maybe its just me, but

no I was thinking that a few days ago too.

I guess in the past we just didn't have the range of diagnostic tools that are available today to be able to spot it so we just had more 'naughty' ponies and less KS.
 
no I was thinking that a few days ago too.

I guess in the past we just didn't have the range of diagnostic tools that are available today to be able to spot it so we just had more 'naughty' ponies and less KS.

glad its not just me! it seems to be everywhere, but like you say it was probably always there but we only just diagnosed it
 
no I was thinking that a few days ago too.

I guess in the past we just didn't have the range of diagnostic tools that are available today to be able to spot it so we just had more 'naughty' ponies and less KS.
That is definitely a possibiity but I believe as well that modern saddles put more pressure on the horse's spine and that many modern riders do not know how to build the correct muscles to support the horse's frame.
 
That is definitely a possibiity but I believe as well that modern saddles put more pressure on the horse's spine and that many modern riders do not know how to build the correct muscles to support the horse's frame.

I was looking at traditional , leather (2nd hand) saddles the other day and thinking back to the days when you could call the saddler and get a fitted leather saddle- of course you still can do that, but you can also go on the inernet/tack shop and buy a synthetic, cheapish one- also many second hand ones on ebay etc- people are often not inklined to get one fitted. I wonder if that adds to it?
 
no I was thinking that a few days ago too.

I guess in the past we just didn't have the range of diagnostic tools that are available today to be able to spot it so we just had more 'naughty' ponies and less KS.

I've thought about this too.

I think the main thing would be lack of diagnostics - vet medicine is advancing so quickly, will never be able to keep up with human meds!

Naughty ponys and ill fitting tack, unknowingly but ill fitting nonetheless were how is was done a few years ago IMO

I've been guilty of saddle swapping, sitting a 'naughty youngster etc etc

I think its a great thing that it is now generally accepted that the saddle has to fit the horse and rider, and that people are seeking vets advice when their horses are playing up under a well fitted saddle - it is enlightening that the horse world is waking up to this - I don't think KS is any more prevalent now than in earlier years, just that most horse owners are more clued up.

However, don't get me started on the people who own horses as a status symbol yet know nothing and are not prepared to even try and learn - they seem to be on the increase too :(
 
Just a musing, I have no facts or figures to back it up. But in rl & on here it seems to be more tbs, followed by warmbloods & sports horse types, than natives, cobs, Irish drafts, old fashioned hunter types etc. I wonder if its down to the former always being bred with health & longevity being less important than in the latter, or more recent breeding practices, or maybe the work being asked of modern horses. And the fact as a nation we are heavier than years ago. Or a combination of all. And by breeding, work, rider weight I don't mean an individual has caused it in their horse, I mean as an overall cumulative effect over a few generations. Plus I think diagnostics, saddles, & the fact its more common now for very inexperienced riders to be trying to ride 'on the bit', a phrase I don't like.
I don't think at all though it is a new thing, I can think of quite a few from years ago that with hindsight I think would be diagnosed.
 
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