When you step back to look at a horse or when you watch a horse move, do you ever wonder what you should be watching to objectively evaluate conformation, gaits and asymmetry? Do you know the common conformation faults and possible consequences of various defects? Do find yourself contemplating how the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bone produce movement? Can you name the footfalls of the common gaits? Even if you have some insight into a few of the questions, the progressive horse person can always use more.
This course is appropriate for owners, trainers, competitors, healthcare practitioners or farriers. The information is presented in a variety of approaches using specimens, live horses, slides, diagrams and high-speed video. Students will learn proper palpation techniques in order to place markers for bone measurement, joint angle, and inclination. The high-speed video will allow students to view horses in slow motion for an easier assessment. Discussions among the participants on how conformation, gait, and lameness relate to performance, physical and behavior issues are encouraged. The participants will be guided through the protocol of equine gait assessments on actual horses and learn how to diagram the footfalls of the horse.
On the final day, participants will do a work up on horses requesting blocks and other imaging from the attending veterinarians. No matter how you are involved in the horse industry, don’t miss this opportunity to improve your skills and build on your knowledge.
