Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Offset knees - problem in a distance horse?

My mare's knees are slightly offset, but otherwise the legs are straight.  
She only has 100 Endurance and 150 LD miles in competition so far.  What I 
was told is that offset knees predispose a horse to splints, and possibly 
other knee problems.  My mare did splint one foreleg as a 2 yr old, before I 
ever started riding her.  Don't know for sure, but I think she hit it.  
Bigger problem in my mind is the turned out toe, as that may cause him to 
interfere in front.  Watch his movement, and see if he swings close with that 
foreleg.  And remember NO HORSE IS PERFECT!  They all have faults, and some 
horses that you really think should hardly be walking around were very 
successful in their respective careers.  Lots of stories, which I can't bring 
to mind the specifics of, of race horses with horrible legs that went on to 
WIN and WIN and WIN.  

If you really like him, you just have to be especially observant of any heat 
or swelling in that leg, so you can back off his training/conditioning 
program before damage is done.  Ideally, an endurance horse has as close to 
ideal conformation as you can find, but see above--NO PERFECT HORSES!  A 
horse with lots of heart and a good temperament will carry you far, and be a 
lot of fun along the way.

jeri

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