Several studies state that lameness is the most prevalent health problem in horses and the main reason for retirement from their leisure use or competitive life (Clegg 2011; Ely et al. 2009; Dyson 2001). In this context, most pathologies appear in the structures of the equine distal limb at the forelimbs

Injuries and disorders of joints, tendons and ligaments occur frequently. In particular, degenerative bone diseases such as desmitis, osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis and podotrochlosis are common diagnoses in the equine practice. Thereby, the occurrence of orthopedic disorders related to the distal limb is independent of the athletic level and use of horses. Elite, as well as non-elite, riding horses are affected by wear of the sensitive structures at the distal limb (Murray et al. 2010). The question is: Why are the structures of the equine distal limb in the forelimbs so prone to acute or degenerative disorders?