Strategic Layoffs

Drug Piracy and How it Affects Your Performance Horse
by Kenton Morgan, DVM, DACT
*or those of us in the e'uine industry+ whether we are owners+ trainers+ grooms+ riders+
,udges or eterinarians+ our guiding princip(e shou(d a(ways -e: .hat is -est for the horse/ .hen
*DA0approed products are aai(a-(e+ the practice of using non0approed medications+ i((ega((y
compounded medications or manufactured medications is not in the -est interest of the horse1
.hat is drug piracy/
"n genera(+ drug piracy is a term used to descri-e a practice where-y a product is produced that is
ery simi(ar or identica( to+ an *DA0approed pharmaceutica(1 Another way to exp(ain piracy is to
produce a product with the intent to circument the drug approa( process and proide for mass
mar2eting of this product1 !his practice is most common(y associated with a segment of the
pharmaceutica( industry 2nown as compounding pharmacy1
.hat is compounding pharmacy/
$ompounding is a process to produce a medication -y com-ining or a(tering ingredients for a
patient in response to a (icensed practitioner#s prescription1
3ecause there is a scarcity of approed medications for use in horses+ there is a (egitimate need
for compounding in e'uine eterinary medicine1 Some examp(es of (egitimate compounding
wou(d inc(ude: crushing a ta-(et and creating a paste or ge( to aid in the administration to the
patient or mixing two anesthetics in the same syringe for use in your horse1 Mixing anti-iotics with
"4 f(uids in a hospita(ized e'uine patient is another examp(e1 !his practice is necessary and
widespread1 !here are many reputa-(e compounders in the industry proiding an important
serice to eterinarians and horse owners1
.ho can prescri-e a compounded eterinary drug/
A eterinarian may prescri-e a compounded drug as (ong as a a(id+ eterinarian0c(ient0patient
re(ationship exists1
.ho can (ega((y compound a eterinary drug/
)n(y (icensed eterinarians and pharmacists can compound eterinary drugs1
"s a compounded product the same as a 5generic6 drug/
7o+ a generic drug is identica( or -ioe'uia(ent to a -rand name or (egend drug in dosage form+
safety+ strength+ route of administration+ 'ua(ity+ performance characteristics and intended use1 A
generic drug is typica((y su-mitted for approa( after the origina( 8(egend9 drug comes off patent
protection1
"t is important to remem-er that generic drugs go through an *DA approa( process and are
manufactured at an *DA0approed faci(ity1
$ompounding pharmacies do not produce 5generic6 anything1 Pirated drugs are not 5generic6
drugs1
.hat are the 5ru(es6 or criteria -y which products are compounded/
:1 .hen no approed anima( or human drug is aai(a-(e that can -e used in an extra0(a-e(
manner to treat the condition
;1 $ompounding must -e performed -y a (icensed pharmacist or eterinarian within the scope of
a professiona( practice
<1 Appropriate procedures are carried out to ensure safety and effectieness of the product
=1 Size of the compounding operation must -e proportiona( to the esta-(ished need for the
product
>1 A(( re(eant state (aws re(ated to compounding are fo((owed and a(( federa( regu(ations are met
88$*?9 ><@91
$ompounding is intended to -e performed on a case0-y0case or patient0-y0patient -asis+ when
nothing e(se is current(y aai(a-(e in the appropriate form to treat a condition1
.hat constitutes i((egitimate compounding/ 8compounding for food0producing anima(s hae
additiona( criteria and wi(( not -e discussed here9
:1 $ompounding a eterinary drug from unapproed drugs or -u(2 drug products1
;1 $ompounding a eterinary drug if an approed eterinary or human drug exists to treat the
condition1
<1 $ompounding eterinary drugs within a manufacturing enironment1
=1 $ompounding eterinary drugs for resa(e1
>1 $ompounding drugs outside of state or federa( regu(ations1
A1 $ompounding drugs which mimic *DA0approed products1
Drug piracy can ino(e one or more of these practices+ -ut producing products on a (arge sca(e
andBor producing a drug that mimics an approed product are two of the most common infractions
associated with 5piracy16
.hat does a(( of this hae to do with me and my performance horse/
*DA products go through years of dee(opment and testing -efore they are approed and can -e
so(d1 !his is to assure that the products are safe and effectie1
!his process inc(udes seera( components:
:1 !oxico(ogy
;1 !arget anima( safety
<1 Efficacy
=1 $hemistry+ manufacturing+ contro(s
>1 La-e(ing and *)" summary
.ith an approed product+ you can -e assured of the product#s safety+ efficacy+ purity+ sta-i(ity
and consistency1 !he (a-e( c(ear(y exp(ains the proper way to use the medication1
.ith pirated products+ there is no assurance of any 'ua(ity parameters1 !hese products hae no
re'uirement for ana(ytica(+ micro-ia(+ sta-i(ity+ safety or efficacy1
$oncerns when using pirated products on your horse:
:1 !he product may hae no -eneficia( effect1
;1 !he product you use today may -e tota((y 5different6 from the product you use next wee21
<1 !he product may not -e sta-(e1
=1 !he product cou(d pose a safety ris2 to your horse1
Summary
Legitimate compounding -y a reputa-(e pharmacy+ on the order of a (icensed eterinarian who
has a professiona( re(ationship with your operation+ is a necessary serice to he(p proide optima(
care for the horse1
!he use of pirated drugs has no p(ace in the e'uine industry and can pose a serious threat to the
hea(th of your horse1
2eywords: drug compounding+ compounding+ drugs+ drug piracy1
posted: <B;:B;@@>1 Last updated: <B;:B;@@>1

Strategies to Maimi!e Performance in Your Horse
by Sally Vi"rette, DVM, P#D, DACV$M
Maintaining a performance or p(easure horse represents a su-stantia( inestment of time
and money1 Peop(e sometimes put their efforts towards purchase of a nice horse and a (oe(y
truc2 and trai(er+ forgetting some of the -asics that he(p to improe horse hea(th and performance1
!his presentation coers some of the factors that may inf(uence the success of your riding
program+ -e it showing or p(easure riding1
Se(ection
!he fee(ing of a successfu( partnership with your horse can -e a ery rewarding experience1 !his
pathway can -e made easier if a horse with the right 5credentia(s6 is se(ected1 !his may ino(e
consideration of -reed+ age+ gender+ size+ (ee( and type of training and disposition1 "f you do not
a(ready own a horse+ haing the he(p of a professiona( horseman or 2now(edgea-(e e'uestrian
can -e ery he(pfu(1 A prepurchase examination -y a eterinarian can he(p to identify pro-(ems
that may interfere with performance1 %ust (i2e humans+ horses can -e -etter at certain ,o-s than
others1 !ry to se(ect a horse that either a(ready 2nows the discip(ine of riding you are interested in
or has a 5fami(y6 history of ta(ent in that area1 3e cautious a-out -e(ieing unsu-stantiated c(aims
a-out a horse#s s2i((s 8-uyer -ewareC91
4accination and parasite contro(
Horses are routine(y accinated against contagious and infectious diseases that may 2i(( the
horse+ permanent(y impair them or cause i((ness re'uiring a (ong cona(escence1
D !etanus: 4accination against tetanus is performed annua((y1 !he accine contains tetanus toxoid
and stimu(ates the horse#s immune system to actie(y ma2e anti-odies against $(ostridium tetani+
a -acterium that (ies in the soi(1 Another tetanus accine that is aai(a-(e is tetanus antitoxin1
!his accine proides anti-odies against the tetanus organism and can rare(y cause fata( (ier
disease1 A(ways get eterinary adice prior to administering tetanus antitoxin1 Horses infected
with tetanus often dee(op a stiff+ 5sawhorse6 stance1
D ?a-ies: 4accination against ra-ies is performed annua((y1 "n many states+ ra-ies accination
must -e performed -y a (icensed eterinarian or state0approed technician1 ?a-ies is spread to
horses primari(y through -ites -y wi(d anima(s+ such as raccoons1 Horses infected with ra-ies
often shown signs of dysphagia 8trou-(e eating9+ ataxia and increased sensitiity to the touch1
!hey may a(so show signs of co(ic and (ameness1
D Eastern and .estern encepha(omye(itis 8s(eeping sic2ness9: 4accination against this mos'uito0
-orne ira( disease is usua((y performed two times per year1 "n areas where there are particu(ar(y
ear(y springs or (ong+ warm fa((s+ this accine may -e administered three times per year1 Horses
infected with e'uine encepha(omye(itis often show signs of stupor+ compu(sie circ(ing+
hyperexcita-i(ity and+ (ater in the course of the disease+ coma and ina-i(ity to rise1
D .est 7i(e: 4accination against this mos'uito0-orne ira( disease is usua((y performed two times
per year1 Some state eterinarians recommend accination three times per year1 Horses infected
with .est 7i(e irus often show signs of depression+ ataxia+ wea2ness and musc(e fasicu(ations1
D "nf(uenza: 4accination against inf(uenza is usua((y performed two times per year1 "nf(uenza is
spread through contact with a sic2 horse or through dirty hands of humans hand(ing sic2 and
hea(thy horses1 "ntramuscu(ar and intranasa( accines are aai(a-(e1 !he intranasa( inf(uenza
accine has shown good efficacy in preenting disease for six months after accination1 *o((owing
intramuscu(ar accination against inf(uenza+ horses may need to -e -oostered two to four times
per year1 Horses infected with inf(uenza often dee(op a feer+ runny nose and cough1
D ?hinopneumonitis: 4accination against rhinopneumonitis 8e'uine herpes irus9 is usua((y
performed twice a year+ or as often as four times per year1 Li2e infection with inf(uenza+ horses
infected with rhinopneumonitis may exhi-it symptoms simi(ar to those of inf(uenza1
D Strang(es: Strang(es is caused -y the -acterium Streptococcus e'ui+ and is spread -y nose to
nose contact+ -y contaminated e'uipment and human hands or through contaminated water
sources1 An intramuscu(ar accination is aai(a-(e+ -ut this accine sometimes causes su-stantia(
reactions at the in,ection sites1 An intranasa( strang(es accine is aai(a-(e1 !his accine may
rare(y cause i((ness in the horse1 Additiona((y+ it is recommended that intranasa( strang(es
accines not -e administered at the same time as other accines administered intramuscu(ar(y1
D E'uine protzoa( encepha(omye(itis 8EPM+ possum disease9: !his neuro(ogica( disease is most
common(y spread to horses from possums infected with Sarcocystis neurona1 A Sarcocystis
neurona accine is aai(a-(e that appears to -e safe1 Efficacy studies are in progress1 Horses
infected with EPM hae -rain or spina( cord dysfunction that is asymmetrica( and may hae ataxia
andBor musc(e wea2ness1
D Potomac horse feer+ 4enezua(ian e'uine encepha(omye(itis+ rotairus: As2 your eterinarian
a-out the ris2 of these diseases in your area1
Horses are constant(y exposed to interna( parasites+ especia((y if they graze on green pastures in
warm+ humid c(imates1 Horses are traditiona((y dewormed eery E0:; wee2s+ and a num-er of
effectie anthe(mintics are aai(a-(e1 Many horse owners emp(oy a rotation of iermectin or
moxidectin with fen-endazo(e and pyrante(1 Horses shou(d -e dewormed at (east once a year
with a product effectie against tapeworms 8dou-(e dose pyranta( or iermectinBprazi'uanta(
com-ination91 Horses on a dai(y pyrante( dewormer shou(d receie iermectin or moxidectin at
(east twice a year+ and -e treated for tapeworms at (east once a year1 An idea( worm contro(
program inc(udes a feca( egg count at (east once a year1
Dentistry
Horse#s teeth continua((y erupt+ and this+ com-ined with the rotationa( grinding of the teeth+ can
cause sharp ename( points to -ui(d up on the -ucca( 8chee29 surface of the upper teeth and the
(ingua( 8tongue9 aspect of the (ower teeth1 "n the o(d days+ it was thought that horses on(y needed
their teeth f(oated 8fi(ed9 in their senior years+ -ut this is no (onger the case1 Sharp ename( points+
hoo2s+ wae mouth and incisor ma(occ(usion can cause discomfort with the -it and reduce
supp(eness in the ,aw+ po(( and top(ine1 Dentistry is optima((y performed -efore the horse is eer
as2ed to carry a -it1 Examination for need for dentistry is -est accomp(ished with use of a fu((
mouth specu(um which a((ows for fu(( pa(pation of eery aspect of eery tooth1 !he practice of
chec2ing ,ust the (atera( aspect of the first chee2 tooth to determine need for f(oating is often ery
inade'uate1 !his practice (eaes many teeth unexamined and a-rasions in the chee2s ad,acent to
sharp points unidentified1
$onditioning
A horse that is improper(y conditioned for its intended sport is at ris2 to dee(op musc(e+ tendon
andBor (igament in,ury if oerexerted1 A horse is said to -e fit if it can perform its sportBdiscip(ine
with minima( effort and (ow ris2 of in,ury1 A conditioning program shou(d inc(ude efforts to improe
cardioascu(ar fitness+ supp(eness and muscu(ar strength1 Many riders hae a tendency to
concentrate on(y on ,umping+ or dressage+ or -arre( racing+ etc1+ and therefore confuse 5training6
with 5conditioning16 $oncentrating so(e(y on training not on(y can (ead to in,uries from poor
conditioning+ it can a(so (ead to -ehaior pro-(ems and -oredom in your horse1 A program of (ong+
s(ow distance 8LSD9 conditioning can -e used that ino(es (ots of wa(2ing initia((y+ with increasing
trot and s(ow canter wor21 .or2ing the horse up sma(( hi((s can increase muscu(ar and
cardioascu(ar fitness1 "f hi((s are not aai(a-(e+ wa(2ing and trotting oer caa(etti can -e used1
Exercising on different types of footing can stimu(ate strength in -ones and tendons1 $onditioning
past this -asic (ee( wi(( depend on the type of discip(ine you are concentrating on1 Endurance
horses may -enefit from training with a heart rate monitor to measure achieement of maxima(
heart rate during exercise and+ more important(y+ recoery from exercise1
Sadd(e fit
!he sadd(e you -ought :@ years ago to fit your :=1; hand Fuarter Horse mare may not fit your
new :A1< hand !horough-red ge(ding1 A poor(y fitting tree+ -ro2en tree+ uneen f(oc2ing and misfit
of sadd(e size for rider are ,ust a few pro-(ems that can cause a sadd(e to fit improper(y1 !hese
pro-(ems may cause musc(e or erte-ra( soreness in your horse and (ead to (ameness 8from -ac2
soreness+ hind(im- or fore(im- pro-(ems9 andBor -ehaior pro-(ems1 Some horses are more
sensitie to sadd(e fit than others+ and your eye may not -e a-(e to detect su-t(e pro-(ems1
Sadd(e fit pro-(ems can -e worsened if sadd(e pads are dirty or (umpy or if your horse is dirty
when sadd(ed1 "f you hae a sadd(e fit pro-(em+ adding more padding or specia(ized padding
shou(d not -e considered a remedy1 "t is a ery good idea to hae your sadd(e examined -y a
professiona( sadd(e fitter wheneer you -uy a new horse+ if there are su-stantia( changes in your
horse#s weight or conditioning+ or if you start to hae (ameness+ soreness or -ehaior pro-(ems1
Shoeing
A num-er of pro-(ems can arise from a horse that is not shod proper(y1 Pro-a-(y the -iggest
pro-(em stems from horses with a natura( tendency to hae a (ong toe and (ow hee( conformation1
!his conformation can predispose hee(0-ased (ameness+ inc(uding naicu(ar syndrome1 "f you
hae a horse with (ess than perfect hoof conformation+ you can minimize the impact on
soundness -y 2eeping to a regu(ar shoeing fre'uency 8eery >0A wee2s9 and wor2ing with your
farrier and eterinarian to minimize toe (ength and maximize hee( support at eery shoeing1
$ertain(y not a(( horses need shoes+ -ut the same princip(es app(y with regard to shoeing
fre'uency and hoof -a(ance1 A (atera( radiograph of the feet can he(p to identify su-t(e or mar2ed
pro-(ems with hoof -a(ance and shoe fit1 !he radiograph can -e repeated annua((y to trac2
improements or dee(oping pro-(ems1
7utrition
!here are a num-er of factors that are considered in determining an optima( nutrition program for
your horse1 *or the most part+ we tend to feed horses so that they are maintained at an optima(
weight1 Dressage horses and hunters usua((y carry a (itt(e more weight than eent and endurance
horses1 Horses are usua((y fed a com-ination of forage 8hay andBor pasture9 and concentrate
8grain91 ?ea(ize that horses+ -y nature+ are designed to eat for :E hours per day1 !he practice of
feeding (arge amounts of grain and sma(( amounts of hay are a recipe for co(ic+ -oredom+
dee(opment of ices 8cri--ing9 and is a predisposing factor for dee(opment of gastric u(cers1 "n
some parts of the country+ pasture is (imited1 "n these cases+ pro-(ems can -e minimized -y
feeding good0'ua(ity grass hay diided into three or four feedings per day1 Horses that tend to -e
f(ighty or s2ittish may -enefit from a (ow0car-ohydrate+ high0fat feed which is commercia((y
aai(a-(e1 Horses that hae trou-(e gaining or maintaining their weight can -e fed supp(ementa(
fat 8corn oi(+ rice -ran+ pe((eted fat supp(ements9 andBor haing -eet pu(p added to the diet1
)-esity shou(d a(so -e addressed+ as this condition is considered a ris2 factor for the
dee(opment of (aminitis1
Supp(ements
"n addition to concentrates and forage+ itamins and minera(s are an essentia( part of e'uine
nutrition1 Scrutiny of cata(ogues or ais(es of tac2 and feed stores wou(d ma2e you thin2 that hay
and commercia( feeds are deoid of itamins and minera(s+ and it is up to you to proide these
items for your horse1 ?ea(ize that a(( of the name -rand commercia((y0prepared feeds hae
essentia( itamins and minera(s added1 "f you feed home0prepared feeds 8or p(ain grain such as
oats9 you may need to supp(ement itamins and minera(s1 %oint and musc(e supp(ements
containing chondroitin+ g(ucosamine and MSM may -e added to the diet of horses with arthritis or
musc(e soreness1 Hoof supp(ements containing -iotin and methionine may improe hoof 'ua(ity1
2eywords: performance horse 1
posted: ;B;<B;@@>1 Last updated: ;B;<B;@@>1

%ameness and Poor Performance in t#e S&ort Horse'
("enting
by Sue Dyson, )*CVS

Eenting 8horse tria(s9 com-ines dressage+ show ,umping+ and cross0country+ together with
steep(echase and roads and trac2s phases in a three0day eent1 !he eent horse must primari(y
-e a -rae+ c(eer+ -o(d ,umper cross0country+ with scope and speed1 Howeer+ in modern day
competition this is not sufficient to exce(+ and the horse must a(so hae reasona-(y ath(etic paces
and a temperament that can -e trained for dressage+ com-ined idea((y with an a-i(ity to show
,ump with care1 Horses with a predominance of !horough-red -reeding exce(1 !he ma,ority of
pure warm-(ood horses strugg(e to achiee the speeds re'uired at top (ee(s+ and+ if a(ways
wor2ing in top gear+ are more prone to in,ury1
!hree0day eenting p(aces extreme demands on the muscu(os2e(eta( system+ through the efforts
of -oth the training program and the competition itse(f1 !he horses compete on extreme(y aria-(e
terrain and must -e a-(e to cope with -oth hard and soft footing+ often uphi((+ downhi((+ and across
hi((s+ and must -e prepared according(y1 Ga((oping and ,umping on arious gradients p(ace huge
strains on the (im-s and -ac2+ and horses with poor conformation are particu(ar(y at ris2 to in,ury1
Eenting is (ess forgiing than dressage or show ,umping in this respect1 Dressage in horse tria(s
is a(most a(ways performed on grass and su-t(e gait a-norma(ities may -e high(ighted+ especia((y
when the ground is hard1 Horses with poor foot conformation+ upright hoof pastern axes+ are
-ac20at0the02nee or hae straight hoc2s do not stand up we(( to top0(ee( competition1 !he eent
horse is a(so much more at ris2 to dee(op (ameness due to direct trauma than horses in either
show ,umping or dressage+ particu(ar(y in the cross0country phase1
Horses usua((y reach adanced (ee( -y approximate(y E years of age and the ma,ority of horses
competing internationa((y are o(der1 Most in,uries in these horses are repetitie strain in,uries to
soft tissues or ,oints or the resu(t of direct trauma+ whereas in younger horses there is a -roader
range of (ameness causes common to horses used in a ariety of discip(ines1 Exertiona(
rha-domyo(ysis 8tying up9 occurs 'uite common(y and is most often recognized in the :@0minute
-rea2 after the second roads and trac2s phase+ -efore the cross0country phase of a three0day
eent1 !he speed at which horses must perform+ com-ined with ,umping+ resu(ts in a high
incidence of strain of the superficia( digita( f(exor tendons1 !his is pro-a-(y a(so a cumu(atie
in,ury ref(ecting fre'uency of competition and the speed at which the horse competes1
%+SS +) P(*)+*MA,C( A,D %AM(,(SS
Low0grade muscu(os2e(eta( pro-(ems may present as un(ee(ness in the dressage phase+
especia((y when performing medium or extended trot+ :@ meter diameter circ(es or (atera( wor21 "n
show ,umping the horse may show any of the pro-(ems seen in the e(ite show ,umper1 $ross0
country the horse may -e re(uctant to ,ump drop fences or to ga((op down hi((1
"t must a(so a(ways -e remem-ered that refusing may ref(ect (ac2 of confidence of the horse or
rider1 A horse may compete ery successfu((y at intermediate (ee( -ut not hae the confidence or
scope to compete at adanced (ee(1 Horses that are too carefu( and try to aoid hitting fences
may paradoxica((y not -e -rae enough for adanced (ee( competition1
C%$,$CA% (-AM
A comprehensie c(inica( examination at rest is essentia(1 !he horse shou(d a(ways -e assessed
as a who(e+ not as a (im- in iso(ation1
Particu(ar attention shou(d -e paid to:
0*oot conformation+ trimming and shoeing+ and shoe wear
0%oint f(exi-i(ity+ resistance to (im- f(exion and rotation+ and pain
0*(uid swe((ing in the ,oints+ especia((y in the fet(oc2 and pastern
07ec2 and -ac2 f(exi-i(ity and musc(e tension
0Size+ shape and reaction to pa(pation of the superficia( digita( f(exor tendons and the suspensory
(igaments
!he horse shou(d -e examined standing s'uare(y on a hard surface to detect musc(e wasting+
which may ref(ect a chronic (ow0grade (ameness1 "t shou(d -e assessed moing in hand+ -efore
and after f(exion tests+ on the (unge on -oth soft and hard surfaces+ and idea((y ridden+ since
fre'uent(y horses hae seera( (ow0grade pro-(ems when presenting with reduced performance
which wi(( on(y -ecome apparent if the horse is examined under a ariety of circumstances1 7ere
-(oc2ing is essentia( to unrae( the entire picture1
Significant inf(ammation of the superficia( digita( f(exor tendon may -e present without (ameness
and with minima( detecta-(e c(inica( signs1 Many riders app(y a proprietary c(ay and -andage the
(im-s after fast wor2 or competitions and this can suppress soft tissue swe((ing or mas2 (oca(ized
heat1 .heneer there is the s(ightest suspicion of in,ury the tendons shou(d -e examined
u(trasonographica((y1
C+MM+, CA.S(S
As descri-ed in the artic(e+ common causes of acute onset (ameness in the eent horse inc(ude:
0 "nf(ammation of the suspensory (igament
0 "n,ury to the suspensory -ranch
0 "nf(ammation to the superficia( digita( f(exor tendon
0 Exertiona( rha-domyo(ysis 8tying up9
0 Stif(e trauma+ inc(uding -ruising+ fracture of the pate((a or ti-ia
0 *oot soreness+ trimming and shoeing pro-(ems
0 )er0reach
0 !raumatic arthritis of the fet(oc2 and pastern ,oints
0 Degeneratie ,oint disease of the hoc2
0 "nf(ammation of the digita( f(exor tendon sheath
0 3ac2 and hip pain
"t is ita( to hae the horse examined -y a eterinarian at the ear(iest sign of a pro-(em+ whether
(ameness+ resistance or the onset of heat or swe((ing+ so that appropriate treatment may -e
instituted to pro(ong the performance (ife of the horse1
:1 tit(e Lameness and Poor Performance in the Sport Horse: Eenting
;1 author Sue Dyson
<1 -io *?$4S
=1 source AAEP conention
>1 date 7oem-er ;@@@
A1 category (ameness: genera( performance medicine
H1 text
posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: AB:EB;@@;1

T#e Most $m&ortant T#ree $nc#es in Your Horse/s Career
by %ydia 0ray, D1V1M1

Lydia Gray+ D141M1
"ntroduction
.hat ma2es one footing -etter than another/ "s it possi-(e to find a surface that maximizes your
horse#s ath(etic potentia( whi(e at the same time protects him from in,ury/ And what can you as
owner+ trainer or rider do to -ring out your horse#s -est and maintain his soundness when faced
with (ess than idea( footing/
"dea( footing aries with the sport+ (oca( c(imate+ natura( ground type and gradient+ and (ocation
8indoors or outdoors91 "t is easier to choose a suita-(e surface for a sing(e sport in an indoor arena
than it is to cater to the needs of seera( different sports in an outdoor arena+ where the
unpredicta-(e effects of the weather p(ay a ro(e1 !he capita( inestment and the practica(ities of
maintaining the surface on a day0to0day -asis are a(so important1 As a resu(t+ the end product is
often a compromise -etween the idea( and the practica(Bafforda-(e+ which may not -e in the -est
interest of the horse1 "n this artic(e+ how horses moe wi(( -e ta2en into account with footing in
order to he(p reduce the ris2 of performance0re(ated in,uries1
(2uine 3iomec#anics
3y studying e'uine -iomechanics+ or how horses moe+ researchers hae -een a-(e to te(( what
part of the hoof or (im- is undergoing stress during each phase of the stride1 A(though it seems
that the more we uncoer a-out gaits the more there is to uncoer+ fortunate(y much of what has
-een done in human -iomechanics can -e app(ied to horses1
*or examp(e+ in peop(e+ the repeated shoc2 of impact with the ground is responsi-(e for the
dee(opment of osteoarthritis 8degeneratie ,oint disease or D%D91 Actiities that ino(e running
or ,umping00in which there is an air-orne phase00are much more damaging than wa(2ing or
stepping00in which there is a(ways at (east one foot on the ground1 !his is why peop(e tend to get
fewer in,uries when doing (ow impact aero-ics1 Simi(ar(y+ the shoc2 of impact of the hoof with the
ground is the most important phase of the stride in re(ation to the dee(opment of D%D in the
horse1 A description of the chain of eents that occurs as the hoof contacts the ground he(ps
exp(ain why this is so1
As the hoof approaches the ground+ it is moing forward and downward1 At the instant the hoof
stri2es the ground+ it is rapid(y s(owed down1 A(though the hoof acts as the initia( shoc2 a-sor-er
for the s2e(eta( system+ this rapid Idece(erationI sends a shoc2 wae up the horse#s (im-1 As the
shoc2 wae trae(s up the (im-+ two specific types of tissue aid in its dispersion: -one and
carti(age1 .hi(e -one is a fair(y efficient shoc2 a-sor-er+ excessie impact shoc2s may (ead to
microfractures1 $arti(age is an een more effectie shoc2 a-sor-er than -one+ -ut -ecause it is
present in such a thin (ayer in the ,oints it ma2es a re(atie(y sma(( contri-ution to reducing the
shoc2 impact1 ?epeated impacts+ especia((y of great force+ can (ead to progressie and
irrepara-(e carti(age damage+ eentua((y resu(ting in D%D1
(ffects of )ooting
?educing impact shoc2+ then+ is one aspect of footing that shou(d -e considered when choosing
or ea(uating a wor2 surface for performance horses1 I"mpact resistanceI is the term used to
descri-e the a-i(ity of footing to a-sor- impact energy1 "t affects primari(y the hoof#s downward
motion1 Surfaces with high impact resistance 8e1g1 concrete9 a-sor- (itt(e energy on impact and
are associated with high impact shoc21 Surfaces with (ower impact resistance 8e1g1 wood chips9
a-sor- more energy on impact and resu(t in (ower impact shoc21
"t is usefu( to compare the physica( characteristics of different surfaces in re(ation to their effect on
the horse1 Hard surfaces such as concrete+ aspha(t and hard soi( hae high impact resistance1
$onse'uent(y+ the (im-s are rapid(y dece(erated after contact (eading to high impact forces and
considera-(e concussion1 3ecause hard surfaces a(so do not a((ow the toe of the hoof to
penetrate+ there is great pressure app(ied to the naicu(ar region1 !herefore+ hard surfaces are
particu(ar(y damaging to horses with naicu(ar pro-(ems1
Sand+ on the other hand+ has a somewhat (ower impact resistance than hard soi(1 Howeer+ deep
or dry sand can (ead to in,uries other than those caused -y impact shoc21 "n addition+ the horse
must use a greater muscu(ar effort to oercome the tendency of sand to gie way underfoot1 !he
wor2ing heart rate can -e up to >@J greater on deep or dry sand+ which exp(ains why sand is so
tiring for horses to wor2 on1 Anyone who has run on a -each has experienced this phenomenon
for themse(es1
$haracteristics of turf+ inc(uding its impact resistance+ depend on seera( factors+ nota-(y the
moisture content of the soi(1 *or examp(e+ as the soi( dries out+ the impact resistance increases1
A(though a high moisture content (owers the impact resistance+ too much moisture a((ows
s(ipping1 .e((0maintained turf proides exce((ent footing+ -ut it is difficu(t to 2eep the turf in this
condition1 Deterioration in surface characteristics under conditions of drought or excess rainfa(( is
a pro-(em for turf arenas and trac2s1
Conclusion
!here are many more components of footing that affect your horse#s potentia( for performance
8and potentia( for in,ury9 than are presented here1 !he -est suggestion for reducing the ris2 of
acute and chronic in,uries due to footing is to use common sense:
o !ry to train on the same type of footing that you wi(( -e competing on1 A-rupt
changes in footing are one of the (eading causes of in,uries1
o Aoid inconsistent footing1 Surfaces that hae soft and hard spots+ deep and
sha((ow spots+ or dry and s(ic2 spots can -e dangerous1
o Ma2e sure your horse is trained and conditioned for the ,o- you are as2ing him to
do1 )n the other hand+ oertraining and oerconditioning a horse can a(so (ead to
in,uries as fatigue enters the picture1
o And fina((y+ e(iminate or reduce the effects of other causes of performance0re(ated
in,uries such as shoeingK training+ conditioning and competition schedu(esK
conformationK and pre0existing conditions1

*esources
Your (oca( eterinarian can -e a great p(ace to get started (earning more a-out a(( the things
discussed in this artic(e1 "n addition+ your (oca( extension office wi(( hae information specific to
your regionK organizations representing your specific -reed and discip(ine may hae information
specific to your sport1 *ooting companies are another exce((ent resource as are pamph(ets and
-oo2s such as I&nder *ootI -y the &nited States Dressage *ederation and !he E'uine Arena
Hand-oo2 -y ?o-ert Ma(mgren from $o(orado State &niersity1
!his artic(e was written with the he(p of Hi(ary $(ayton+ 34MS+ PhD+ M?$4S+ Mary Anne McPhai(
Dressage $hair in E'uine Sports Medicine at the Michigan State &niersity $o((ege of 4eterinary
Medicine www1cm1msu1eduBdressage and Annua( $onention Proceedings of the American
Association of E'uine Practitioners 8AAEP9 :LL@0:LLL+ of which she is an actie mem-er1
AAEP contact information: =@H> "ron .or2s Par2way+ Lexington+ MY =@>:: E>LB;<<0@:=H
www1aaep1org
posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: <BEB;@@>1

%ameness and Performance in t#e S&ort Horse' S#ow
4um&ing
by Sue Dyson, )*CVS and AA(P member

Sue Dyson+ *?$4S and AAEP mem-er

TH( SP+*T
!he ath(etic demands p(aced upon the e(ite show ,umper are huge1 "t must -e a-(e to ,ump (arge
fences with precision+ accuracy+ and care+ sometimes at speed1 "t must -e supp(e and a-(e to
ma2e sharp turns and ,ump from a irtua( standsti((+ whi(e a(so -eing a-(e to ,ump a(most from a
ga((op1 "t must hae tremendous strength in the -ac2 and hind(im-s to -e a-(e to ad,ust stride
(ength and ,ump from IdeepI and -ascu(e+ with the capacity to ,ump (arge spread fences1
!he ma,ority of successfu(+ modern+ e(ite show ,umpers are natura((y we((0-a(anced+ (oose0moing
ath(etes1 !hey are re(atie(y (arge horses+ most -eing -etween :;@@ and :>@@ pounds -ody
weight1 &n(i2e many other discip(ines+ there is a reasona-(e -a(ance of ma(es 8ge(dings and
sta((ions9 and mares+ a(though there does not appear to -e any difference in suscepti-i(ity to
in,ury1 !he ma,ority of e(ite show ,umpers are warm-(oods that ary in their conformation+ -ut are
genera((y we((0proportioned1 !he feet are a nota-(e exception1 !he feet of warm-(ood horses are
often not we((0conformed or we((0proportioned in size and shape re(atie to the horse#s -ody
weight1 !hus this can -e regarded as a conformationa( fau(t+ sometimes compounded -y poor
foot trimming1 Greater attention to foot -a(ance may he(p to preent some (ameness1
!he e(ite show ,umper genera((y has a heay competition schedu(e with (itt(e time for recoery
from in,ury -efore it is next expected to compete1 "t a(so has to withstand trae(ing (ong distances
-etween competitions and often confinement in re(atie(y sma(( sta-(es+ with (itt(e opportunity for
turnout1 !herefore+ exercise is restricted to ridden wor2 and handwa(2ing1 Since e(ite show
,umpers trae( so much+ use of the same farrier -ecomes difficu(t+ so the horse may -e su-,ected
to aria-(e trimming and shoeing1 Due to the intensity of competition+ ear(y identification of any
potentia( pro-(em is crucia(K therefore+ regu(ar+ comprehensie monitoring of the muscu(os2e(eta(
system is recommended1
CH*+,$C +,S(T %AM(,(SS
!he stresses p(aced on the hind(im- suspensory apparatus on ta2e0off and the fore(im-
suspensory apparatus at (anding are enormous1 !here is a(so immense tor'ue p(aced on ,oints
when ma2ing 'uic2 turns1 !hus+ there is the potentia( for su-c(inica( (amenesses+ causing (ow0
grade intermittent or continuous pain+ compromising performance without resu(ting in oert
(ameness1 7onethe(ess+ some horses are a-(e to perform ery successfu((y despite (ow0grade
oert (ameness1 Some pro-(ems that a horse can cope with ade'uate(y when performing at (ower
(ee(s may -ecome a pro-(em when the horse is su-,ected to extreme demands on its
ath(eticism1
Low0grade pro-(ems may first show up as a change in performance rather than oert (ameness1
Signs of a muscu(os2e(eta( disorder may inc(ude:
7ot pushing een(y off -oth hind (im-s+ with the hind(im-s drifting to one side therefore
not ,umping s'uare(y across a fence
?e(uctance to turn
?efusing to (and with one fore(im- (eading
Difficu(ty in ma2ing the distances in a com-ination fence
Difficu(ties in a(teration of stride (ength
?e(uctance to get deep into a fence+ or a tendency to hae rai(s down in such
circumstances
?ushing fences
Stopping 8refusing9
$hanging (egs -ehind in canter
$hronic (ameness must -e identified and contro((ed to: :9 ena-(e a horse to pass mandatory
eterinary inspections at internationa( competitions+ ;9 optimize its performance and <9 reduce the
ris2 of the dee(opment of secondary+ acute pro-(ems1
AC.T( +,S(T %AM(,(SS
!here are many potentia( causes of acute onset (ameness which are not uni'ue to the show
,umper+ e(ite or otherwise1 !here are+ howeer+ a num-er of conditions which seem to occur with
higher fre'uency in e(ite (ee( show ,umpers+ compared to horses performing at (ower (ee(s1
!hese inc(ude:
"nf(ammation of the accessory (igament of the deep digita( f(exor tendon in the fore(im-
Superficia( digita( f(exor tendonitis in the fore(im-
Deep digita( f(exor tendonitis within the fore(im- hoof capsu(e
"nf(ammation of the suspensory (igament in the fore(im- and (ess common(y the hind(im-
"nf(ammation of either -ranch of the suspensory (igament in either the fore(im- or
hind(im-
"nf(ammation of the digita( f(exor tendon sheath
C%$,$CA% (-AM
Successfu( management of the e(ite show ,umper re'uires 2now(edge of the indiidua(+ how it
norma((y moes -oth in straight (ines and in circ(es on -oth soft and hard surfaces+ and how it
responds to a ariety of manipu(atie tests1 "t is essentia( for the eterinarian to hae a good
wor2ing re(ationship with not on(y the rider+ -ut a(so the groom+ who may hae the greatest
2now(edge of any su-t(e changes in the horse#s action or -ehaior1
A comprehensie c(inica( examination shou(d inc(ude carefu( pa(pation of the (im-s and -ac2 for
detection of areas of heat+ pain or swe((ing+ and musc(e tension1 !he dee(opment of f(uid
swe((ing in the ,oints+ een in the a-sence of oert (ameness+ shou(d -e regarded with suspicion1
*(exion and twisting of ,oints shou(d -e performed to assess -oth mo-i(ity and the presence of
pain1
A significant num-er of e(ite show ,umpers exhi-it some degree of shiering0type -ehaior in one
or -oth hind(im-s 8ino(untary muscu(ar moements of the (im-s and tai(91 *re'uent(y this does
not appear to -e associated with any compromise in performance+ -ut it does comp(icate the
ea(uation of the response to f(exion of the hind(im-s1
!he horse shou(d -e ea(uated moing free(y in0hand on a hard surface and on the (unge on -oth
the (eft and the right reins and on -oth soft and hard surfaces1 !he response to f(exion of each
(im- shou(d -e assessed1 "n some instances+ it is necessary to ea(uate the horse whi(e it is
ridden+ and if necessary+ ,umped+ in order to detect a pro-(em1 "t may a(so -e necessary to re(y on
the fee(ing of the rider that the horse is Inot right1I
Loca( nere -(oc2s are ina(ua-(e techni'ues for iso(ation of the site8s9 of pain+ either to
temporari(y remoe oert (ameness or to improe performance1 "t is sometimes necessary to
medicate a suspicious ,oint on a diagnostic -asis+ since a -etter effect may -e achieed1 7uc(ear
scintigraphic examination can -e ina(ua-(e in identifying suspicious areas in cases of (ow0grade
poor performance+ -ut due to the (arge ariation in scintigraphic appearance -etween c(inica((y
norma( horses+ it is usua((y necessary to desensitize a suspicious region with a (oca( nere -(oc2
to confirm that it is indeed a source of pain1 ?adiography and u(trasonography are essentia(
components of the diagnostic too(-ox as we((1
MA,A0(M(,T )+* +PT$MA% P(*)+*MAC(
!he dee(opment of f(uid swe((ing within a ,oint+ pain on passie manipu(ation of a ,oint+ or
(ameness after f(exion are a(( indicators of possi-(e significant pro-(em which may merit treatment
-y ,udicious medication direct(y into the ,oint1 .hi(e recognizing the potentia( -enefits of
intermittent medication of ,oints that hae (ow0grade pro-(ems+ it must a(ways -e understood that
there are inherent ris2sK therefore+ this shou(d on(y -e done when necessary1 !he ,oint shou(d -e
ea(uated radiographica((y in order to determine the presence of a pre0existing ,oint pro-(em+ or+ if
a recurrent pro-(em+ progression of any preious(y identified a-norma(ity1 Howeer+ not a((
radiographic a-norma(ities are necessari(y of current c(inica( significance1
!he -ac2 shou(d -e assessed carefu((y since it is ery prone to (ow0grade muscu(ar in,ury and
-ony a-norma(ities such as impingement of the tops of the erte-rae can cause recurrent (ow0
grade discomfort in e(ite ath(etes1 Howeer+ mi(d impingement can -e present -ut not resu(t in
c(inica( signsK therefore+ its significance shou(d -e assessed -y c(inica( examination+ response to
(oca( infusion of num-ing so(ution and+ if necessary+ nuc(ear scintigraphy1
Attention shou(d -e paid to the way in which the horse is trimmed and shod to ensure correct foot
-a(ance and the most appropriate shape of shoe for the horse#s foot1 Studs shou(d -e used with
care+ since+ whi(e proiding extra traction+ they can themse(es un-a(ance the foot and
concentrate forces de(iered through the foot1
*ina((y+ the horse shou(d a(ways -e (oo2ed at as a who(e rather than as separate -its in iso(ation1
!he show ,umper+ (i2e other horses+ re'uires ariety in wor2 pattern and time to re(ax1 Meeping
the mind sweet is ,ust as important as 2eeping the -ody in good shape1
posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: AB:EB;@@;1

%ameness and Performance in t#e S&ort Horse'
Dressage
by Sue Dyson, )*CVS and AA(P member

Sue Dyson+ *?$4S and AAEP mem-er

TH( SP+*T
!he *ederation E'uestre "nternationa(e 8*E"9 dressage ru(es state that the o-,ect of dressage is
the Iharmonious dee(opment of the physi'ue and a-i(ity of the horse1I !hrough the (ee(s of
dressage training+ the center of graity of the horse and rider is p(aced further -ac2 -y increasing
the degree of f(exion and (oading of the hind(im-s whi(e at the same time freeing the front end of
the horse to create a more uphi(( set of moements1 !his can on(y -e o-tained -y increasing the
power of the hind(im-s+ -y synchrony in moement -etween the front(im-s and the hind(im-s+ and
through the freedom of moement of the -ac21
!he 2ey to the training and dee(opment of a dressage horse from the (owest (ee(s to
"nternationa( Grand Prix is gymnastic exercises that aim to strengthen the musc(es and there-y
aoid in,ury to ,oints and tendons associated with an increased wor2(oad1 Latera( moements
app(y specific uni'ue strains to different structures within the s2e(eton1 "n shou(der0in+ ha(f0pass+
reners+ and traers the horse is een(y -ent in his nec2 and -ody+ -ut moes on more than two
trac2s1 !hese moements create an unusua( strain on the horse#s -ac2 and an additiona( twisting
moement on the ,oints of the (im-1 !he increased engagement of the hind(im-s dee(oped
through co((ected wor2 a((ows for greater storage of e(astic strain energy in the hoc2 ,oints and
pe(is which+ ia the increased (ifting of the forehand+ a((ows for high energy moements such as
medium and extended trot1
Potentia( manifestations of a muscu(os2e(eta( disorder in the dressage horse inc(ude:
?e(uctance to accept or go to the -it+ shortening the nec2+ stiffness
7ot ta2ing the contact een(y on the (eft and right sides
"rregu(ar rhythm in specific (atera( moements+ e1g1 (eft shou(der0in and right ha(f0pass
"rregu(ar rhythm in medium or extended trot
Short steps -ehind in wa(2
&neen height of steps or (ac2 of rhythm in piaffe and passage
"na-i(ity to co((ect+ stiffening the -ac2+ and not Isitting downI -ehind
Loss of freedom and e(asticity of moement
Late -ehind in f(ying changes or difficu(ties in changing from (eft to right compared to right
to (eft+ or ice ersa
TH( H+*S(
!he dressage horse must -e natura((y we(( -a(anced1 !he head and nec2 must -e set on
sufficient(y high to faci(itate wor2ing Iuphi((I and ma2ing easy contact with the -it1 !he shape of
the withers region is important so that the sadd(e sits easi(y in the correct position1 !he dressage
rider spends a (ot of time sitting in the sadd(e+ therefore correct weight distri-ution is critica(1
Most dressage horses are -ro2en at three or four years of age and -egin competing in young0
horse c(asses as fie0year0o(ds1 Medium c(asses are reached -y the age of seen and many
future Grand Prix dressage horses do their Isma(( tourI at the ages of eight and nine1 )nce the
dressage horse has reached Grand Prix (ee(+ the training predominant(y ino(es repetition of
moements+ maintaining supp(eness+ and increasing physica( power1 "t -ecomes o-ious that
they wi(( rare(y succum- to acute+ stress0induced+ traumatic in,uries+ -ut are more (i2e(y to
dee(op repetitie+ accumu(atie+ su-c(inica( in,uries which may surface at irregu(ar intera(s1 !his
means that+ with the correct training and management+ dressage horses can continue to compete
at the highest (ee( at an adanced age+ often as o(d as :> to ;@ years1
.ear and tear (esions fre'uent(y occur due to a (ess than idea( ,oint and (im- angu(ation+ -ut
many other factors inf(uence the dura-i(ity of the horse+ inc(uding genetic predisposition and (ess
than idea( management conditions prior to s2e(eta( maturity1 !he main re'uirement must -e the
a-i(ity of the horse to -a(ance itse(f at a(( paces+ since im-a(ance and asynchrony in moement
app(y unusua( strains on many structures1
T*A$,$,0 S.*)AC(S
Dressage horses are predominant(y trained on artificia( surfaces with a high degree of cushion+
proiding a consistency in the training surface not para((e(ed in other e'uestrian sports1 !he
standardization of wor2ing and competition surfaces un'uestiona-(y p(ays a huge ro(e in the (ow
occurrence of many acute orthopedic pro-(ems in the dressage horse1 Some trainers+ howeer+
consider consistent wor2ing on idea( surfaces (i2e(y to IsoftenI the (im- structures and
recommend the horses -e occasiona((y either ,umped or hac2ed out on (ess0than0idea( surfaces
to stimu(ate -one+ ,oint+ tendon+ and (igament adaptation1
Arena maintenance is extreme(y importantK drainage is an essentia( 2ey to a good surface1 Dead
corners of deep sand predispose to momentary (oss of -a(ance and thus the dee(opment of
(ameness1 Any sudden change of surface integrity may predispose to (ameness1 Young horses in
particu(ar wor2 more easi(y and confident(y on firmer artificia( surfaces+ where they can o-tain a
more confident grip and are (ess (i2e(y to fatigue1
TACK
!he horse must -e comforta-(e in its tac2 if it is going to wor2 optima((y1 Dressage sadd(es are
designed to position the rider with a deep seat and an extended (eg position1 !he surface area
oer which the weight is distri-uted shou(d -e as (arge as possi-(e to aoid pressure points1 !he
use of ge( pads and (ayers of sadd(epads is not a su-stitute for good sadd(e fitting1 !he sadd(e
must fit -oth the horse and the rider+ and must position the rider appropriate(y in -a(ance1 !he fit
must -e assessed with and without a rider1 !he shape of the horse#s -ac2 muscu(ature may
change as the horse dee(ops muscu(ar strength and powerK therefore+ a preious(y we((0fitting
sadd(e may -ecome constricting1 As the musc(es oer the withers and shou(ders expand+ a
particu(ar sadd(e may appear to fit correct(y prior to wor2ing the horse+ -ut -e restrictie an hour
(ater when the horse -egins piaffe and passage moements1
Acceptance of the -it is crucia( in the dressage horse1 Horses ary considera-(y in the shape of
the mouth and the sensitiity of the corners of the (ips+ -ars+ and tongue1 !here is a(so a huge
ariation in the thic2ness of the tongue -etween indiidua(s1 A s(ight crac2 in the corner of the
mouth caused -y an inappropriate -it can cause ma,or pro-(ems with proper acceptance of the -it
and the horse#s wi((ingness to wor2 straight1 !he horse may -e ery apprehensie of ta2ing the
-it+ may ta2e irregu(ar steps+ or -e re(uctant to -end proper(y1 !he presence of wo(f teeth is
fre'uent(y -(amed for re(uctance to accept the -it proper(y or irregu(arities in gait1 Proided that a
wo(f tooth is immediate(y in front of the first upper chee2 tooth and not mo-i(e+ it is rare(y
associated with pain1 At upper (ee(s+ horses hae to compete wearing a dou-(e -rid(e+ i1e1+ the
mouth has to accommodate -oth snaff(e and cur- -its1 !hese ary huge(y in size+ shape+ and
design and se(ection of the most appropriate can -e critica(1
%AM(,(SS (-AM$,AT$+,
!he most common causes of reduced performance or (ameness in the dressage
horse inc(ude:
"nf(ammation 8or tearing9 of the top of the suspensory (igament 8Ihigh suspensory
diseaseI9
Suspensory -ranch in,uries
Degeneratie ,oint disease of the hoc2
Degeneratie ,oint disease and inf(ammation of the front pastern
"nf(ammation of the midd(e 2nee ,oint
Degeneratie ,oint disease and inf(ammation of the fet(oc2
"nf(ammation of the digita( f(exor tendon sheath
Stress fractures of the cannon -one
3ac2 pain
Examining the (ame dressage horse does not differ in any great detai( from examination of any
other e'uine ath(ete1 Howeer+ it fre'uent(y re'uires more time -eing spent o-sering the horse
ridden+ since many dressage horses on(y reproduce the perceied pro-(em+ often no more than a
resistance+ when ridden through certain moements or at medium or extended paces1 !his+
howeer+ does not mean that the horse shou(d not -e examined in hand+ inc(uding wa(2ing and
trotting on a straight (ine and (unging on -oth hard+ non0s(ippery surfaces 8such as grae(9 and on
artificia( surfaces1 Leading the horse on a circ(e at a trot tends to a(ter the horse#s stride1 !he
horse does not hae the freedom to moe his nec2 and instead wi(( IsetI his head on the (eader#s
hand1 .ith su-t(e pro-(ems it is particu(ar(y important that the conditions+ inc(uding the surface+
remain consistent throughout the (ameness inestigation1 "t is difficu(t to start the inestigation on
one surface on(y to find that ha(fway through the nere -(oc2s the horse has to -e assessed on a
different surface1
"n many cases+ the usua( rider has to -e aai(a-(e in order to reproduce the descri-ed pro-(em if
this is not an oert (ameness1 "f the rider is not in -a(ance or sits croo2ed(y+ this can itse(f induce
gait irregu(arities or (ameness1 !herefore+ it may -e prefera-(e to use a good professiona( rider
who is not the trainer of the horse to wor2 the horse1 "t may re'uire seera( days to determine
definitie(y whether the pro-(em is one of riding andBor training+ or ref(ects a genuine (ameness1
Howeer+ it shou(d -e remem-ered that+ in addition to (ess0than0good riders creating (ameness+
good riders may hide (ameness1 !he (atter may ta2e p(ace comp(ete(y unintentiona((y and ino(e
no more than a correctie change of point of -a(ance of the rider though a corner+ -ut enough that
for a (ong time the pro-(em may not -e o-sera-(e from the ground1
!he eterinarian wi(( not ,ust focus on the (im-s when watching the horse -eing ridden1 "t is
important that he or she o-sere such changes as an increased (athering of the mouth+ audi-(e
change in the rhythm of the stride or een a-sence of teeth grinding or grunting fo((owing a
particu(ar diagnostic test1
"n many cases+ the eterinarian wi(( re(y heai(y on the o-serations of the rider during the
(ameness examination1 !his may ino(e the appreciation of a su-t(e change of gait or een ,ust
an impression of a stronger rhythm or (ess heay contact on the -it fo((owing a nere -(oc2 to a
(im-1 Many riders fee( through their own -ody that the horse is wor2ing Icroo2ed+I i1e1+ not straight
and in comp(ete -a(ance+ and wi(( -e a-(e to te(( the eterinarian if this fee(ing has -een a(tered -y
any of the diagnostic tests1 "t may -e usefu( to a(ternate -etween (unging and ridden wor2+ often
going -ac2 to (unging with fu(( tac2 after the horse has -een ridden to see a possi-(e difference in
the gait after this exercise1
Another usefu( test is to as2 the rider to de(i-erate(y ride Ion the wrong diagona(+I i1e1+ rising trot
with the rider in the sadd(e when the inside fore(im- is -earing weight1 3oth fore(im- and hind(im-
(amenesses and horses suffering from -ac2 pain+ in particu(ar+ wi(( a(ter when the weight0-earing
diagona( 8of the horse9 is changed1 !he difference -etween the horse#s out(ine and attitude when
changing -etween sitting and rising trot may a(so add a(ua-(e information1
"f a diagnosis cannot -e made -ecause c(inica( signs are too su-t(e+ or it is difficu(t to determine
whether or not the presenting c(inica( pro-(em is pain0re(ated+ it may -e usefu( to wor2 the horse
whi(e treating it with anti0inf(ammatory pain02i((ing medication such as pheny(-utazone for two to
three wee2s1 !his may or may not IproideI a (ame horse when medication is withdrawn and he(p
to determine if a performance pro-(em can -e attri-uted to pain1

posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: AB:EB;@@;1

Conformation Myt#s and Misunderstandings
by Dan Mar5s, VMD and AA(P member

Dan Mar2s+ 4MD and AAEP mem-er

$,T*+D.CT$+,
Most competition horses get too unsound+ not too o(d1 "n theory+ it is easier for a we((0conformed
horse to stay sound1 Howeer+ many horses with conformation defects are a-(e to perform 'uite
we((1 "t is important to 2now+ for each occupation+ which conformation fau(ts are (i2e(y to cause
pro-(ems -ecause what is -ad for one occupation may -e accepta-(e or een desira-(e in
another1 "t is a(so important to 2now that research contradicts some often repeated statements
a-out conformation1
)++T
*or years+ we hae -een taught that the norma( ang(e of the front foot shou(d -e -etween =>0>@
degrees1 Howeer+ many competent o-serers oer hundreds of years hae found hoof ang(es to
range from =H0>H degrees+ with >= degrees -eing the aerage1 ?esearch shows that (ower
ang(es:
inf(uence the position of the foot on (anding+ causing the toe to (and first+ which is
undesira-(e1
do not increase the (ength of stride of f(ight path of the foot as has -een common(y
i((ustrated1
increase tension in the deep digita( f(exor tendon+ causing more compression of the
naicu(ar -one and decreasing circu(ation to the -ac2 of the foot
cause the hee( to -ear more weight
Many experts hae pointed out that sma(( feet+ with their (ac2 of hoof mass and so(e depth+ are an
important factor in contri-uting to foot (ameness1 !here has een -een specific research to show
that+ a-oe a certain amount of weight or force+ there is significant(y more Icauda( hoof
syndromeI 8which inc(udes naicu(ar disease91
PAST(*,
"t is fre'uent(y stated that (ong+ s(oping pasterns in the front (eg predispose the horse to strains of
the suspensory (igament and superficia( digita( f(exor tendon1 .hi(e there is a certain appea( to
this+ it is the author#s experience that the opposite is more (i2e(y1 !hat is+ that (ong+ upright
pasterns in racehorses (ead to a high incidence of suspensory in,uries1 !op dressage horses must
hae some (ength and s(ope to their pasterns otherwise the suspension and cadence re'uired in
their gait is not possi-(e1 &pright 8especia((y short+ upright9 pasterns predispose to pastern ,oint
disease+ significant in ,umpers and other performance horses1
SH+.%D(*
A(most a(( -oo2s on conformation mention the desira-i(ity of a s(oping shou(der1 Howeer+ poor(y
defined terms in this area ma2e understanding what is meant -y a s(oping shou(der difficu(t1
Some measure from the point of the shou(der to the start of the mane hair on the withers1 )thers
measure the ang(e of the ,oint itse(f -etween the scapu(a and humerus1 A third techni'ue is to
measure the s(ope of the spine of the scapu(a1 !hese are three ery different measurements and
can (ead to different resu(ts1
*or examp(e+ most e(ite show ,umpers+ and many top thorough-red racehorses hae re(atie(y
upright scapu(as -ut there shou(ders are considered to -e s(oping when ,udged -y a (ine from the
point of the shou(der to the top of the withers1 !he com-ination of a (ong+ upright scapu(a+ a
shou(der ,oint ang(e of a-out :@>
and a (aid0-ac2 wither are idea( to proide the ertica( propu(sion from the front (egs that is
necessary for ,umping -ig fences1 .hi(e some hae stated that an upright scapu(a (eads to
excessie front (eg wear+ stum-(ing and ,arring gaits+ this has not -een the author#s experience1
H+CK
!here are a great dea( of unsupported statements a-out hoc2 conformation1 !he author -e(iees
that a range of angu(ation + as iewed from the side+ is compati-(e with superior racing
performance1 An een wider range of hoc2 ang(es is compati-(e with ,umping and soundness in
genera(1
A(though hoc2s with an ang(e of (ess than :>@
8sic2(e0hoc2s9 are more prone to disease of the (ower hoc2 ,oints and more (i2e(y to get a cur-+
many wi(( -e sound+ especia((y if effectie(y managed1 Extreme(y angu(ated racehorses may Irun
downI 8a-rade and -ruise the ergot region91
Straight hoc2s 8post0(egged conformation9+ where the ang(e is oer :H@
+ are more prone to strain of the f(exor tendon sheath 8thoroughpin9 and upper portion of the
suspensory (igament1 .hen accompanied -y a (ong+ s(oping pastern+ strain of the midd(e and
(ower portions of the suspensory (igament are more (i2e(y1 A(though the (ast condition is common
in o(der -roodmares+ it can occur with midd(e0aged performance horses and can -e career0
ending1
!he term Icow hoc2sI is used to descri-e a deformity where the horse stands with its feet wider
than its hoc2s1 "t a(so used to descri-e a horse where the hoc2s are c(ose together -ut the
cannon -ones are ertica(1 .hi(e this second conformation 8s(ight IN0(eggedI or 2noc202need9 is
not a cause for concern in the author#s opinion+ hoc2s that are -ow0(egged are un(i2e(y to
withstand serious co((ection1 As co((ection 8or speed9 increase+ the hind (egs go more to the center
(ine+ accentuating stresses1
3og spain 8swe((ing of one of the hoc2 ,oints9 is usua((y re(ated to an osteochondrosis
dissescans 8)$D9 (esion1 A study showed that+ oera((+ the inheritance for )$D in the hoc2 was
'uite high1 "n a study of <L sta((ions+ offspring with )$D ranged from @ to ALJ in one sta((ion1
S.MMA*Y
$onformation is fre'uent(y referenced in ague genera(ities: how short is a short -ac2/ what
ang(e ma2es a horse sic2(e0hoc2ed/ at what ang(e is a stif(e considered straight/ .e hae to try
to define our terms -etterK ma2e our measurements more consistentK and try to 'uantify or put
num-ers to+ norma( and a-norma( anatomica( structures wheneer possi-(e1 An understanding of
conformation may assist the owner+ farrier and eterinarian in a num-er of way+ -ut on(y if a((
ino(ed are spea2ing the same (anguage1
"f we read some of the texts on conformation and tota((y adhered to their suggestions+ we wou(d
-uy few horses and certain(y miss some ery good ones1 Anyone with modest information can
fau(t a horse#s conformation1 !he smart horseman is the one who first+ 2nows what a good one
(oo2s (i2e and second+ p(ays the percentages on the conformation defects1


posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: AB:EB;@@;1

A Humane .se of t#e (2uine At#lete
by Harold C1 Sc#ott, DVM, P#D6 ,ic#olas 41 Cassotis, 3S6 and
Susan 71 (ber#art, %VT

$ntroduction'
Simi(ar to the increase in num-er of marathons and u(tramarathons for human ath(etes+ e'uine
endurance competitions in distances of >@0:@@ mi(es hae -ecome increasing(y popu(ar oer the
past coup(e of decades1 !he growing interest in endurance riding has encouraged participants
with different (ee(s of prior horse experience to -ecome ino(ed with the sport1 Howeer+ if
e'uine ath(etes are as2ed to perform oer distances for which they hae not -een appropriate(y
trained or if e'uine ath(etes are competed aggressie(y+ (ameness andBor f(uid and e(ectro(yte
dep(etion (eading to exhaustion might dee(op1 .hen aderse am-ient conditions are coup(ed
with competition -y noice riders+ it -ecomes apparent how e'uine endurance ath(etes+ in
comparison to their human counterparts+ cou(d -e at greater ris2 for dee(opment of pro-(ems
during (ong distance competition1 &nfortunate(y+ there is a paucity of pu-(ished data on
comp(etion rates for endurance rides1 !his type of information+ inc(uding changes oer time+ cou(d
-e usefu( to e'uine practitioners to support that endurance riding is a humane use of the horse1
!hus+ we co((ected information from the American Endurance ?ide $onference 8AE?$9 to assess
comp(etion rates and to document reasons for withdrawa( from competition1
Materials and Met#ods'
$omp(etion rates for >@ and :@@ mi(e endurance rides+ as we(( as the tota( num-er of sanctioned
rides+ were co((ected from the AE?$Os Annua( Year-oo2 of Endurance ?iding for :LEL through
:LL>1 *urther+ resu(ts were o-tained from the AE?$Os Head 4eterinarianOs Post0?ide ?eport
forms for a(( :LLA AE?$ sanctioned rides1 !his form detai(s the num-er of horses which fai( to
comp(ete the competition 8Ipu((sI9 and further categorizes the reasons for fai(ure into (ameness+
meta-o(ic disorders+ or other pro-(ems1 !he (atter category may inc(ude (ameness and meta-o(ic
distur-ances+ as we(( as a num-er of other pro-(ems 8(ost shoe+ (acerations+ sadd(e sores+ rider
in,ury+ or fatigue+ etc19 for which the rider e(ected to remoe the horse from competition+ rather
than -e Ipu((edI from competition -y ride eterinarians1
*esults'
"n :LEL+ >@ mi(e rides had E+:>E starters and EHJ finishedK :@@ mi(e rides had :+;L= starters and
H:J finished1 "n :LL>+ the >@ and :@@ mi(e rides had E+=@; and :+=;> starters and E>J and AHJ
finished+ respectie(y1 *or the :LLA season+ AE?$Os Head 4eterinarianOs Post0?ide ?eports
reea(ed that (ameness+ meta-o(ic distur-ances+ and other pro-(ems were the reasons for fai(ure
to finish for ><J+ :EJ+ and ;LJ of horses+ respectie(y1 )f the reported meta-o(ic distur-ances+
==J re'uired medica( treatment whereas AJ of the (ameness re'uired further treatment1
A(though detai(s a-out the type of (ameness or meta-o(ic distur-ances were not re'uested on the
form+ seera( eterinarians o(untari(y proided this type of additiona( information1 &nfortunate(y+
in many other instances+ reports were incomp(ete1
Discussion'
Endurance riding is a cha((enging ath(etic endeaor1 As a conse'uence+ a su-stantia( num-er of
horses fai( to comp(ete the rides1 Howeer+ AE?$ data showed (itt(e change in comp(etion rates
-etween the years of :LEL and :LL>1 "t is important to emphasize that horses competing in these
rides are strict(y monitored at the eterinary chec2points during the rides1 As a resu(t+ increased
eterinary attention during the ride wou(d un(i2e(y hae a significant impact on comp(etion rates1
*rom the authorsO co((ectie experience at a num-er of rides+ more stringent entry re'uirements
for the >@+ and especia((y the :@@+ mi(e rides wou(d (i2e(y improe comp(etion rates1
During the :LLA season+ fai(ure to comp(ete was due to dee(opment of (ameness+ meta-o(ic
distur-ances+ and other pro-(ems in ><J+ :EJ+ and ;LJ of instances+ respectie(y1 !his is an
important piece of information as it proides direction for future research on endurance horses1
&nfortunate(y+ the post0ride reports did not specify the distance of the ride or the stage of the ride
at which these pro-(ems occurred1 *urther+ these reports fai(ed to proide information a-out the
nature of the (ameness+ meta-o(ic distur-ance+ or other pro-(ems1 *ina((y+ regiona( inconsistency
in categorization of Ipu((sI made it impossi-(e to determine if dee(opment of meta-o(ic pro-(ems
is a greater ris2 in southern regions with higher heat and humidity1 "n order to ea(uate these
pro-(ems -etter+ a more efficient system of recording and improed participation -y ride
managers and head eterinarians wi(( -e necessary1
"n conc(usion+ the AE?$ is to -e commended for the strict eterinary superision which has -een
re'uired for years at chec2points -efore+ during+ and after the rides1 Howeer+ there is a(ways
room for improement+ and our findings indicate that more stringent entry re'uirements+
especia((y for the (onger rides+ cou(d -e of considera-(e -enefit to this e'uine sport1 Such
changes wou(d go hand in hand with improing rider education+ especia((y for noice riders1
*ina((y+ improement of the AE?$Os Head 4eterinarianOs Post0?ide ?eports for horses which fai(
to comp(ete wou(d proide ina(ua-(e information and proide direction for future study of
endurance horse pro-(ems1
Ta5e Home Message'
)ut of near(y :@+@@@ annua( starts+ comp(etion rates for >@ and :@@ mi(e endurance rides are
a-out E@J and H@J+ respectie(y1 Dee(opment of (ameness is the main reason horses fai( to
finish 8><J9+ with meta-o(ic 8:EJ9 and other 8;LJ9 pro-(ems responsi-(e for fai(ure in the
remainder of Ipu((edI horses1 Since endurance horses receie c(ose eterinary attention -efore
and during the ride+ improement in comp(etion rates more (i2e(y wou(d -e achieed with more
stringent entry re'uirements and with rider education than with increased eterinary superision1
The authors are Harold C. Schott, DVM, PhD; Nicholas J. Cassotis, BS; and Susan W. Eberhart,
VT
American Association of (2uine Practitioners
89:; $ron 7or5s Pi5e
%eington, KY 89;<<
=>9>? @AAB9<8:
www1aae&1org
posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: AB:EB;@@;1

Protect Horses from (#austion and +"er#eating
by *obert 41 MacKay, 3VSc, Di&l1 ACV$M, AA(P member

A horse as2ed to perform strenuous exercise often is pushed to the (imits of his -odyOs
mechanisms to recoer1 "n most cases+ these mechanisms a((ow the horse to finish the exercise
with no pro-(em1 Sometimes+ howeer+ the horseOs a-i(ity to recoer is inade'uate+ putting the
horse into a shoc20(i2e state1 !his means that more than one organ00such as the musc(es+
2idneys+ centra( nerous system+ or c(otting system00might stop functioning proper(y1 .ithout
prompt eterinary care+ the horse might die1
Examp(es of exercise that can (ead to exhaustion inc(ude endurance and competitie trai( rides+
three0day eents+ and foxhunting1 !he chances of oerwor2ing a horse increase when any of the
fo((owing conditions exist:
heat and humidity
poor fitness
high a(titude
rough or steep terrain
rider inexperience
the horse has the ina-i(ity to sweat
presence of another disease or (ameness
An exhausted horse typica((y is distressed and anxious1 He might hae a high heart and
respiratory rate that does not decrease with rest+ and his s2in might fee( hot and dry1 Signs of
shoc2 inc(ude pa(e+ dry mucous mem-ranesK increased capi((ary refi(( timeK increased ,ugu(ar ein
fi(( timeK a wea2+ irregu(ar pu(seK and no gut sounds1 Some horses -ecome stiff and experience
pain due to musc(e ce(( damage+ which can -e detected -y o-sering red urine or -y running
specific -(ood tests1 Horses affected this -ad(y might go down or dee(op other+ often (ife0
threatening conditions such as (aminitis+ 2idney fai(ure+ or diarrhea1 A -ad(y affected horse a(so
might appear wo--(y or demented1
Horses with any of these signs must -e treated right away1 .hi(e waiting for the eterinarian to
arrie+ the horse shou(d -e moed s(ow(y to a coo(+ shady area+ if possi-(e1 Strong efforts shou(d
-e made to (ower the recta( temperature -e(ow :@@1> degrees *ahrenheit1 !he -est remedy is
who(e0-ody ice water rinses in front of fans+ or simp(y repeated rinsingBscraping cyc(es1 "n the
past+ riders were cautioned against app(ying co(d water to the musc(es of oerheated horses
-ecause it cou(d ma2e the condition worse1 Howeer+ research has shown that this method
'uic2(y and safe(y reduces the horseOs core temperature+ protecting him from serious i((ness1
)nce the eterinarian arries+ he or she wi(( decide the right type+ amount+ and method of f(uids to
-e gien -ased on the horseOs condition+ the type of exercise+ and the response to treatment1
Medications might -e gien to re(iee pain and improe proper meta-o(ism1 "dea((y+ the horse
shou(d not -e transported for =E hours1
3ased on the conditions (isted a-oe+ there are a num-er of ways to he(p preent exhaustion in
the horse1 *or examp(e+ horses shou(d -e thorough(y prepared oer the same type of terrain oer
which the eent wi(( -e he(d1 "f the eent ino(es transporting them to a hot+ humid c(imate 8the
:LLA At(anta )(ympics is a good examp(e9+ they shou(d -e gien at (east three wee2s to get used
to the conditions in the new (ocation1
!he common(y used method of Isa(t0(oadingI a horse for seera( days -efore a competition
pro-a-(y offers no adantages1 Howeer+ your eterinarian might recommend a specific
e(ectro(yte paste+ top0dress+ or mixture -e added to a second -uc2et of water ,ust -efore and
during exercise to protect against e(ectro(yte (osses1 Horses shou(d hae free0choice access to
water 8and roughage9 during training+ -efore the eent+ and at each rest stop+ if this app(ies to
your sport1 "t genera((y is accepted that horses 8and humans9 do not o(untari(y drin2 enough
water or ta2e in enough e(ectro(ytes to comp(ete(y preent dehydration1 !herefore+ eery effort
shou(d -e made to rep(ace f(uid and e(ectro(yte (osses during the oernight portion of eents1
A(so+ it pro-a-(y is wise to aoid feeding a (arge concentrate mea( -efore a competition1 "nstead+
sma(( amounts 8one to two pounds9 of concentrate can -e fed one to two hours -efore the eent+
and at each rest stop 8if this app(ies to your sport91 "n eents that span more than one day+ these
sma(( amounts of concentrate shou(d -e fed eery few hours unti( competition -egins again1
3eing a-(e to identify and assist an exhausted horse00as we(( as 2nowing how to preent the
condition00might sae your horse or the horse of a friend or competitor1 $onsu(t your eterinarian
for other ways to -ring your horse home from your particu(ar competition in the -est physica(
condition1
!obert J. Mac"a#, BVSc, Di$l. %CV&M, %%EP 'e'ber, De$art'ent o( ar)e %ni'al Clinical
Sciences, *ni+ersit# o( ,lorida1
American Association of (2uine Practitioners
89:; $ron 7or5s Pi5e
%eington, KY 89;<<
=>9>? @AAB9<8:
www1aae&1org
posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: AB:EB;@@;1

Strategic %ayoffs
by Hilary Clayton, 3VMS, P#D

Many e'uestrian sports hae an annua( cyc(e in which a competition season a(ternates with an
off0season1 Een in the sports that continue on a year0round -asis+ most trainers schedu(e a
-rea2 from competition+ which gies the horse a chance to recoer menta((y and physica((y from
the stress of trae(ing and competing1 $onse'uent(y+ (ong0term conditioning p(ans are -ased on
an annua( periodicity1
3enefits +f Deconditioning
At the end of the competition season+ the horse -enefits from a period of 5actie rest+6 which
ino(es riding or driing for p(easure two or three times a wee2 to presere the strength and
supp(eness of the muscu(os2e(eta(
tissues+ whi(e a((owing somewhat of a reduction in cardioascu(ar fitness1 "f a -ase(ine (ee( of
fitness is maintained through a reduced wor2 schedu(e+ reconditioning of the horse proceeds
much more rapid(y the fo((owing season1 "t is not recommended that horses -e (et down
comp(ete(yPexcept during recuperation from in,uryP-ecause (arge osci((ations in fitness are
detrimenta( to (ong0term soundness1
"n o(der horses+ it is particu(ar(y important to maintain fitness in the off0season -ecause
reconditioning ta2es (onger as the horse ages1
Definitions And Conce&ts
.hat is fitness/ !he conditioning process comprises three distinct+ -ut comp(ementary areas
2nown as cardioascu(ar conditioning+ strength training+ and (im-ering exercises1 $ardioascu(ar
conditioning enhances the a-i(ity of the respiratory+ cardioascu(ar+ and muscu(ar systems to
produce energy -y the appropriate meta-o(ic pathways1 Strength training is directed toward
increasing the power or endurance of the musc(e groups that are important for performance of the
specific sport1 Lim-ering exercises increase the range of motion of the ,oints+ which ma2es the
horse more ath(etic+ improes the aesthetics of the performance+ and reduces the ris2 of in,ury1
.hat happens when your horse (oses fitness/ .hen a horse ceases to perform conditioning
exercise+ it (oses fitness1 !he rate at which cardioascu(ar fitness+ muscu(os2e(eta( strength+ and
supp(eness are (ost determines the time re'uired to recondition the horse fo((owing a (ayoff1 !his
is an important consideration during reha-i(itation1
*or examp(e+ when a horse is forced to rest comp(ete(y due to in,ury+ (oss of cardioascu(ar
fitness depends on the (ength of the (ayoff1 After a month of sta(( rest+ there is some (oss of
oxidatie enzymes in the musc(es+ -ut this has (itt(e effect on performance1 Howeer+ after six
months of rest+ horses hae more difficu(ty comp(eting a standard exercise testPthey sweat
more+ indicating (ess effectie thermoregu(ationK their -reathing is more (a-oredK and there is a
mar2ed increase in the post0exercise -(ood (actate concentration due to the reduced aero-ic
capacity1
How can you preent (oss of fitness/ .hen the horse is (et down at the end of the competitie
season+ a -ase(ine (ee( of fitness is maintained during the off0season -y performing
cardioascu(ar wor2outs twice a wee2 at a reduced intensity and duration1 Layoff of a month or
(ess causes minima( (oss of cardioascu(ar fitness1 Howeer+ the wor2(oad shou(d -e reintroduced
gradua((y oer a period of seera( days when exercise resumes1
"f the horse has -een off wor2 for (onger than a month+ it is reasona-(e to assume some (oss of
cardioascu(ar fitness+ a(though this may -e regained re(atie(y rapid(y1 As a ru(e of thum-+
-eyond the first month+ each additiona( month off re'uires a month#s reconditioning1 A more
significant concern is the (oss of muscu(os2e(eta( strength+ which is regained re(atie(y s(ow(y1 A
sing(e wor2out each wee2 usua((y is sufficient to presere the strength of musc(es1 )ther tissues
8tendons and (igaments9 pro-a-(y adapt to changes in wor2(oad more s(ow(y than musc(e1 !hese
components of the muscu(os2e(eta( system (ose strength more rapid(y than it can -e re-ui(t+
which is a primary concern when (aying horses off1
.hat other factors shou(d you consider in deconditioning/ As you enter into actie rest or
5roughing off+6 you must consider the who(e horse1 !a2e approximate(y two wee2s to come down
from the current (ee( of fitness -y decreasing -oth exercise and diet gradua((y1 "n addition+
increase the amount of dai(y turnout+ remoing -(an2ets one at a time as the horse -egins to grow
a (onger+ thic2er coat1 !ry to remoe your horse#s shoes for a coup(e of months each year to
encourage a hea(thier foot to grow1 Due to indiidua( foot characteristics+ this procedure might not
-enefit eery horse1
Conclusion
You+ your trainer+ and your eterinarian 2now what is -est for your horse and your e'uine
competition goa(s1 .or2 with these professiona(s to dee(op a strategic p(an to -ring your horse
up from rest safe(y+ as we(( as down from competition1 !his wi(( increase your chances of haing a
hea(thier mount for a (onger time1
Hilar# Cla#ton, BVMS, PhD, is the Mar# %nne McPhail Dressa)e Chair in E-uine S$orts Medicine
at Michi)an State *ni+ersit#.


American Association of (2uine Practitioners
89:; $ron 7or5s Pi5e
%eington, KY 89;<<
=>9>? @AAB9<8:
www1aae&1org
posted: AB:EB;@@;1 Last updated: AB:EB;@@;1