FEBRUARY 2014 THE RIDER /49
WHAT’S UP DOC From the desk of Dr. Laura Frost
comes to measuring the hoof angle. This angle is considered correct when the hoof and pastern are in alignment as is seen in Figure 1. If a horse naturally has a more upright pastern it is important to work with this and not attempt to make the horse into something it is not. There are two conditions relat- ed to poor alignment of the hoof pastern axis. These include a bro- ken back axis (Figure 2) and a bro- ken forward axis (Figure 3). The angles can often be appreciated by simply looking at the horse’s con- formation from the side, however, radiographs tend to show the align- ment of the bones in greater detail.
Broken Back Axis The Broken Back axis is often
seen with the low heel - long toe conformation horse. When the foot is viewed from the side, one can appreciate the pastern angle being more upright when compared to the dorsal hoof wall as seen in Fig- ure 2. This conformation fault if left untreated may lead to navicular syndrome. It places an increase in tension on the deep digital flexor tendon, resulting in an increase in
HALTON EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES Each horse is unique when it
breakover time, which is the inter- val between the heel coming off the ground and the toe coming off the ground. Correction of the Bro- ken Back axis includes, shortening of the toe and trimming the under- run heel. These two corrections result in a decrease of breakover time and an increase in support over the back of the foot. The application of a wedge pad can help realign the axis and prevent pressure on the navicular region.
pressure on the navicular bone. It also increases pres- sure on the soft tis- sue structures that support the navicu- lar bone. Hoof cracks, contracted heels and caudal heel pain (navicu- lar syndrome) can be associated with the broken back axis. Underrun heels increase the risk of superficial digital flexor ten- don strain and increase
the
often seen in the upright or clubby foot. Typically, the horse will have a taller heel and a shorter toe as seen in Figure 3. It is important to determine the cause of this prob- lem as it may be a congenital or acquired flexural deformity. Foals may be born with contracted ten- dons and this may develop into a more permanent upright foot. If
Broken Forward Axis The Broken Forward axis is
early intervention is made with these foals, the prognosis improves substantially and may involve either or a combina- tion of medications, splints, or surgery. Corrective farrier is always a part of the procedure. Some horses will develop a flexu- ral deformity as a result of non- weight bearing because of an pre- vious injury. It is important to not trim the heel excessively to start.
The Balanced Foot-Hoof- Pastern Angle Axis
Treatment may involve surgery where the carpal check ligament is severed which relieves tension on the deep digital flexor tendon. Cor- rective farriery involves working on bringing the breakover back to its natural position where it is clos- er to the apex of the frog.
Centaur Biomechanics & Russell Guire Return to Canada with more science
founded by Russell Guire (BSc Hons.) is a company which specializes in horse and rider performance analysis. With the use of sophisticated software, namely Quintic, Centaur Biomechanics provides the industry with the latest methods and technology in perfor- mance analysis as a means of improv- ing the health and performance of both the horse and rider.
Russell’s appearance at the Can- Am Expo, Visualise Canada will host 2 days of Gait & Rider Analysis Clinics for individual riders & horses, and a One Day in-depth course in Equine Perfor- mance Biomechanics. Centaur Biomechanics,
ing Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics back to Canada this March 2014 for more, as Carley Sparks, of Get My Fix, put it “mind blowing” equine performance science! April 1-3, 2014 following
piaffe? What kind of stress do studs create? How is horse movement effected by footing. Is that a 3 or 4 beat canter? How does your horse move, is your posture effecting your riding? Find out about the “science” of performance biomechanics. Visualise Canada is welcom-
How do horses jump or
currently offers services such as gait analysis, rider analysis, rider clinics, lectures, saddle analysis, product test- ing, undergraduate research and high speed analysis. Russell has spoken at 91 confer-
Biomechanics formed part of the research team designing and testing the Fairfax Girth on the run up to the Lon- don 2012 Olympics (they won Gold!), the data from which has been pub- lished in the Equine Veterinary Jour- nal. Russell has also carried out studies looking at studs (with Lucinda Green), surfaces, rider position, and the effect of weighted boots. In addition, Russell
Most recently Russell & Centaur
has written numerous articles on horse and rider biomechanics for UK and International magazines and con- tributed words for leading books. Russell works with riders of all levels and has travelled to various countries, Canada, Latvia, Ger- many, Holland, Belgium and Italy working with horse and riders. Russell is based in Warwick- shire in Moreton Morrell, UK and
Coming in March! The Rider’s
New Online Marketplace Call or email for details!
(905)387-1900 •
barry@therider.com
product range, Visualise, which includes gloves, training jackets, base layers and apps all of which have been designed to help riders improve their position and postural awareness. Now available in Canada through Visualise Sportswear Canada.
British Equestrian Federation offering gait analysis and works with team physiotherapists and farriers. Russell also works with the riders on the World Class Development Programme, in providing video analysis to all disci- plines, dressage, show jumping, event- ing, and Para dressage. In 2011 Russell designed his own
ences worldwide and has carried out 37 leading research projects lookng at saddle fit and design. Russell currently works with the
Biomechanics Course Centaur One Day
Tuesday, April 1, 2013, 9:00 am start
www.foresthillfarm.ca
& Gait Analysis Sessions
Wednesday, April 2rd, 2014
www.foresthillfarm.ca Caledon ON Thursday, April 3rd, 2014
www.whitakerstables.com , Amaranth
Analysis, Gait Analysis Clinics and, the One Day Biomechanics course out- line. Visit:
www.visualisecanada.ca or contact Allison Pezzack info@visu-
alisecanada.ca • 905-939-8039
Am Equine Expo Mar 28-30, 2014 Visit :
www.caname-
quine.ca
Image by : Carley Sparks - Get My Fix For more information about Rider Centaur Rider
To find out more about the Can-
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