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RE: [RC] hard roads effect, lameness - Linda CowlesComing 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 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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