HELP! Splints and Showing?

[Isobelleizzy]

Hi everyone!
Whats everyones thoughts and experiences with showing and splints? More specifically Riding Horses at affiliated level. Got a bit of a stunner, but unfortunately after a whack in the field has chucked a beautiful splint. Been out the loop in terms of showing for a while so wondered what everyones thoughts and opinions were?

 

[Charlie007]

Sorry can't help with riding horse aff, but I used to do workers to a decent level on my old horse and he had a splint on each front leg. Judges never mentioned it, tho riding horse might be different x

 

[measles]

It very much depends on the size. A small one would be overlooked but one that was clearly obvious from the front would be held against the horse.

 

[jessamess]

I have an arab that has a split which he developed early last season, I was DEVASTATED to say the least...

Although I carried on as normal and hasn't effected him at all tbh I have been placed highly every time out at county and national level both ridden and inhand!!!

I think it depends on sizes my horse's in only very very tiny!!! And you will only notice it if you look extremely closely, I'm sure some judges would have seen it, although I am quite crafty where as before when we had the conformation judge I would stand to the side when they looked at the font legs I don't now hahahah!!!

I think they would only take it into serious consideration when there in a championship or a tough line up then you will be put down i'm afraid which is a bit poo

 

[Isobelleizzy]

Thanks everyone. It makes me want to cry. Ive worked so hard to get this horse, and found him as a bit of a diamond in the rough, quite unexpectedly. Hes absolutely stunning. And am not being a deluded owner in saying that. He is full brother to a very well known horse. Im just devastated really as I know deep down what the score is, and theres absolutely nothin I can do. ITS NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bloody horses....

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

if the splint is fairly new then get some splintex gold and apply daily for a few weeks, or radiol bone liniment. many splints partially resorb in time. it will possibly reduce in time for next spring. i would still show him anyhow, just make sure he is beautifully turned out, good tack, quality riding wear and most of all very well schooled and easy for the judge to ride. make sure he stands well, strips out and runs up beautifully.

 

[Maisie2]

I agree with ofcourseIcan. You can get a lotion from the vets which will help to reduce it and at least you have some time before the show season. DON'T PANIC, you may not qualify for HOYS but you can still have fun at a lower level, his way of going will have a big influence on the judge so try and concentrate on that, and good luck - that's horses for you

 

[Maisie2]

Sorry I meant of courseyoucan - a senior moment

 

[virtual]

The splint may well settle with treatment and/or time.

Both horses I've been to HOYS on have had splints - a show hunter pony and a cob. If you look closely at the line ups at the top shows there are a lot more blemishes than you'd think. Infact when you're judging it's sometimes difficult to find clean limbs at all!

 

[Isobelleizzy]

Thanks very much everyone x x x

 

[flutterby321]

Before I got my pony he was quite successful in ridden showing, coldblood ponies I think.. not sure though! And he has one fairly large splint on his front leg, and it (apparently) never effected his placings, and he has had some very good placings with his previous owners. Hope that helps

 

[bliss87]

i know arabs, riding horses, shp go to hoys with splints, the one on the riding horse being particulary big ones