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RE: [RC] hard roads effect, lameness - Linda Cowles


Coming from an endurance  background, I have been dumbfounded 
by the number of serious injuries I see in the dressage/show 
crowd. (one halter horse I knew bowed a tendon trotting into 
the ring) The more they try to keep them safe, the more they 
put them at risk, but how can you convince them of that? 

This is sooo true! I have a friend whose a vet and I like to assist at the
big dressage barns, and these horses are way to protected. One of the
biggest problems with them is the shoeing trends. Most of them have long
toes and under run heels, which results in navicular, or artificially high
heels - to lessen the pain of the navicular they already have. 

To answer your question about hard surface making them 
stronger...it will, if used in moderation with ample time for 
the body to react and grow stronger. You ride on a hard 
surface one day, the next day the body lays down more bone to 
be prepared for "next time". 

This is good up to a certain point. Horses evolved be able to handle lots of
concussion resulting from many miles of travel on hard ground; the problem
is we bypass the horses primary shock absorption system, the function of the
hoof,  when we nail on metal shoes. Metal shoes actually amplify concussion.
Even though synthetic shoes restrict the expansion of the hoof (the shock
absorbing action) they were developed to reduce shock, and might be a better
choice if you want to condition on hard surfaces. I have friends who use
shock tamer pads too, and swear by them. Also, putting boots over the shoes
helps minimize concussion. 

Training on hard surfaces still achieves the desired results when you use a
good boot, shock absorbing pad or synthetic shoe to help reduce concussion.
Amplified concussion is not a good thing.

Linda Cowles
Certified Hoof Care Provider
WWW.HealthyHoof.Com
HealthyHoof@xxxxxxxxxxx






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Re: [RC] hard roads effect, lameness, rides2far