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  Discussion on Long Pasterns
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Member:
Tangoh

Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 - 12:16 pm:

I have a question regarding horses with long sloping pasterns. This is a horse that will likely be ridden 2-3 X per week, but only as a back-up pleasure and trail riding horse. Her pasterns are definitely a little longer and little more sloped than what would be considered ideal. She is also ever so slightly splay footed. She is perfect in every other way, has never been lame or unsound, is unbelievably smooth with an extraordinarily smooth western jog and canter that she could hold all day if you asked her to. She is a coming 5 year old Reg. 15.2, ~1000 lb. QH buckskin mare.

Is there anything that a farrier would do in particular with the hooves, or that the owners can do to minimize any problems down the road (pun intended). Would it help to use some type of protective boot or wrapping to help support the pastern? Is it possible for a horse with this confirmational flaw to go through life as a trail horse without any problems, or will there inevitably be a time 'down the road' where it will undoubtedly cause problems? How's that for a vague question?

I was told that although it's not ideal to have long pasterns, it does provide a smoother gait and if this horse isn't used for any type of eventing that we probably shouldn't worry too much about it. Is this correct?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 - 8:33 pm:

Sherri, it all depends on how long and sloping or what you mean by "a little". I cannot judge this horses conformation without looking at it. As for proper trimming the basics still apply see, » Care for Horses » Hoof Care » Trimming and Preparing the Feet for Shoes and be sure to follow the link to Illustrations of improperly trimmed feet.
DrO
Member:
Tangoh

Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 - 11:17 pm:

Hi Dr. O,

Would you believe that I knew what your answer was going to be before I even posted the question? I've been a member on this site long enough that I knew you'd say that, and your answer is a fair answer. I knew my question was vague.

I got my answer. Our farrier was out today. He knows this mare as he has trimmed her before. He didn't feel her pasterns were all that long or all that sloped either for that matter, at least not enough to be concerned. The only thing he mentioned is that he remembers that the previous owner was a little concerned that she was slightly splayed. Our farrier discounted this also and said she'd be an excellent trail horse and we shouldn't worry about this particular minor confirmation flaw. We were very pleased. We like this horse a lot and didn't want to hear that we'd possibly made a mistake buying her. We've only had her for 2 weeks.

Member:
Rob10549

Posted on Sunday, Nov 21, 2004 - 8:49 pm:

My horse has long slopping pasterns and my farrier said the same thing to me about 6 months ago. However, he proved to be wrong. My horse is now recovering from a minor suspensory injury and while recuperating I have researched the role conformation may have contributed to his injury. Horses with long, slopping pasterns and a long toe are more prone to suspensory injuries. Although we ride training level dressage with my 14 year old thoroughbred, and trail ride as well, you should be aware of the possibilities of problems down the road. My vet has recommended we use polo wraps on his back legs for support when we return to work. It is expected that my horse will be fine in the long run but he's been out of work now for 6 weeks and under treatment; cold hosing, bute, sand paddock and 20 min walks under tack. Be careful, is all I am suggesting. When I first bought my horse the vet told me that I should not jump my horse b/c of his long pasterns. I did not intend on jumping him so it worked out. Hopefully I have helped you out by sharing my story with you. Thanks, Robin
Member:
Redmare

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 - 9:50 am:

Hi Sherri-

I second Robin's comments. Farriers/hoof trimmers are not qualified to diagnose or prescribe treatment for medical conditions. You should take their advice as that of an experienced horse person, but not on par with a veterinarian.

I have a client whose TB has long, sloping pasterns. She's a lovely ride and he's had no trouble with her. Like Dr. O said, proper trimming is important for all kinds of horses, and a long toe can cause a variety of problems from cracking to separation, so we're sure to give this mare regular, correct trims including a nicely rolled toe.

It sounds like your work load for this horse will be light, but since you are concerned, you might consult with a veterinarian.
Member:
Tangoh

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 - 10:21 am:

Thanks for the input. I was quite pleasantly surprised to see these new posts, since I had started this string back in April 2003.

Our farrier does roll her toes nicely, as he does with all our horses and she is trimmed every 6-8 weeks by a very good farrier, and now, 1 year and 7 months later, she is still 'good to go' and has never come up lame for even a minute. I may have been overly concerned about her conformation as many others, as well as our farrier have since told me that her pasterns are not overly long and sloping. We do continue to be diligent about watching her however and only use her as a trail horse, nothing overly strenuous.

Thanks again for your comments.
Member:
Redmare

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004 - 10:33 am:

Wow, I didn't realize it was an old thread! The neat thing about these is finding out what happened in the long term. Glad to hear your girl is healthy and sound.
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