pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Hi. Can anyone give me any good curable instances of young horses getting over this? I am looking currently at a lovely five year old mare but she plaits in walk. Not so bad on grass. Not hugely pigeon toed.
Plaiting Gait?
- Thread starter pistolpete
- Start date
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
It is her conformation that is at fault, she may strengthen as she matures but the gait will not vanish. Personally I would not buy, but I like good moving horses as they are more likely to stay sound.
What do you want to do with her.
What do you want to do with her.
pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Conformationally sound. Prelim dressage unaff sj happy hack. Just basic stuff. My older horse has had masses of issues so really want to start with a clean slate if poss.
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
She may be sound but the limb structure and alignment will be causing the gait abnormality. Limbs that are not correct will put pressure on the various structures within.
Starting with a clean slate is a horse that is correct throughout, then you have a better chance of staying sound. Just my take on choosing and buying horses. Hopefully she will suit your needs and very best of luck with her.
be positive
Well-Known Member
It may strengthen up and move better but if you want a clean slate why take the risk, you could get it vetted but as you are aware of the issue the vet will draw attention to it, so it could cause insurance exclusions, and will probably sit on the fence as to whether or not you should buy therefore being a money wasting exercise, look elsewhere for something that is correct would be my view.
Shay
Well-Known Member
You say is conformationally sound but also that she is not hugely pigeon toed. I presume she is in fact pigeon toed which is a conformation fault. You can improve plaiting with correct work - but at its heart a horse that plaits will always plait because that is how the skeletal structure formed.
If you are planning on keeping for life there is a greater chance that something that plaits (or has any other gait anomaly) will suffer soundness issues in later life. Also she will probably be more prone to brushing, forging or otherwise catching herself which is a potential source of injury.
No horse is perfect - just as no human is. Only you can judge how much she ticks all your other boxes. But for me conformation issues like this in such a youngster would be a no go.
If you are planning on keeping for life there is a greater chance that something that plaits (or has any other gait anomaly) will suffer soundness issues in later life. Also she will probably be more prone to brushing, forging or otherwise catching herself which is a potential source of injury.
No horse is perfect - just as no human is. Only you can judge how much she ticks all your other boxes. But for me conformation issues like this in such a youngster would be a no go.
pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Thanks all for honest replies. I love her temperament she is Spanish and perfect size never worn shoes. Ticks many boxes. Time for tough decisions!