pics requested from what's wrong with this horse thread

[Lakota's Pet]

WB had requested pics of one of my horses because he has what appeared to be dropped pasterns, but in the front. He has been this way for the whole 17 years we have had him. He is a 24 year old QH/arab cross. Let me know what you guys think.

[Arrow]

They are a bit of an unusual angle, but if he's healthy and sound, what does it matter?

[WashingtonBay]

They certainly are long and low. Obviously, at his age, they've served him well if he's always been this way and remained sound, but they would be his weak link if he were to break down anywhere. He might be a good candidate for sport medicine boots if you are concerned about him, the ones that go all the way around the pastern joint. They may offer a little bit of support for the tendons that run long the back of the joint supporting much of the weight and impact when they are flexed, as in the trotting pic.

But it's probably not disease like DSLD (maybe, maybe not), it's probably just the way he's made. Have you ever asked your vet? Farrier ever say anything?

Dakota's Dakota is DSLD in back, I think. If she sees this perhaps she'll post a picture.

[Arrow]

I'm sort of 50-50. The horse has learned to live and work with his conformation, I'm not sure I'd do anything different now. Though some kind of tendon support wouldn't do any harm...I just wonder if anything that throws him off his stride would do more harm than good.

Hmmm....it's a coin toss for me. Will wait for others to weigh in--let's hear it from the farriers. Steve--where are you, Steve?

[WashingtonBay]

Agreed. If he hasn't needed it until now, sometimes if it ain't broke don't fix it. And SMB are not without a downside on trail. They can collect dirt and grime and sweat underneath and rub badly, if the conditions are real wet/dusty/wet. They need to be watched and checked.

But if there are or may be some fatigue and strain issues as he ages, maybe they'd help with that.

[Lakota's Pet]

Our vet hasn't ever been concerned, as they haven't bothered him in the last 17 years. Farrier was just here yesterday, and commented on how well he is doing for his age and how good his feet are. Like I said, he doesn't do much any more, just enjoys his status as the old man of the barn. I tried a pair of SMB's on him a few years ago, and they actually seemed to interfere with the way he travels.

[luvs2ride1979]

A friend's mare was the same way. She ended up having some real problems, but she was broke hard too early and then carried a couple of babies while she was young. She retired to a pasture pet / babysitter at the age of 9...

As long as he seems to be getting along fine, I wouldn't worry about it myself! It sounds like he's enjoying a nice retirement anyway ;-).

[Lakota's Pet]

Luckily we know his history from before we got him. He wasn't broke till he was 4, gelded about the same time. He never did anything too strenuous because he became ring sour real fast. So he got sold, the lady neglected him, we bought him and have had him since. We don't ask too much of him anymore, but he did take 6th place in the individual obstacle course in the North American Police Equestrian Championships in September of this year. He definately deserves to enjoy his retirement.