Cowhocked??

I've been told by some people that Thunder looks 'cowhocked'. When he got his first vet checkup they said that he probably isnt and that once his hooves are trimmed, his legs should straighten out (they were really pointy when I got him), plus he might grown out of it since he is a baby. Well, they haven't really straightened out much after that. If you think he is, how bad of a case does it look like, and what can be done? Any info is appreciated!






The few where he is out in the muddy area, are before he got trimmed

Sorry for all the pics.....

He does look pretty "cowhocked"/toed out. There might be some sort of corrective shoeing that can be done, but I would worry about that positioning his legs in a way that would be unnatural for him and his bone formation.

Does it seem to affect his movement? He might do fine as a pleasure riding horse just how he is. I would consult your farrier.

Well, he seems to walk fine. Sometimes he seems to stand straight, but for the most part, he almost crosses his legs they are so close. He trips a lot when he is in a fast trot.

Im going to talk to the farrier, Last time he was out, he said that if it progesses or doesnt adjust then we can figure it out. I will probably be calling soon. Thanks :)

Yes, your horse is very cowhocked.

Thanks lol.....any advice with that?

Your horse does look very cowhocked. Normally, I believe a horse being somewhat cowhocked is a good thing because it allows their rear legs to get up underneath them a bit more than extremely straight legs.

I've had cowhocked horses before that had no lameness/travel problems.. Yours looks severe enough that you may have problems, however.

You might try to actually shoe him with corrective shoes rather than trimming alone. Other than that, its hard to correct a natural conformational defect as big as that.

Great.....that's sad :(

I have him just for pleasure riding anyways, so he should be fine. Ill have it checked out. Thanks for the advice!

He looks like a really happy horse.

How old?

Aw, don't be sad. It sounds to me like he is just a bit clumsy because of it. If it doesn't cause him pain, and you aren't competing in anything that requires alot of precision, he'll be just fine.

I'm sure he's an excellent riding horse!

:)

Its only a fault in his conformation... he would make a beautiful pleasure horse!! He looks wonderful Gorgoues colour!!! :P