Force plate measurements are commonly used to evaluate lameness in saddle horses. This experimental study was designed to determine if breed differences influence ground reaction forces measured in sound and lame warmbloods and Quarter Horses.

A case-control study was used to examine the relationships between exercise history, toe grabs and the risk of catastrophic proximal sesamoid bone fracture in racing Thoroughbreds. Researchers collected the lower limbs and shoes of 269 horses that were examined by necropsy as part of the California Horse Racing Board’s Postmortem Program and official race and timed work records were obtained from the Jockey Club.

The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.

The conformation and racing performance of almost 4,000 Thoroughbreds raced on the flat over turf were studied to determine the prevalence, heritability and effects on racing performance.

A prospective cohort design was used to evaluate the effects of abnormal radiographic findings on future racing performance among Thoroughbred yearlings in Texas.

A retrospective case series was used to identify the types of problems associated with lameness and poor performance among barrel racing horses presented for these complaints.

The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.