SOUNDNESS EVALUATION

Examination of the Hindquarters

A couple of times I have compared a four-hoof drive horse with an automobile. The fronts take care of the turning and absorbing road shock. Anything out of whack or unbalanced up front is immediately obvious and receives servicing. But, when a rear end goes, the only warning is a hard to find whine, and the end result is a complete breakdown that is a financial disaster.

In a horse, generally, Navicular Disease, Laminitis, Ringbone, Osselets, and other injuries caused by concussion are found in the forelimbs and problems due to strains, in the hindquarters. Again, examination is begun with the hoof and works it's way up the leg, as:

82- Feet hard to handle ( 10 )

No variable this time. If you cannot pick up a hind without getting kicked over a fence, how can you be sure it isn't a painful inlury causing the problem? Even if everything is sound, horseshoers will avoid calling back when it comes time to reset this horse, and will tack on an extra charge with each shoeing.

83- General condition of hooves ( 5-10 ) [74 ]

As mentioned, the rear hoof is more pointed than the fore. The hinds are usually free of cracks, as standing in manure provides some needed moisture. But, this also makes Thrush, Cracked and Grease Heels, more likely.

84- Curbs ( 10 ) [42]

A hard, bony, swelling on the back surface of the cannon about four inches below the hock. A strained ligament, tendon, from Sickle and/or Cow Hocked conformation, is a major cause.

85- Thoroughpins ( 10 ) [76]

This is a Wind Puff of the hind leg. Again, a soft swelling that does not necessarily cause a lameness. When located just above the fetlock, the name is the same as entry 76. When located in the hollow, or outside and slightly above the point of the hock, it is known as a Throughpin. As this is difficult to distinquish from a Spavin, the safest course is to class it an unsoundness.