Capped hocks

[speednut]

Have also put this query in competition riders but and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Went to see a lovely 4yr old ISH today who would be bought on to event.
He was vetted in Ireland before coming over and it stated "capped hocks" on the list of "defects" at the bottom.

Should I steer well clear or is it more a cosmetic problem. Quite naive in my knowledge so suggestions please.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

The only time I've seen capped hocks (several cases) was at the riding school where my horse was in full livery until I moved him for welfare reasons! The school stables were concrete with almost no bedding other than a sprinkle of wet, soiled sawmill shavings round the edges. The school horses spent almost the entire winter (October to May) stabled where their only time out of the stable was for lessons and/or paid hacks out. My understanding is that capped hocks are easily preventable with turnout and decent bedding. A change to the horse's management will cure capped hocks, which are normally caused by the weight of the horse damaging its own joints due to lying straight on unsuitable flooring such as concrete. (NB: the school has recently installed basic rubber matting in all stables).

 

[Donkeymad]

I had a mare with a capped hock some years ago. As far as I am aware, it doesn't affect them. Could be wrong though.

 

[wambles]

its a cosmetic thing, and can be resuced with soda crystals orr equissage
my mare kicked the back of the stabless and capped both hocks but eventually we reduced them greatly and kept her in magnetic boots so it couldnt re happen

only thing which causess damage is if they keep bashing themm to cap them if you get me

 

[oln]

so will capped hocks always go down in the end if you stop reinjury?

 

[Halfstep]

No, they often will never go away, unfortunately. But they rarely cause problems unless the joint capsule itself is effected (unusual).