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D R E S S AG E
Peak performance:
Dressage:
Wendy Furness MA VetMB CertEP MRCVS,
Scarsdale Veterinary Group
We asked the experts for tips on achieving
dressage peak performance
What are the common
veterinary problems
of the dressage horse
and how can they
be prevented?
A good dressage horse is elegant, athletic,
obedient and powerful. Riders have high
expectations of balance, suppleness and
power. The movements expected of dressage
horses apply specific unique strains to
different structures in the musculoskeletal
system, particularly the back and hindlimbs.
Generally, dressage horses are broken at
three or four and begin competing in young
horse classes at five.
The higher levels of competition are rarely
reached before eight or nine hence acute
stress induced injuries, such as those seen
on young racehorses, are rarely seen in
dressage horses. However as training
frequently involves repetition of movements;
repetitive, accumulative injuries are common.
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EQUINE MATTERS
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high suspensory strain injuries
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suspensory branch strain
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coffin joint arthritis or inflammation
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check ligament strain
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arthritis of the small hock joints (spavin)
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fetlock joint inflammation
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back and sacroiliac pain.
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inflammation of the middle carpal
(knee) joint
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annular ligament enlargement or
inflammation
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stress fractures of the third carpal bone
in the knee
Lameness conditions that are common
in dressage horses include:
Veterinary surgeon
Wendy Furness
XLVets Equine practice
Scarsdale Veterinary
Group
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an ill-fitting saddle
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rider not sitting central
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primary muscle spasm
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arthritis in the facet joints of the spine
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sacroiliac disease.
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dorsal spinous process impingement
(kissing spines)
Back pain can be a sequel to lameness
however can occur in its own right.
Common causes include:
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provide a good evenly cushioned
training surface e.g. silica sand with
rubber or PVC;
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ensure tack and saddle are correctly
fitted and regularly reassessed by a
professional;
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correct rider training and positioning to
ensure even weight distribution;
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prompt investigation of unsoundness,
swellings or poor performance;
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team work between trainer, vet,
physiotherapist, farrier and nutritionist.
Some management and training
strategies can minimise the risk
of injury: