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Discussion on How pasture affects hooves/ legs
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Member:
Karen02
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 9, 2005 - 3:07 pm:
My question is: Does the landscape of a sloped pasture cause harm to your horses tendons and hooves? I live in the foothills, and my pasture is not flat. The "flat" parts still have a slight slope to them. I do have a level barn for the horses but they prefer standing outside in the pasture. My vet always brings up that my landscape wears out the horses more than a flat pasture. I have a 21 year old horse with some front leg tendon issues and a 10 year old horse. They both seem to be content in their mountain setting. Any thoughts on mountain pastures and how this affects horses bodies?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Jan 10, 2005 - 6:51 am:
Hello Karen,
There is no doubt hills create extra stress to both tendons and ligaments of horses. Either the tissues adapt to the extra stress, in which case they become stronger, or they fail to adapt, in which case they become strained and painful.
Much depends on many details but the I would think the 2 most important being the amount of slope and the confirmation of the horses. Smaller horses will find it easier than big heavy horses.
DrO
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Member:
Karen02
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 11, 2005 - 11:31 pm:
Thank you Dr. Oglesby.
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