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Conference noted::equitation

Title:Equine Notes Conference
Notice:Topics List=4, Horses 4Sale/Wanted=150, Equip 4Sale/Wanted=151
Moderator:MTADMS::COBURNIO
Created:Tue Feb 11 1986
Last Modified:Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2080
Total number of notes:22383

1861.0. "Wait until his shoulders catch his backend?" by COMET::SANDVIK () Tue Mar 15 1994 01:09

    My 33 month old quarter horse lopes like that cartoon skunk, Peppi
    (sp) His shoulder height is 15 hands but his tailend height is aprox. 15.2
    When you look at him from the side view, you can clearly see where his
    back legs are inches longer than his front legs. I am getting
    ready to have him broke, I am concerned about his build. Should I wait
    until he gets more leveled out? I would rather wait then to risk
    hurting his back, however my farrier and other folks at the stable say
    he is ready. Am I being over protective  or should I wait until his
    shoulders catch up with his tailend? 
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1861.1Maybe they won't catch up!DECWET::JDADDAMIOSeattle Rain Festival: 1/1-12/31Tue Mar 15 1994 14:428
    I've seen yearlings go through stages of uneven growth where one end is
    higher. But, they usually even out by the end of their 2 YO season.
    
    Since your horse is nearly 3 YO, it's possible that he's not going to
    level out. Many QHs are higher at the croup than at the withers.
    
    But, that doesn't mean he's ready for training. If you think it's too
    soon, wait 3 to 6 months. It won't hurt anything to wait that long.
1861.2What do Mom and Pop look like?ASDG::CORMIERWed Mar 16 1994 12:4910
    
    
    Me, too.  
    
    I agree with John.  Many 1/4 horses are built "downhill".  He may have
    a little more growing to do, but may never completely even out.  Best
    bet would be to check to see if his sire/dam are built in the same
    manner.  Have you strapped a saddle on him, yet?  MAybe you could start 
    his training from the ground (ie; longe line/driving type techniques)
    without putting a burden on his back right away.
1861.3Weekend projectCOMET::SANDVIKWed Mar 16 1994 23:1512
    I have put a saddle on him and walked him around, I did not tighten it
    yet. I dont know anything about his sire/dam. I took him because he was
    abused as a colt, he was way under weight , his feet looked like the
    end of a baseball bat , no hoof at all. I bought him because I felt
    sorry for him. He had to be treated for colic twice in one night as
    well as for hypothermia (sp?) with little TLC , he's beautiful. Maybe
    this bad beginning has slowed down his growth process? He does lunge
    for me pretty much on voice command. This weekend I will put his saddle
    on and start working him with the extra weight. I feel better finding
    out that the downhill slope is common.
    
    		
1861.4SWAM1::MASSEY_VIOuch! Ice burns to the face!Thu Mar 17 1994 16:147
    It is also common with abused and neglected animals for their growth to
    be a bit stunted.  There used to be this gangly filly that was supposed
    to be Arabian but look like a scruffy pony.  She never did get very big
    at all.  As long as the colt is sound he should be fine.  He is very
    lucky to have you looking after him.
    
    
1861.5DownillSALEM::ROY_KFri Mar 18 1994 12:0011
    We have several 2 and 3 year olds at my barn that go through those
    growth spurts where it takes a while for there front to catch up to
    their butt.  Normally, at 33 months he should be ready to start his
    training, but if you're concerned about his past talk to your vet.
    
    Every once in a while my horse will just "feel" out of sync and he
    can't hold his lope together and I'll measure his butt and sure enough
    he's travelling down hill!  He is 3.
    
    Karen
    
1861.6POWDML::MANDILEmy hair smells like hayWed Mar 23 1994 10:065
    
    Since he was abused, I would consider a vet check to see if he
    is ready to be broken.  However, since a QH continues to grow
    "up" until 5, and "out" until around 7, he still has plenty of
    growth time to _catch up_.