What's the problem with cow hocks?

[Turks]

Mine has them. What's the risk with them. Bit academic really as I'm not changing him...

I've only understand that the legs should obviously be straight and true. I would fear more of a problem if the joints twisted but they are pretty straight from stifle - to clarify - the joints are in a straight line, albeit one that points out! I've heard they can help jumpers re stability.

I've never actually heard/read what the main risks are with them. Anyone enlighten me?! Tea and biscuits...

 

[alainax]

In some breeds its a characteristic and very acceptable ( heavier breeds in particular)

 

[EllenJay]

As with any conformational fault, it puts strains on joints that are not designed to have the extra pressure - but in the whole scheme of things, most of us have a conformational fault and unless we are going to be a top class athletic actually makes very little difference.

I would say think very carefully about correcting the fault, as this can cause problems in other parts of his body - if he is doing everything you want - don't worry

 

[Pigeon]

I think if they are extreme they can prevent straight paces, and if the joint twists when it moves it causes more wear and tear. I don't think mild cow hocks are a huge problem though, straight hocks are worse. There are a few very successful horses competing at various disciplines with noticeable cow hocks.

 

[Auslander]

Depends how much and what sort of work you want to do really. The hocks are the most complicated, and hardest working joint in the body, so any deviation would worry me a bit, as uneven forces on the joint make it more likely that you will end up with hock problems (DJD etc) in later life - and the stifles are also under greater stress if the horse is cow-hocked. Think about it as a game of Jenga. If you start off with a wobbly tower, you're going to have more problems than the person who has been very careful building their tower straight.

 

[Goldenstar]

You can't correct cow hocks, this fault where the hocks turn in when viewed from behind is common in draught breeds particularily Clydesdales , a slight pair of cow hocks is not the worse fault a horse can have .
It they are very severe they affect the lower limb as the feet tend to splay out to compensate for them and that is obviously an issue .
However young horses often appear more cow hocked than they are when young , as they develop the correct muscles through training they look better.
Not of course what you want if you want a horse for high level dressage or to jump huge fences where you need the best possible hock conformation .
And of course they are a big no no in a show horse.
But if you want a hunter or a nice alrounder a slight pair of cow hocks is not the end of the world.

 

[Turks]

Depends how much and what sort of work you want to do really. The hocks are the most complicated, and hardest working joint in the body, so any deviation would worry me a bit, as uneven forces on the joint make it more likely that you will end up with hock problems (DJD etc) in later life - and the stifles are also under greater stress if the horse is cow-hocked. Think about it as a game of Jenga. If you start off with a wobbly tower, you're going to have more problems than the person who has been very careful building their tower straight.

That sounds pretty encouraging all in all. I might dream of high level this and that but I think his hocks will probably cope just fine with the stuff I'll do. Auslander - Jenga comparison v. useful thanks. Makes a v. clear point about the knock on effect and Goldenstar - encouraging to hear about the possibilities of improvement in a young horse (he's 4).

My farrier is v. good and will openly tell all of us about the dangers of tinkering with the hoof in the hope of correcting something higher up and causing nothing but havoc instead!

Time will tell I guess...