C
D
E
Even when suspected, the injury and the extent of the damage are difficult to diagnose without ultrasound. X-rays may also be required to ascertain whether a bone fragment was torn away as well.
DRESSAGE DANGERS The loading of the hind leg associated with advancement through the levels of dressage—more collection, compressed frame—adds to the risk of suspensory tears in dressage mounts, especially those with a rear pillar that emerges behind the hoof. The sample dressage horses C, D and E were all at
the top of the sport, meaning they were successful at ‘loading their hocks’ in order to complete the Grand Prix movements, and all three competed into their teens. None of them have a rear pillar that emerges behind the heel, yet note how much flexion is visible in their fetlocks while performing. Now imagine the stressors if the pillar did emerge behind the heel. The truth is that horses with a poor rear pillar most likely would not have survived the rigors of training leading up to Grand Prix. Who are the sample horses? Horse C is Damon Hill,
Horse D is Parzival and Horse E is Valegro. It’s difficult to argue with success.
OTHER DISCIPLINES The facts about the risks to the suspensory ligament are not only true of dressage horses, but also very much the
case with horses in other disciplines. Among the English disciplines, jumpers, eventers, hunters and driving horses can all be affected by a poor rear pillar, over-stretching of the suspensory and/or repetitive stretching of the ligament. In essence, anything that requires substantial loading of the hind leg and particularly if it is repetitive in nature—the push required for takeoff over fences, the speed, the sharp turns and acceleration, landing after a fence, etc.—can cause damage to the suspensory of the rear limb.
VIGILANCE MATTERS Check your horse’s legs vigilantly. Take note of any heat and/or swelling and consult a veterinarian rather than rationalize away any form of lameness no matter how mild. Early detection and rest are keys to recovery. Look carefully at your horse’s construction and be honest about what that construction can sustain. Severe tears and chronic injuries can be costly, both in terms of cash outlay and the usefulness and comfort of the horse.
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 world-wide 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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