Fetlock movement in trot / conformation

[Bustalot]

So what part of the horses conformation relates to the angle of the fetlock whilst the horse is trotting? If at all? (fetlock angle is correct when standing still)

Some horses fetlocks seem to have a bigger angle (drop) than others whilst trotting/cantering. Does this pre-dispose them to ligament injuries? Or is it just their breeding and no problem at all?

Does having a smaller/bigger angle make them better or worse at certain things?

Just a musing as have seen so many different horses that move so differently on my hunt for the right one!!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

You should judge the angle of pastern slope and pastern length when the horse is standing square and on flat ground.

The angle and length will be different for different breeds, eg you would expect a quarter horse to have shorter and more upright pasterns when you compare them to a TB's.

When the horse is moving the fetlock will go closer to the ground (when the horse's weight is going down that leg) as this is how the lower leg has evolved to absorb shock.