Confimation

GoGallopGirl

GoGallopGirl

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6 February 2012
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I'm guessing it would come under here? Anyway, my friends pony, when he walks his front legs sort of crosses over, but only in walk. She wants to do a couple of shows, but not sure whether it would be a problem in the showring? Any answers are welcome:)
 
Am not an expert on this kinda stuff but my friend had a horse that sort of crossed his back legs when his was walking, she got him checked out and he came back with a clean bill of health, the vet thinks it might have been down to the way he lay in the womb. He didnt appear to be in any pain and was never lame and she competed on him successfully.
But it might be worth getting the pony checked.. just incase theres any under lying problems in his bones/hoofs/joints. Sure see what others think. some horses just have their quirks!
 
... when it comes to the show ring.. I was more into showjumping and if the horse was jumping and moving well them things didnt even get noticed but because showing is all about the rider and horse confirmation/ movement/ability etc etc they might be a bit snotty about it.. I duno, I guess it would depend on what level your friend would be competing at
 
It sounds like this pony is 'base narrow'. This is a conformational fault, often spotted because his feet won't be directly under neath the shoulders, but slightly tucked in, and his toes will probably turn out slightly.

This fairly common, and predisposes the horse to 'plaiting' - which is the name for this gait disturbance you mention.

In terms of how this affects the long term health and soundness of the pony, it will be putting additional strain along the outside of his joints and particularly the outer walls of his feet. He may also be more prone to clip himself and cause injury when he is tired.

I'm afraid I'm not into showing so can't tell you how this will affect his scores but I'd imagine if it's only very local level, it wouldn't be a reason for your friend not to ride.
 
** Whispers** Conformation :-)

For showing you would want something that moves straight - what you describe shouldn't cause too much bother at local level though
 
I was sat on the grass at a recent show so at low viewing level, and was very surprised to see one horse moved like an Irish dancer and placed high. (This is a horse that I know has done very well including at county level inhand btw).

Surprised me no end, I can tell you. The horse has only just come out under saddle this season, and I think recently gone into shoes, so I have no idea if its connected or he always moved so badly.

Anyway. Rambling. No harm in taking the pony out to some shows, he might not win anything but its all good fun isnt it? :)
 
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