Why don't we see more SI injuries in horses in the US?

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

This might be a bit of an uneducated question, but with the sliding stops, sudden canter to halts to hind end pivots, and the cow horses that rope a steer and then slam the breaks on, why don't we see more SI injuries? Are quarter horses genetically more suited to this sort of work?

I was always told that jumping type exercise and sudden stops/tight turns increase the risk of this sort of injury.

Scrolling past this photo starting me musing..

 

[shortstuff99]

They might do what happens in Spain often, dope it and/or ignore it.....

 

[Goldenstar]

They will and do have horses with SI pain

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Are quarter horses genetically more suited to this sort of work?

This could play a role. There are different lines within the Quarter Horse breed suited for various disciplines, and the breed has a long history of this kind of work (ranch, cow, roping, etc).

That being said I know of two horses that are basically trashed from roping. Really nice dispositions, but have various ailments now. I also know a reiner with suspected SI issues (owner currently investigating). So even within my small sample size, it does happen.

I do know an older mare that is pretty sound without maintenance for her age. She had a long history as a performance horse in western disciplines.

I am pretty sure that they medicate, and I'm not sure that there are less problems. If you have a "problem" on a large ranch, you usually toss the horse back out on pasture and grab another for awhile. In the show pen, you probably medicate.

I remember Cosequin being big with a lot of QH people (for their horses). So I think some are aware how tough and demanding these tasks can be.

 

[dominobrown]

I think the ground is different for those disciplines too.

However I think there is a high 'wastage' rate unfortunately

 

[shortstuff99]

The reining associations were kicked out of the FEI due to the levels of doping

Reining bodies contest FEI decision to sever ties over ‘integrity’ issues - Horse & Hound

The FEI said the two US organisations have breached the terms of the agreement, but the reining bodies dispute this claim

www.horseandhound.co.uk

 

[CanteringCarrot]

However I think there is a high 'wastage' rate unfortunately

We were talking about this at the yard tonight. There are many western horses that are done by 6 or 7. I'm not sure about the rate of wastage, but it's definitely there.

 

[LEC]

Huge wastage would be the answer and as mentioned above done by 6 or 7. I think they do have SI injuries but suspect they show up secondary to other bigger issues like hocks.
A big issue with the FEI and AQHA was the being competed before 4 years of age which FEI wouldn’t allow. It was a real stand off.
AQHA is basically the Wild West with horse welfare rules as essentially none so doping, competing as a 3yo all goes.

 

[druid]

AQHA has 2yo ridden classes, nevermind 3yo

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Wow, I didn't know that they're often done by 6 or 7, or that their association allows doping?! That's crazy, on what level is that arguable to not be a rule?!

I did know about the 2yo classes which makes me sad, it made me wonder even more but being so removed from the US equestrian world I don't really know what goes on that you don't see publicised!

 

[SEL]

I see so many US posts about "I rescued X from a kill pen but now it's lame please help" that I think we just don't see the wastage.

 

[tristars]

my 23 year old does[ not quite] sliding halts since he was 6 yrs old, he is not ridden in a curb bit and the aid is from the seat and legs

perhaps its asking too much until they are well schooled and have the ability to sit a little and fully understand what is coming so can halt in a way that does not damage themselves

and are just stronger through the loins by breeding, but i think its mainly, as usual the training they have to understand mentally how to translate the halt through into the physical without too much tension

agility is bred into some horses