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D R I V I NG
Peak Performance:
Driving
Driving encompasses a number of different
disciplines; these range from leisure driving to
driving trials and harness racing. As such, the
nature of the injuries affecting driving horses
can vary depending on the type of horse
and the work performed.
What are the common veterinary
problems of the driving horse and
how can they be prevented?
Driving trials are probably the most all round
test of a horse's athletic ability. Driving horses
are generally skeletally mature when they
start training and so they do not tend to suffer
from the same bone issues as young
racehorses. However, the endurance training
necessary produces repetitive loading of
joints and soft tissues making conditions such
as osteoarthritis and tendonitis common.
As well as the musculoskeletal system, great
demand is placed on the cardiovascular and
respiratory systems. As with any discipline,
injuries and veterinary problems are more
likely to arise if the horse has not been
conditioned appropriately for the level of
work. Monitoring heart and respiratory rate
when training provides a measure of
recovery and as a result enables evaluation
of the horse’s current fitness level.
Prevention of lameness
Often lameness problems start well before
they are apparent. Underlying poor
conformation can be a major contributor
to lameness, especially hock, knee and foot
conformation. When purchasing a horse
do not underestimate the value of a
pre-purchase examination; their aim is to
assess suitability for purpose as well as
detect underlying problems.
An essential part of lameness prevention is
the formation of an effective team. This
involves input from veterinary surgeon, farrier,
physiotherapist, nutritionist and trainer all
aiming to achieve the same goal. If any one
of these are not striving for the same goal or
the team is unbalanced, peak performance
will not be achieved.
Some management and training strategies
can minimise the risk of injury and so
improve performance. A good even training
surface is important as well as correctly fitting
tack, regularly assessed by a professional.
Prompt investigation of unsoundness,
swellings or poor performance minimises
the risk of long term problems.
Veterinary Surgeon
Lee Pritchard
XLEquine Practice
Calweton Equine
Prompt investigation can minimise the risk
of long term unsoundness
Lee Pritchard BVSc MRCVS,
Calweton Equine
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EQUINE MATTERS
We asked the experts for tips on achieving peak performance in driving
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back and neck soreness
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foot imbalance and soreness
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suspensory ligament desmitis
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tendonitis
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sacroiliac pain
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external trauma
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recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis.
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osteoarthritis (coffin, fetlock, pastern
and hock joints)
Common lameness problems seen
in driving horses: