'Cow hocks' - how much of a problem??

[Crazydancer]

I just wondered what people's opinion would be of a horse with 'cow hocks' - standing at rest the tip of the hocks almost cross over, and the horse stands toe-out. Not so obvious when moving, but still not totally straight.
I know that this would be a no-no for showing, but how would this affect the horse's soundness long-term?
Would it affect the way of going and/or performance for low-level dressage?
And if the horse was only 4, would this improve as they mature? (horse does seem quite immature - and if the breed matters, it's an Arab)

Thanks!

 

[Sukistokes2]

Hi,
In my limited experiance I would say that I would not buy a horse with that issue as I am sure it could lead to problems in the future. However I would check with a vet. If the horse was alreay mine i would try and find ways to improve it as the power comes from the rear end. It depends also what you want to do. If you was having it on loan it also depends on what you want to do. But buying go for the best you can get. ( This from a woman who buys a gpysy cob out of a field!!)

 

[dianeholmes]

A mild degree of cow hocks is said (anecdotally) to be a positive thing with less lameness problems. However I do think it is down to the degree of turn in. You need a vets opinion really.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

This little lady often touches her hocks together when she is standing around, zoned out, with a blank expression on her face. However when she is prancing about or even just woken up a bit she's like this...

I wouldn't worry about mild cow hocks, if you are worried get a vet to check him out. The filly above passed a 2* vetting as a yearling.