|
    Check it Out!    
|
|
RideCamp@endurance.net
Windpuffs and lower leg conditions
I read here on-line that persons a re worried
about wind puffs and other lower leg abnormalities. There is discussion of using
support methods to preclude this and other remedies.
Perhaps the most important aspect is being forgotten. At least
to my simple mind it is. I have never seen discussions about
CONDITIONING to preclude or alleviate this problem.
If a horse is kept in the normal flat fairly soft stalls and
paddocks with pasturing on flat almost groomed meadows, what can we expect when
the horse is ridden on other than those conditions for surface?
If the horse is kept on rough, uneven, rocky and riddled with
gopher hole, hillside pasture the problem will to some extent be diminished.
Then if the horse is ridden, for conditioning, on rough uneven, rocky ground
rather than on prepared trails, the problem is then further diminished.
The hoof, fetlock and associated lower leg mechanisms are not
developed by standing around on the level soft surfaces. Look at these area of
your horse. Pick it up and observe the range of motion in the lower leg and hoof
area. It is astounding that it will move in all directions and with a fairly
broad range of movement. Then consider that the average horse does not get to
exercise this range of movement if kept a most horses are. You MUST develop this
attribute of the horse's leg by exercise and the flat smooth ring and easy
trails WILL NOT do it. You must get in the rough and ride on the edge
(albeit with some caution) Gradually building up the strength of the tendons and
ligaments (virtually no muscle in this area).
In my estimation when you use the support boots you are
exerbating the problem as the natural mechanisms of the horse do not develop and
end up expecting the unnatural support, forget then one day and disaster
strikes.
One man's opinion but I am willing to hear the contra side of
the discussion with a good rationalized explanation.
Bob Morris
Morris Endurance
Enterprises
Boise, ID
|
    Check it Out!    
|
|
Home
Events
Groups
Rider Directory
Market
RideCamp
Stuff
Back to TOC