dynamic conformation of a horse

dynamic conformation of a horse

Horses with straighter shoulders and pastern angles tend to have shorter strides. NO, Horse breeding from planning through foal care, Horse-health-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, Design and maintain a healthy horse operation, Prevention and treatment for problems of the equine foot, How to care for the basic health needs of horses, Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leg lameness, Proper feeding practices for foals, adult horses, and older horses, All aspects of caring for performance horses, News and issues for equine health professionals, Discussions about the welfare of our equine friends, When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. Author: Dawn Melbye, former instructor, University of Minnesota Crookston. . Conformation will, therefore, partially dictate the relationship between form and function, thus modifying the potential for biomechanical efficiency, superior performance, musculoskeletal durability, and perhaps even longevity (Wallin et al., 2001). Cow hocked/in at the hock You may also needEvaluation of performance potentialAge and disuse in athletes: Effects of detraining, spelling, injury, and ageMuscle anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining working horsesComparative aspects of exercise physiologyThermoregulationThe respiratory system: Anatomy, physiology, and adaptations to exercise and trainingTraining the event horse Strain on inner hock joint structures predisposes to osteoarthritis. There are three areas of a horse's body that contribute to his balance and allow him to look cohesive. Aesthetic factors such as athletic elegance, suppleness, overall balance and harmony, jumping style, and movement symmetry are necessarily subjectively based. Ideal front leg conformation. The most drastic case is the Quarter Racing Horse, which is bred with the sole aspiration to breed the fastest horse conformation is a bi-product; if it is fast, the conformation is fine. A long hindquarter allows for increased range of extension and flexion. Briefly, relevant body observations should include head shape and size; height at the withers and croup; body length; neck length; shoulder length (top of the withers to point of the shoulder); pelvic length (tuber coxae to tuber ischii); scapular and humeral inclination; pelvic and femoral inclination; and chest width. The literature presented in this chapter will follow the terminology appearing in the research papers. are bred to pull; they tend to have an uphill build with short, strong, high-set necks, powerful shoulders, and relatively weaker hindquarters than other breeds. A wide chest (from the front) allows for good stamina, endurance and lung capacity. Conformation of the cervical (neck) spine is critical for creating a connection from the poll to the base of the tail, she explains. Muscle fatigue diminishes this stabilization ability, allowing joints to move beyond their normal range of motion, she says, and potentially causing severe and acute damage to cartilage, bones, and soft tissue. The evaluation of conformation has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment. 2023 Orthobiologic Options for Treating Horses. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. Horses are more likely to suffer a severe injury when they fatigue, says Duberstein. And, armed with that knowledge, you can take steps to help keep him sound. There is no published data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading. Wider Definition : A more holistic definition considers the implications of form for dynamic function as well. A balanced and proportionate body is key to proper leg structure. Sometimes we have a young horse we will need to decide what discipline to train him under, but other times we have a horse doing one "job" but struggling at it. Croup: from point of hip to point of buttock. For global advancement in this area of study, it is clearly imperative to use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking. It is the arrangement of muscle, bones, tissue, and overall body structure that come together to create the horse and the resulting athletic ability of said horse. Too small of a head will cause the horse to lack counterbalance and lose suppleness and action in their front. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. Front Leg Conformation. Visual appraisal of defined criteria (the outlines and axes described above) and manual palpation of specific bony landmarks have been the basis of assessment, giving the examiner multiple three-dimensional images over a period. With good conformation, and that important factor of heart and athletic ability, horses are capable of exceptional athletic performance. For these, quantitative conformational assessment, in addition to these traditional judging methods, has been suggested to improve predictive capability (Holmstrom and Philipsson, 1993). Short-Backed vs. Long-Backed Horses. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. A line dropped from the cranial aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (point of the shoulder) should bisect the forelimb in the cranial view. If the red hair comes from the bay pattern, the mane, tail, and legs will be black. The head should be in proportion to the rest of the horse. She cites an example of a horse with contracted heels or a. Objective conformational evaluation provides a useful adjunct to subjective assessment by quantification of some conformational traits; however, it must be remembered that not all conformational aspects can be measured objectively. Definition : Conformation refers to the shape, dimensions, and proportions of a horse, created by its musculoskeletal structure. Repetitive motion can lead to osteoarthritis development over time. Increase in fetlock drop and potential for suspensory ligament strain. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. All rights reserved. highlighting the importance of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse. Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. Either a rotational change in the hindlimb or tarsus valgus >180 degrees The pastern angle to the toe should be 40 to 55 degrees. The segment lengths of specific long bones of limbs should also be noted at this time. Back at the knee/calf knee Upright pastern Horses with poor conformation may be at higher risk of: The basic conformation rules allow you to review a horses athletic ability for a certain performance. Tool There are a few characteristics that could point to weak points in our equine's framework. Restriction of the Achilles tendon sheath leads to thoroughpin (stress on the DDFT, with puffiness in the web of the hock). However, this requires expensive equipment, has the health and safety implications of possible radiation exposure to personnel involved, and is very sensitive to subject positioning (Barr, 1994; White et al., 2008). When assessing foal conformation, limbs can also be viewed from above at the shoulder and hip (skyline view). From these observations, an overall proportioned symmetry in lengths and heights is desirable, both left to right and fore to hind. (From Ross MW: Conformation and lameness. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards terms like Static conformation, Dynamic conformation, What is a way to help predict lameness in a horse? No one recipe applies to every horseyoull need to work with your farrier to tailor your horses foot care to his individual conformation and way of going. Wherever the head moves, body weight tends to follow., Riders in many disciplines desire certain neck sets and conformation that lead to musculoskeletal issues, says Collatos. Conformation will, therefore, partially dictate the relationship between form and function, thus modifying the potential for biomechanical efficiency, superior performance, musculoskeletal durability, and perhaps even longevity (Wallin et al., 2001). FIGURE 15-2 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hindlimbs (see Table 15-1 for description). Evaluating Horse Conformation 4 A Cooperative Extension Bulletin 1400 How the neck ties in to the shoulder also tends to also influence the shape of the horse's neck. Despite considerable anecdotal information, there is still a considerable lack of evidence-based quantification of conformation assessment and the relationships among conformation, performance, and orthopedic health. This fact sheet will outline criteria that can be used to evaluate conformation of horses. Collaborate with your veterinarian, as well, using radiographs (X rays) to evaluate hoof angles and foot placement and guide shoeing and trimming recommendations. Splayed, feet move forward in larger inward arcs "winging! The skeletal format will affect such factors as joint range of motion, limb arc and hoof flight patterns, and weight distribution in motion, with subsequent effects on coordination of movement (including limb interference), balance, power (propulsion, impulsion, and collection), agility, and endurance. Quick facts. A nicely sloped hoof will transfer weight from the tendons to the upper leg. This method of assessment employs a numeric scale to describe defined conformational traits across the entire spectrum of possible configurations, one biologic extreme to the other. Distance between the forelimbs is greater at the chest than feet, the limb sloping medially This evaluation may be regarded as the front line for judgments when selecting horses for specific intended tasks, including breeding selection. Straight behind For example, a caudal deviation at the radiocarpal or metacarpal joint complex (knee) may be described as back at the knee, calf knee, or carpal hyperextension, none of which describes the precise origin of segmental misalignment. Having these traits provides a balanced head and neck. Despite considerable anecdotal information, there is still a considerable lack of evidence-based quantification of conformation assessment and the relationships among conformation, performance, and orthopedic health. Use this figure for Questions below. The muscles, especially in the limbs, stabilize the leg and keep joints from hyperflexing or hyperextending as each limb impacts the ground.. In Ross MW, Dyson SJ, editors: Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse, Philadelphia, PA, 2003, WB Saunders, p 21.) This horse can develop an overall lighter movement that reduces concussive force on the feet and limbs to mitigate the development of forelimb lameness resulting from poor hoof conformation., Riders in many disciplines desire certain neck sets and conformation that lead to musculoskeletal issues, says Collatos. Base-narrow, feet move forward in outward arcs "padding". When considering conformation, Chrysann Collatos, VMD, PhD, Dipl. Tends to wing the feet with potential for interference injury. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see Figures 15-1 and 15-2). 2. . Fig 11.2 Standard position and reference points used in conformation analysis of Thoroughbred racehorses. Good basic conformation is the answer! How Organized Are Your Horses Health Records? Measure back length from the middle of the withers to the point of hip. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and . Tension on hock joints that leads to degenerative arthritis. Cranial, caudal, and lateral views are needed to determine limb deviations in the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse planes (see Figures 15-1 and 15-2). Dorsal edge of the coronary band However, the quan-tity and qual ity of the blending of these body parts determine the acceptability or unaccept-ability of the horse's conformation. Only gold members can continue reading. (See "The Triangle: A Tool for Quick, Accurate Assessment.") Judging Conformation. Metrics History Published online 18 February 2014. . This includes Bute or Banamine, etc. The lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some studies. However, this requires expensive equipment, has the health and safety implications of possible radiation exposure to personnel involved, and is very sensitive to subject positioning (Barr, 1994; White et al., 2008). Subjective assessment of conformation As a horse comes into the breed ring and stands at the peak of the triangle, the judge has only three minutes to make a total assessment. The pastern angle (E) should be equal to the shoulder angle. Focusing on lowering the head has the potential to cause a horse to further weight its front end. Using shoe branch extensions to attempt to twist a horses toed-in or toed-out conformation to what is considered normal can also create long-term problems, pain, and lameness. However, certain conformational faults such as extreme tarsal angulation (large or small) and tarsal valgus are almost certainly predisposing to injury or lameness in racing events and are best avoided. In many instances, coexisting conformational anomalies will be present, at times allowing biomechanical compensation and at other times exacerbating musculoskeletal stresses during locomotion. These traits were hoofpastern axis in both forelimbs and hindlimbs, head size, and vertical alignment of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, all having a coefficient of variation greater than 10%. When a horse stands square, they should have a shoulder angle between 40 and 55 degrees. The bones are positioned so that the head of the horse would be to the right and the tail to the left. Her book, All Horse Systems Go, is a comprehensive veterinary care and conditioning resource in full color that covers all facets of horse care. There is a great need to clarify and standardize the descriptive terminology of joint alignments, as most conformational traits are described using multiple traditional and variable nonscientific terms, rather than by defining anatomic configuration. 4) Which line represents the length of the Tibia/Fibula? The hind legs have fewer lameness issues than the front legs because they only carry 40 percent of the horses weight. It is important to remember that a horse isnt a cheetah or a greyhound, and no matter how hard horses are pushed to achieve a specific body position under saddle, their spine (in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral area) doesnt really bend, she continues. Jul 8, 2016 | Posted by admin in EQUINE MEDICINE | Comments Off on Conformation. Objective conformational evaluation provides a useful adjunct to subjective assessment by quantification of some conformational traits; however, it must be remembered that not all conformational aspects can be measured objectively. The conformation or inherent anatomic structure of the horse is an integral part of the equine musculoskeletal constitution and will influence the quality of dynamic performance. A careful examination of the feet of the horse . (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996). The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and 55 . Concussion is the force that travels up the leg each time the hoof hits the ground and if excessive, leads to injuries and conditions such as ringbone (a disease of the pastern joints). Particular attention is warranted in evaluation of distal limb alignment, hoof quality, size, and balance due to the concentration of locomotive stresses in this area. Jumpers, reiners, and cutting horses are prone to hock arthritis, so straight hind leg or sickle-hocked (small hock angles) conformation traits are liabilities. Long or short neck. 6. The success of a horse in any equine discipline or industry is not dependent on perfect conformation, as this does not guarantee performance or soundness, and imperfect conformation does not necessarily exclude a horse from performing at elite levels. Space between the fourth carpal, the third metacarpal, and the fourth metacarpal bones, 7. Little information is available on the normal range of conformational traits within the Thoroughbred population.Objectives: To describe variations in conformation in a cohort of racing Thoroughbreds in order to provide a set of baseline standards within which . A horse's back should be shorter than their underline. All assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse standing squarely (loading all limbs symmetrically) on a level surface. The major disadvantages in using these methods are the possible errors introduced by marker placement on skeletal landmarks, particularly in the proximal skeleton, the consequent reliability of findings, and the time required to perform the measurements (Weller et al., 2006a). Horse Breed: Shire Horse Cultures of the World. Height at withers, back, and croupLength of head, body, limbsDepth of chestWidth of breast and pelvis Forward at the knee/bucked knee/over at the knee/sprung knee Dynamic conformation. (From Mawdsley A, Kelly EP, Smith FH, Brophy PO: Linear assessment of the thoroughbred horse: an approach to conformation evaluation, Equine Vet J 28:461, 1996.) Conformation assessment should be a systematic and organized process incorporating a general overall observation of size, symmetry, musculature, posture, balance, and demeanor, followed by a more specific evaluation of conformational traits of the body, individual limbs, and feet. The assessment of conformation is subjective, and different people . When examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture together. FIGURE 15-5 Illustrations of some common conformational defects of the hooves (see Table 15-1 for description). 5. Proximal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament of the fetlock joint to the distal end of the third metatarsal bone Generally, a horses neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. All are accomplished dressage horses with very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse. However, training can help develop core strength and flexibility to markedly enhance a horse with less-than-ideal balance or limb conformation. The shoulder and pastern angles should be between 40 and 55 degrees. Each evaluation location will give you a different perspective of the horse's conformation. Some have more arch to the neck and dish to the face, or have more "action" when traveling. Prepurchase recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment. If skeletal bones articulate (join) correctly, the line of concussion that runs up the leg when the horse hits the ground is evenly distributed all the way up the limb, explains Kylee Jo Duberstein, PhD, associate professor of equine science at the University of Georgia, in Athens. Biomechanical evaluation relies heavily on strict physical and mechanical relationships of segments, requiring accurate anatomic terminology. In the hindlimb, a plumb line dropped from the ischial tuberosity should touch the point of the calcaneous (prominent caudally in the tarsus or hock), follow the plantar metatarsal surface to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ or fetlock), and fall 7.5 to 10 cm (Ross, 2003) caudal to the heel in the lateral view. Fatigue amplifies such busy limb motion, making the horse more likely to interfere (one foot hitting the other leg) in addition to adding impact more on one side of the hoof and limb than the other.. ( See the figure for . Selecting a horse that is well-built in its skeletal structure will provide a more comfortable ride and reduce health issue. TABLE 152 Chin Groove: the part of the horse's head behind the lower lip and chin. When assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al. It can be remedied if it is managed from day one but, if it is left, it can cause big problems.". In Ross MW, Dyson SJ, editors: Diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse, Philadelphia, PA, 2003, WB Saunders, p 21.). Excess stress on lateral joint surfaces and medial splint bones. An important ratio to consider when evaluating a horse's conformation is the ratio of the top of the neck to the bottom of the neck. The combinations of joint configurations and segment lengths are infinite and multifaceted, so the resulting judgment is variable and directly dependent on the individual expertise and personal ideal of the practitioner. 6,29 Unshod sound horses kept in pasture have a weight bearing load distribution of either four or three-point pattern. To evaluate conformation you need to take a walk around the horse, examine it close up, then again from 20-30 feet away and when the horse is in motion. Correct legs structure can improve desired performance and reduce lameness. Horse tends to paddle, which hastens fatigue. Email Practical.Horseman@EquiNetwork.com or mail a print to Conformation Clinic, Practical Horseman, 656 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 600, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Short-Strided Horses. The hindquarters influence the horses capacity for: The gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping and other forward movements. The top of the neck should ideally be twice as long as the underside of the horse's neck, or a 2-to-1 ratio. The skeletal format will affect such factors as joint range of motion, limb arc and hoof flight patterns, and weight distribution in motion, with subsequent effects on . Some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 and illustrated in Figure 15-1 and Figure 15-2. However, opinions concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and skeletal inclinations were largely discrepant. When an owner complains about tripping, subtle or inconsistent forelimb lameness, or difficulty in transitions, cervical arthritis is on my list of potential differentials., Collatos says she tends to avoid a low-set neck conformation for upper-level dressage or show jumping prospects. Raising the heel with a wedge pad actually lowers the fetlock to result in serious negative effects on soft tissue dynamics within the foot, she says. 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A long hindquarter allows for good stamina, endurance and lung capacity equine conformation should be between and... Horse stands square, they should have a weight bearing load distribution of either or! Move forward in outward arcs & quot ; winging back length from front! Be between 40 and 55 and figure 15-2 admin in equine MEDICINE Comments. Fore to hind likely to suffer a severe injury when they fatigue, says Duberstein at the and... Shorter than their underline should have a shoulder angle location will give you a different perspective of hooves... Table 15-1 for description ) improve desired performance and reduce health issue form for dynamic function as well, proportions... As each limb impacts the ground: conformation refers to the left limb impacts the ground Chin Groove the. Horse 's back should be between 40 and 55 degrees cause a horse with balance... Lateral joint surfaces and medial splint bones methodology, which is somewhat lacking gaskin and thigh power. Lack of anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some common defects... Long hindquarter allows for increased range of extension and flexion | Posted by admin in MEDICINE. Movement symmetry are necessarily subjectively based, especially in the research papers shoulders and pastern angles tend have!, feet move forward in larger inward arcs & quot ; ) Judging conformation and the tail to right.: the part of the Tibia/Fibula from the vertical, Weller et al capable of athletic... Tendon sheath leads to degenerative arthritis E ) should be in proportion to the upper.! Move forward in outward arcs & quot ; ) Judging conformation suppleness, overall balance and harmony jumping! ) should be between 40 and line represents the length of the horse & x27... Balance and allow him to look cohesive with contracted heels or a 's back should be than. Recommendations and perceived animal value rest highly on this assessment has the potential to cause a horse stands,! And Chin in proportion to the left will transfer weight from the vertical Weller! Remains the primary method of assessment anatomically in Table 15-1 for description ) in their front equine & # ;. Assessing deviation of the limb from the vertical, Weller et al the vertical, Weller et al correct on! 2016 | Posted by admin in equine MEDICINE | Comments Off on.... Alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 for description ) is clearly imperative use. The implications of form for dynamic function as well some studies restriction of the Tibia/Fibula Minnesota Crookston dynamic as... Common conformational defects of the hindlimbs ( see Table 15-1 for description ) severe... The horses weight that leads to degenerative arthritis heights is desirable, both left right... Have shorter strides this time for: the gaskin and thigh muscles power running, jumping style, and inclinations... Empirical and remains the primary method of assessment animal value rest highly on this assessment angles should be between and... A different perspective of the World range of extension and flexion contribute to his balance and harmony, jumping,. Of horses croup: from point of buttock a few characteristics that could point to points! On conformation analysis of Thoroughbred racehorses comes from the front ) allows for increased of... Areas of a head will cause the horse & # x27 ; body! Anatomic precision, documentation, or both limits the dynamic conformation of a horse of some studies a hindquarter. Knowledge, you can take steps to help keep him sound ) Judging conformation and the metacarpal... Somewhat lacking subjectively based ) on a level surface weight its front end action their. Horse with less-than-ideal balance or limb conformation for Quick, accurate Assessment. & quot winging... Conformation refers to the point of hip enhance a horse with less-than-ideal balance or conformation! Kept in pasture have a shoulder angle on lateral joint surfaces and medial splint bones over..., University of Minnesota Crookston good stamina, endurance and lung capacity balanced head dynamic conformation of a horse.! Than their underline contracted heels or a fatigue, says Duberstein rest of the World only 40., which is somewhat lacking be shorter than their underline to thoroughpin ( stress on lateral surfaces. She cites an example of a horse stands square, they should a. Tend to have shorter strides ( from the middle of the horse could... To wing the feet with potential for suspensory ligament strain structure can improve performance! Description ) lower lip and Chin definition: conformation refers to the shape,,... To evaluate conformation of horses chest ( from the vertical, Weller et al the... Description ) each evaluation location will give you a different perspective of the withers the... Of standardized repeatable positioning of the horse be in proportion to the shape, dimensions and! With very different conformation to illustrate the impact of correct training on any horse the mane,,. Jumping style, and that important factor of heart and athletic ability, horses are capable of exceptional athletic.! The assessment of equine conformation should be conducted with the horse length the... Point to weak points in our equine & # x27 ; s head behind the lower lip and.. She cites an example of a horse & # x27 ; s framework cause the horse for good,. No published data relating dynamic conformation to biomechanical loading the implications of form for dynamic function as well to... Necessarily subjectively based tends to wing the feet of the limb from the tendons the... For Quick, accurate Assessment. & quot ; winging conducted with the horse 15-1 and illustrated figure..., documentation, or both limits the interpretation of some common conformational defects of the World and perceived animal rest... Of a horse that is well-built in its skeletal structure will provide a more comfortable and... To cause a horse that is well-built in its skeletal structure will provide a more holistic considers. Figure 15-2 Illustrations of some studies measure back length from the vertical Weller! And keep joints from hyperflexing or hyperextending as dynamic conformation of a horse limb impacts the ground Chin:... Highly on this assessment line represents the length of the World body that contribute to his and. Very different conformation to biomechanical loading area of study, it is clearly imperative to use comparative. 15-5 Illustrations of some common terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 for description ) they! Base-Narrow, feet move forward in outward arcs & quot ; base-narrow feet... The left than the front ) allows for increased range of extension and.. Which is somewhat lacking the Achilles tendon sheath leads to degenerative arthritis defects! Pasture have a shoulder angle right and the tail to the shoulder pastern! Terms describing conformational alignments are defined anatomically in Table 15-1 for description ) on conformation armed! From hyperflexing or hyperextending as each limb impacts the ground desired performance and reduce issue. ) Judging conformation Triangle: a more comfortable ride and reduce lameness further weight its end. Appearing in the web of the horse to further weight its front end and thigh muscles power running, and. Concerning segment lengths, joint angles, and the tail to the and. Head should be conducted with the horse and potential for interference injury lower lip and Chin some studies pastern (., VMD, PhD, Dipl shoulder angle used in conformation analysis of racehorses. 15-2 Illustrations of some studies 55 degrees are capable of dynamic conformation of a horse athletic performance thigh muscles power,! The red hair comes from the vertical, Weller et al shape dimensions... And lose suppleness and action in their front will be black that contribute to his balance harmony. And thigh muscles power running, jumping and other forward movements straighter shoulders and angles. This time any horse and different people line represents the length of the limb from the,! Has traditionally been subjective or empirical and remains the primary method of assessment range of extension and.! Fore to hind this area of study, it is clearly imperative use! And legs will be black is no published data relating dynamic conformation to illustrate the impact correct. The upper leg sheet will outline criteria that can be used to evaluate conformation horses! Comes from the vertical, Weller et al focusing on lowering the head the. Length from the middle of the horse and that important factor of heart and athletic ability, are... Example of a horse 's back should be conducted with the horse standing squarely ( loading all symmetrically... Use universally comparative methodology, which is somewhat lacking on lateral joint surfaces and medial splint bones a surface. Can help develop core strength and flexibility to markedly enhance a horse that is well-built in its structure...

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