emerges at the very back of his heel, and take note of the muscle development on the underside of his neck, which indicates that he was using his neck to compensate and protect himself. The horse in photos 4 and 5 also has a pillar of support
that emerges just into the rear of the heel. He sustained a strain to the right front foreleg, but not a full-blown bow and was out of work for approximately eight months and out of competition for about a year. He is believed to be the first Olympic horse to benefit from a stem-cell treatment for his injury. Although he reached a high level of success, the horse in photos 6 and 7 (Keymaster) has a pillar of support that emerges behind the front hoof, which likely contributed to his breakdown. It is not difficult to speculate that a lack of support from the superficial flexor tendon and/ or the suspensory ligament made him at higher risk for the fracture in his foreleg which occurred in the cross-country phase of eventing.
What Can You Do? Be diligent about checking your horse’s legs, especially if his pillar of support emerges at the heel or behind it. According to Dr. Rooney, “the first evidence of a bow may be minimal—slight swelling and heat over the tendon, minimal lameness. The careful horseman may detect the onset of bowed tendon before this full- blown tear occurs. Careful palpation along the course of the superficial flexor tendon reveals a slightly tender area with a slight increase in
5
temperature. This is the start of a bow—a few fibers only having torn on the back surface of the tendon.” If you find even minimal pain, swelling and/or heat, Dr.
Rooney advises: “Quit work, particularly speed work, until the area is completely normal and that may take several months.” And, of course, consult your veterinarian. The alternative is expensive and time-consuming for you and very painful for your horse.
6 7
Keymaster
sustained a fracture and did not complete all three phases— 48th after dressage at 2008 Olympics.
LS – Good. Rear Traingle – Essentially equal on ilium side and femur side, a jumper trait. Pillar of Support – Emerges well in front of withers for lightness and behind hoof (this likely contributed to his breakdown) plus bisects humerus near elbow. Humerus – Short/average in length and well angled. Base of Neck – Well above point of shoulder. Overall – Built to prefer the jumping phases; could have been lighter in the forehand, and certainly better at the bottom of the pillar.
About Judy: Judy has researched equine conformation for 30 years and has written three books on the subject (the most recent, an e-book). She travels worldwide giving conformation clinics for all disciplines. Judy also analyzes individual horses based on photos and gives breeding consultations. Learn more at
www.jwequine.com.
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