Slopey pasterns/conformation questions

[Har17]

Hi, I’m looking at a horse I’m interested in viewing but I noticed in some jumping videos the pasterns looked ‘floppy’ aka most likely slopey however I do not have a photo of them on the ground so I can’t be sure. I’m no conformation expert at all but I know basic stuff and this is questioning me a little, anyone have any experiences with this? Thank you

 

[AmyMay]

Can you post the video? Or link to it?

 

[Har17]

Can you post the video? Or link to it?

I would be able to but I wouldn’t want to offend the owner by putting up her horse for display on forums ? I’ll try and find a photo similar or a video maybe

 

[nutjob]

I had a horse PTS which developed sloping pasterns on both hind legs. Ultrasound showed both the suspensory ligaments were totally disrupted / disintegrated. Most likely due to DSLD/ESPA but not confirmed. He was only 6 but was in too much difficulty to even keep as a pet. It was apparent even when he was standing still and more so in walk. When I was looking for another horse I spent hours looking at pictures and videos to avoid the same thing and you can see a large amount of movement of the fetlock/pasterns on normal horses which are jumping or turning especially at speed. The difference with mine was that it was obvious at walk and although the pasterns were not unusually long the fetlocks dropped a great deal at each step which made them appear longer.

 

[Lois Lame]

Hi, I’m looking at a horse I’m interested in viewing but I noticed in some jumping videos the pasterns looked ‘floppy’ aka most likely slopey however I do not have a photo of them on the ground so I can’t be sure. I’m no conformation expert at all but I know basic stuff and this is questioning me a little, anyone have any experiences with this? Thank you

How do the pasterns compare with videos of other horses who are jumping and at the exact moment that you are viewing?

Maybe you are noticing something you don't normally notice, and it's normal. Or maybe it is extreme. Look at youtubes of other horses.

Actually, it would be better, really, to just ask for a conformation shot. If they send one with a bucket in the wrong place, by accident of course, ask for another photo.

 

[littleshetland]

I definitely remember reading that the very successful racehorse Mill Reef had very slopy pasterns. As far as I know, he retired sound.

 

[ycbm]

You can take a screen shot of what you are worried about and crop it so that only the lower part of the leg shows, which won't identify the horse. You are right not to splat the whole picture onto the Internet asking for a critique of a horse for sale.

I'd agree with people above, if the pasterns obviously drop in walk, more than other horses, then there's an issue. Look at the back legs too, in a horse I knew with suspected DSLD/ESPA, the first sign was that the back legs went straight as his suspensories began to fail.

I'd be happy to look at the ad for you if you PM me.
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[LEC]

The issues I have with long pasterns are they get jarred up easily on hard ground for eventing and that they are very susceptible to tendon/Suspensory weaknesses.

 

[Gloi]

What are the hocks like. very sloping pasterns and straight hocks are a red flag.

 

[Har17]

I had a horse PTS which developed sloping pasterns on both hind legs. Ultrasound showed both the suspensory ligaments were totally disrupted / disintegrated. Most likely due to DSLD/ESPA but not confirmed. He was only 6 but was in too much difficulty to even keep as a pet. It was apparent even when he was standing still and more so in walk. When I was looking for another horse I spent hours looking at pictures and videos to avoid the same thing and you can see a large amount of movement of the fetlock/pasterns on normal horses which are jumping or turning especially at speed. The difference with mine was that it was obvious at walk and although the pasterns were not unusually long the fetlocks dropped a great deal at each step which made them appear longer.

That must have been heartbreaking, thank you for your reply!

 

[Har17]

You can take a screen shot of what you are worried about and crop it so that only the lower part of the leg shows, which won't identify the horse. You are right not to splat the whole picture onto the Internet asking for a critique of a horse for sale.

I'd agree with people above, if the pasterns obviously drop in walk, more than other horses, then there's an issue. Look at the back legs too, in a horse I knew with suspected DSLD/ESPA, the first sign was that the back legs went straight as his suspensories began to fail.

I'd be happy to look at the ad for you if you PM me.
.

Thank you, And thank you for your helpful response, that’s very kind of you to offer, however I think plans have fallen through with this horse so there isn’t too much of a need now

 

[Har17]

Thank you for everyone’s help! It’s good to hear other opinions

 

[Bobthecob15]

Old post but I wanted to ask what a horse with this sort of issue would be worth? One has come onto our yard with sloping patterns on both hind legs, I’m no confirmation expert but it’s noticeable. He also has very flat front feet that are almost dished inwards at the front he’s also had a previous tendon injury in the past…no wonder with that confirmation. They want 5k for him (12yr TB who has done a bit of everything including hunting).He failed a vetting recently. Does that sound like a lot?? It does to me…he’s a nice horse and would perhaps be a nice hack but I’m not convinced I’d pay that with the risk…I’m after a quiet hack and the occasional fun ride/dressage but I’m getting serious red flags with this one?

 

[SilverLinings]

What made him fail the vetting? IMO that is a lot to ask for a horse with the problems you describe.

 

[Bobthecob15]

What made him fail the vetting? IMO that is a lot to ask for a horse with the problems you describe.

Im not entirely sure, need to do more digging. I know 5k isn’t a lot for a horse these days but it seems a lot to me with those issues…

 

[Cortez]

How much is a horse with potentially severe conformation defects, a previous injury and unsound/vet failure? Nothing, essentially; I wouldn't take it as a gift.

 

[Bobthecob15]

How much is a horse with potentially severe conformation defects, a previous injury and unsound/vet failure? Nothing, essentially; I wouldn't take it as a gift.

I know, I do wonder who will buy him?!

 

[SilverLinings]

I certainly wouldn't touch it for what you want a horse for @Bobthecob15. There is a possibility that the foot conformation could be improved with better trimming/shoeing but with the pastern issues, the tendon injury too and the failed vetting it sounds as though there is probably more going on, and the horse may have trouble staying sound and in work for long periods.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

When you say sloping pasterns do you mean dropped pasterns?

 

[Bobthecob15]

When you say sloping pasterns do you mean dropped pasterns?

Yep. I'm not interested in him as he has too many issues for me, was just curious. Be interesting to see what he goes for.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Thing is if his cheap someone inexperienced may come along and buy him and have no idea.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My mare that I only took on to give her a good home when her owner lost her grazing has dropped pasterns behind which means she now had very straight hind legs. She is pigeon toed in front and her feet are getting progressively flatter as time goes by. She is a lovely looking and sweet tempered mare who would do her best to do whatever anyone wanted of her. An unscrupulous person could easily sell her to some unsuspecting novice. She is going nowhere. I feel very sorry for the horse you are talking about, he deserves better.