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E V E N T I NG
Peak Performance:
Eventing:
David Rowlands BVSc CertEM MRCVS,
Penbode Equine Vets
We asked the experts for tips on achieving peak
performance in eventing
What are the common
veterinary problems
of the event horse
and how can they
be prevented?
Eventing is probably the most all round test of
a horse's athletic ability. Event horses are
generally four to five years old (skeletally
mature) when they start training so tend not to
develop the same bone issues that trouble
young racehorses. The amount of endurance
training necessary produces repeated cyclic
loading, hence problems such as osteoarthritis
and tendonitis are common. Acute traumatic
injuries can be sustained during competition.
Falls sustained by hitting fixed obstacles at
speed can result in direct traumatic fractures.
The prolonged period and intensity of training
required for horses to reach an elite level
often leads to horses with underlying metabolic
or certain physical issues not making it to
the top, e.g. few elite eventers have
recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) or
navicular syndrome.
Prevention of lameness
To optimise performance and reduce injuries,
event yards need to function as an effective
team. At the centre of this team are the rider
and horses and in support are the trainers, vet,
farrier, physiotherapist and nutritionist. Good
communication and a unified approach
are essential.
Correct conformation can help reduce the
incidence of many lameness issues. Don't
underestimate the importance of a
pre-purchase examination (vetting) to help
start out with an appropriate horse. Foot
conformation is particularly important. An
experienced farrier in conjunction with
your vet will help optimise foot balance
and shoeing.
Appropriate riding surfaces, training and
competition programmes are important;
designed to achieve fitness and experience
whilst minimising the risk of injury. The
incidence of RER can be reduced by
optimising exercise and nutrition via
communication between with the nutritionist,
trainers and vet. Back pain can be alleviated
by a master saddler regularly checking
saddle fit, and examinations and treatment
by your vet and physiotherapist.
17
EQUINE MATTERS
1
back and neck soreness and restriction;
2
foot soreness (bruising and imbalance);
7
pain in sacroiliac region;
8
fractures of the stifle region;
9
other fractures;
10
recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis
(RER).
4
superficial digital flexor tendonitis;
3
traumatic osteoarthritis (coffin joints,
fetlocks, hocks, pasterns);
5
suspensory ligament desmitis (branches
or proximal);
6
external trauma (lacerations,
penetrations and stifle bruising);
Ten common lameness conditions
seen in event horses:
Veterinary Surgeon
David Rowlands
XLVets Equine Practice
Penbode Equine Vets