Toed in feet Long or short neck. (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996.) There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. 2) What conformation flaw is shown? When examining the conformational traits of individual limbs, a plumb line approach is useful in identifying angular or torsional deviation of segments from the vertical or horizontal at each joint level (Figure 15-4). Conformation of the cervical (neck) spine is critical for creating a connection from the poll to the base of the tail, she explains. Also it is ideal for the foot to land directly beneath the bone column in a limb with good conformation. A good first step is to work with a competent farrier to maintain a regular trimming and shoeing schedule that ensures keeping a horses hoof angles as correct as possible for that individual.. Figure 1 demonstrates this conformation. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in. Initial attempts to provide absolute values in conformation assessment have used the tools listed in Table 15-2 in combination with a reference marker system. FIGURE 15-5 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). Definition : Conformation refers to the shape, dimensions, and proportions of a horse, created by its musculoskeletal structure. Introduction Conformation plays an important role in the ability of a horse to perform. One strategy for preventing lameness, no matter the horses conformation, is regular and correct hoof trimming and/or shoeing. A wide chest (from the front) allows for good stamina, endurance and lung capacity. The major disadvantages in using these methods are the possible errors introduced by marker placement on skeletal landmarks, particularly in the proximal skeleton, the consequent reliability of findings, and the time required to perform the measurements (Weller et al., 2006a). There is wide variation of conformation between and within different breeds, the significance of which requires expert understanding of optimal breed characteristics and potential effects on soundness or performance. Measurements Taken Collaborate with your veterinarian, as well, using radiographs (X rays) to evaluate hoof angles and foot placement and guide shoeing and trimming recommendations. Assessment of conformation A thorough hands-on exam. Muscle in the hindquarters must be symmetrical and balanced with the rest of the body. At the walk, however, landing flat is normal. Conformation is a major factor in the physical soundness of a horse. Metacarpophalangeal varus Veterinarian conformational assessment should particularly focus on the presence of any such faults and the relationship of these faults to existing or potential pathologic conditions (Rossdale and Butterfield, 2006). Too big of a head will cause the horse to be clumsy and move heavy on their front. The hindquarters influence the horses capacity for: The gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping and other forward movements. Look for the following when evaluating a horse's head. However, certain conformational faults such as extreme tarsal angulation (large or small) and tarsal valgus are almost certainly predisposing to injury or lameness in racing events and are best avoided. The combinations of joint configurations and segment lengths are infinite and multifaceted, so the resulting judgment is variable and directly dependent on the individual expertise and personal ideal of the practitioner. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. Absorbs excess impact on medial (inner) limb structures. Radiocarpal joint angle >180 degrees or lack of full carpal extension causing a flexion moment Prior to a veterinarian's examination to diagnose the causes of lameness, the horse should be off any pain medications for at least 24 hours. (See "The Triangle: A Tool for Quick, Accurate Assessment.") Judging Conformation. Within that group, lameness is often linked to foot conformation (Trotter, 2004).During lameness examination, load distribution is assessed in a static position with the horse standing squarely, as well as dynamically at walk and trot (Back and Pille, 2013). Conformation. 6. Muscle fatigue diminishes this stabilization ability, allowing joints to move beyond their normal range of motion, she says, and potentially causing severe and acute damage to cartilage, bones, and soft tissue. Square means the height from the withers to ground should equal the length of body (point of shoulder to the point of the buttocks). Visual appraisal of defined criteria (the outlines and axes described above) and manual palpation of specific bony landmarks have been the basis of assessment, giving the examiner multiple three-dimensional images over a period. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. You may also needEvaluation of performance potentialAge and disuse in athletes: Effects of detraining, spelling, injury, and ageMuscle anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining working horsesComparative aspects of exercise physiologyThermoregulationThe respiratory system: Anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining the event horse And, armed with that knowledge, you can take steps to help keep him sound. Predispose to upward fixation of the patella and potential stifle osteoarthritis. When assessing foal conformation, limbs can also be viewed from above at the shoulder and hip (skyline view). An important ratio to consider when evaluating a horse's conformation is the ratio of the top of the neck to the bottom of the neck. Dynamic Motion vs. Static Structure. . These horses can indeed have a conformation fault (a definite twist or deviation of the bones) or they can be compensating . Orthobiologic Options for Treating Horses. The horse should be comfortable working at least 2 hours a day under the saddle. For this reason both Collatos and Duberstein try to avoid limb conformation that might predispose a horse to suspensory ligament desmitis (SLD, inflammation of that structure), including straight hock conformation and long cannon bones and pasterns. It is important to remember that a horse isnt a cheetah or a greyhound, and no matter how hard horses are pushed to achieve a specific body position under saddle, their spine (in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral area) doesnt really bend, she continues. This is particularly true for disciplines that rely on speed, distance, and/or agility. Proximal end of the tuber coxae The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. Space between the fourth tarsal, the third metatarsal, and the fourth metatarsal bones, 6. Conformation is the mixing of the different body parts of the horse, and how well they fit together visually and physically to create a high-performing, talented racehorse. Other factors such as human management, environmental conditions, genetics, nutrition, temperament, training, and the health status of the horse will also have a large bearing on ultimate performance. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock), and fall 7.5 to 10 cm (. The top of the neck should ideally be twice as long as the underside of the horse's neck, or a 2-to-1 ratio. However, certain conformational faults such as extreme tarsal angulation (large or small) and tarsal valgus are almost certainly predisposing to injury or lameness in racing events and are best avoided. It is with increasing frequency that osteoarthritis is diagnosed in the mid and lower cervical vertebrae, using ultrasound and advanced imaging such as CT (computed tomography). 4. A horse can move best with a short back and long neck. Here are five areas of concern that Dr. Morrow sees in rope horses that come through his practice regularly. The assessment of conformation is subjective, and different people . The various areas horses are evaluated on for overall . (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and 55 . Maintaining Your Horses Weight During the Winter, Special Report: Preventing 3 Common Equine Joint Issues, JACKSON- Gelding/Bay/Mustang (Nevada) - Project/Ready for Training, JENNINGS Gelding/Cremello/Mustang (BLM) Ridable (Green), Behavioral Signs of Equine Cheek Tooth Findings, Feeding Young Horses: Graduating to a Grown-Up Diet, ALLIE: Dark Brown Dun Mustang Mare Non-Riding Companion Only. Correct legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness. Anatomic Description Other factors such as human management, environmental conditions, genetics, nutrition, temperament, training, and the health status of the horse will also have a large bearing on ultimate performance. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). The Croup: the top of the hindquarters, from the hip to the dock. Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view.
This decreases pressure on the tendons and maintains soundness. N. CREVIER-DENOIX. How to Choose the Right Calories for Your Horse, Respiratory Equine Herpesvirus in Pennsylvania Barn, Podotrochlosis: Navicular is No Longer the End of the Road for Horses. Figure 1. Lateral tuberosity of the distal end of the radius, 6. Another strategy for helping horses deal with conformational flaws is sound conditioning. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. Use this figure for Questions below. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. (2006a) found measurement variations in stance within one horse to be almost as large as between horses, thus highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. Tension on hock joints that leads to degenerative arthritis. 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