Re: Horse Height & Bone

[Susan Evans Garlinghouse <suendavid@worldnet.att.net>]

Frank, once again, I'm not being defensive, honest.  I'm only repeating
what we found  (and stating it statistically is the only way to
differentiate between empirical findings and "opinion").  One more time,
I absolutely agree that there are many important factors other than
simply "size" in evaluating a front leg.  I was just unable to evaluate
anything other THAN size, given the considerable limitations of
collecting data in the field, which unfortunately includes financial
ones (it's very frustrating that the vast majority of equine research
money is still only available for TB racing-type projects, not for
endurance).  Believe me, I would dearly love to be able to
quantitatively "describe" the optimum conformation (including the front
leg tendons, etc) for maximum performance and health of the horse.

Trust me, Frank, no excitement at this end---I tend to overstate alot of
this stuff, because otherwise there's inevitably an avalanche of posts
asking about statistics, or did we consider this, or "yeah, but..."
posts.  Just trying to answer the questions before they're asked.:-)

Susan G

DVeritas@aol.com wrote:
> 
>  Gee Susan,
>       Please stand down a bit.
>       My post to you concerned "front legs" only.  Certainly I realize the
> importance of other factors, as you stated in your post (which I noted the
> first time I read your post).
>       I just feel it is important to understand that the structural integrity
> of the leg, and it connective tissue (tendons/ligaments) is vital to the
> endurance potential of horses.  I have seen too many folks "focus" on size of
> the front cannons and not worry enough about what is under those significant
> cannons.
>       One person remarked to me, "Look at the size of her cannon bones".  I
> did.  They were substantial.  But truthfully, the mare was pigeon toed and
> that, COUPLED with the center of her knees pointing outside the medial line,
> all I could see was tendonitis down the trail due to her twisted cannons.
> (Her "meatiness" was obvious to me.)
>       And please don't feel the need to throw a bunch of statistics at me.
> They fascinate me, but as you can probably tell, I am easily confused.
> BTW, I prefer large cannons on my horses and am always surprised when I see a
> horse with what I consider a small CBC (but dry, iron-like and clean
> tendons/sheath) go on and on and on...
>       Best regards,
>        Frank.