Long Pasterns

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rlhnlk

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Hi

I'm just looking for a bit of info.

I'm buying my first yearling, I had her vetted and the only comment was that she has slightly long pasterns. I'm terrible at looking at conformation, no eye for it whatsoever, hence why I had her vetted. Am I right in thinking that the length of the pastern itself is not so much the problem it's the increased angle at the fetlock which increases the strain?

Also as she is only a yearling is this something she may grow into or is it set forever, is it something that can be improved with good farriery or is it a case of thats that?

They aren't dramatically long nor is the angle particularly bad, I just believe in finding out as much as possible before I get her.

Thanks for any replies
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It is said that horse with longer pasterns have a more comfortable pace for the rider (many Spanish bred horses do), however in my opinion (opinion ONLY) it depends what you want to do with the horse. For instance, I searched long and hard to find a horse with shorter more upright pasterns because a longer one may not stand up so well to distance riding. I have a fear (probably irrational) that a horse with a long sloping pastern will put too much strain on the fetlock joint over long, fast distances.
 
Long pasterns can put extra strain on the fetlock joints and the digital flexor tendons.

A yearly can change hugely up to about 6-7. It depends on what you want to do with the yearling.
 
I want to showjump, the vet was told this and didn't seem to think they would be an issue.

As I say they aren't really bad or anything, just enough to give her slightly flashier paces, but obv I know generally the flashier they are the more strain their legs will have.
 
long pasterns can cause more stress and strain on the tendons- hence i won't buy horses with long pasterns for eventing.

i actually saw 3 other weanlings before i bought my boy and discounted them all for having long pasterns- having seen two of them as 3yros recently i am glad i did as they still look weak.

it is actually the one fault i am very strict about, having had a horse with massive problems due to her lower leg conformation.
 
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