What do you think of Upright Pasterns in Large AQHA Hunter Gelding?

Question

OK, so I already know that upright pasterns are "bad" because they increase concussion to the bones in the leg, and that it is usually accompanied by short, choppy strides, and an upright shoulder.

However, what if the horse does not have short, choppy strides or an upright shoulder - how bad is it then?

The horse in question is a 17.1H AQHA registered 8yr old gelding.  He has been used as a hunter for the 3' divisions for the past 3 years with reasonable success.  He is SUPER quiet with easy lead changes.  His stride is actually very good length and his conformation is good except for his upright pastern (his shoulder is well sloped) - although I don't like the way his feet are trimmed (not enough heel) but it appears to be a bad farrier not bad feet.

My question is how big of a deal would you make of the upright pasterns if his conformation is otherwise good, he has had no soundness issues and his stride is of reasonable size and is very fluid?  

What do you think about the fact that he has this problem and he is so big (17.1)??

The horse is one I am considering for a client to purchase and everything about him is great and we are getting a GREAT price (the girl quiet riding and parent's don't want to pay 1200/mo board anymore).  What do you think???

AllAroundQH · Accepted Answer

I wouldn't worry too much about it. If the horse's stride is normal and the rest of his conformation is great, it shouldn't be too big of a deal. Yes, steep pasterns can cause issues, but generally that's because they can't tolerate problems caused by other issues. 

My sister has an AQHA mare that is close to 17h (as a four year old) and she also has steep pasterns. She's only doing Western Pleasure, not any jumping, so there's not quite as much strain, but I don't foresee any issues there either.

A good farrier can help alleviate a lot of issues caused by the steep pasterns and might be able to do some corrective shoeing that can compensate for it. I'd talk to a new farrier about that...especially one who is experienced with issues like that.

If the horse is 8 years old and has been showing 3'0 for three years and hasn't had any soundness issues yet (and everything else about him is great), I say go for it :). Especially if you're getting a great deal--it's hard to find a horse without issues for a good price.

gallop · Answer

Well, first I'd want to see a pic of the pasterns.  The rules have been changing on ideal pastern angles, favoring a more upright angle than previously accepted as ideal.  So, by the new criteria, the horse may fit more closely to the ideal than you think.  I disagree with the post suggesting that a farrier can do corrective work for this.  You never want to do anything to alter the angle through the hoof and pastern, which is where the pedal bones line up to handle concussive forces.  If the horse's heels are too low, it is a cause for concern in that there can be inflammation already starting in the hoof and pastern joints if the angles are off.  Anyway, unless the pasterns are steeper than 50 to 55 degrees, it isn't considered all that bad according to the new research.

Rosi M · Answer

Of course you are going to make sure that your client gets Xrays done I hope.  

If the horse vets clean and sound (With Xrays) then I really wouldn't be concerned about the pasterns being an eventual soundness issue if he's already been doing 3' for 3 yrs.  He sure sounds like a nice horse, and a BIG one at that.  I had an Appendix gelding who was 16.3 and I thought that was big!

BTW at $1,200.00 a month I agree with the sellers, that's a LOT for board!

Barefoottrimmer · Answer

Without pictures, it is impossible to judge.  Individual perceptions may not be anatomically correct.  If his "pasterns are too upright" as you say, the LAST thing he needs is a LONGER, HIGHER HEEL???????   Think about it!!  He needs his feet to be balanced to his body, legs, and confirmation - not matched up to some erroneous human conception of angles.    If he is sound, get a vet check.   His size is irrelevant if he is healthy.   There is no obvious reason to prevent purchase.   Sounds like a great horse.

What do you think of Upright Pasterns in Large AQHA Hunter Gelding?

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