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7 EQUINE REVIEW
AUTUMN 2010
WENDY FURNESS
MA VetMB CertEP MRCVS
, Scarsdale Veterinary Group
C
ompetition horses presenting with poor performance are often a challenge for owners,
trainers and vets. Unlike many other problems a high percentage of these cases will
have few or no findings on initial examination. Other cases will have findings either
on initial examination or on further tests used, but then it can be difficult to prove that these
findings are the cause of the poor performance.
Poor
Performance
When initially dealing with cases the vet
involved will spend time discussing the case
with the owner and/or trainer to establish the
full history of the horse. This will involve
discussions as to whether the horse has
previously had a good competition record
(easier in more mature horses) and has now
reduced performance, or whether the horse
has never performed well. In these cases the
difficulty arises in distinguishing between
horses that have a physical problem that can
be treated, versus those who are just not
talented enough to make the grade. Change
of rider and rider ability can also complicate
the picture. Ability to perform at a high
level depends on the coordination of key
body systems such as the musculoskeletal,
cardiovascular, respiratory and hematological