Conference noted::equitation

    I don't have personal experience with this sort of injury but it sounds
    very similar to what one of our other UK correspondents, Judy Harwood,
    is going through with her mare, Crunchie. She can be contacted at
    SUBURB::HARWOODJ

    John,
    
    Thank you for the cross-reference.  As it happens Helen and I know each
    other, we also have the debious distinction of having the same vet.
    
    It isn't the same problem.  In Crunchie's case is is an injury to the
    bone.  The result of which can result in boney growths being formed
    which in their turn may interfer with surrounding tendons and
    ligaments.  If this happens then the horse will be permanently lame or
    unlevel, depending on the degree of interference.
    
    
    Robbies injury appears to be the liagment that is attached to the 
    bones.  A more serious problem if not caught in time.  No doubt I'll
    find out more when I see Helen tomorrow (and have read up my books).
    
    

    I know of only one horse that had this type of injury. It took a bit
    more than a year to come sound again. He was a very active gelding that
    liked to tear around outside and hated to be stalled. The hardest part
    was trying to keep him from re-injury, he liked his girlfriend and
    would run the fence if alone. They actually had to ask a boarder to
    move because her gelding made him fuss too much. Also he was fat, and
    hard to keep weight off, and the vet wanted him slimmer to ease the
    strain. It was his right hind if this helps at all.
    Sandy
    

    Sandy,
    
    Thanks for your reply.  It's nice to know the horse did come sound
    again, but I think I'm going to have the same problems - Robbie is fat,
    and has never been slim (he puts on pounds just looking at grass).  He
    is also used to being turned out, and does not enjoy being stabled. If
    he's turned out alone, or in a field with no grass, he breaks the
    fence!  Spring is going to be great fun!
    
    Helen

    Just curious who is your vet.  I used to know quite a few in your area.
    
    Linda

    Paul Farrington's practice from Highclere.  They have always been very
    good.
    
    Helen

    Re .6
    
    Not the cheapest vet I've ever used, but as you say, good.
    
    JJ.

    The name rings a bell.  Did he ever practice with Scott-Dunn and Ward?
    In, oh God I can't remember, - somewhere in Berkshire (I guess that
    narrows it down!) - Maidens Green??

    re -1.
    Yes, Paul Farrington did once work with Scott-Dunn but later left to 
    form his own practise.
    He is the Olympic Team vet and gets called to be 'on-site' for
    other high profile events. He has three other vets working with
    him and they're all excellent (my opinion).
    
    As to the comment about charges, their basic rate appears to be much
    the same as other vets I've used, but it's the travelling that can 
    cloud the picture.  It's really I suppose the price one sometimes has
    to pay for being choosy.
    
    	Judy

	After 9 months of rest, my pony has been declared chronically 
	lame, and as such unable to perform the functions for which she 
	was insured.  So it looks as if she'll be Pasture Decoration,
        (as John so beautifully decsribed it not too long ago).

	Our problem showed itself as a shortening of her stride, which 
	became very pronounced when asked to work on a circle.
	Close examination by the vet, revealed some discomfort when
	pressure was applied to the area.

	Treatment was box rest, BUTE in the first week, followed by field
	rest for the next few months.  X-rays taken after 7 weeks didn't
	reveal any abnormality.  Further X-rays taken last week show
	that extra bone has been formed on the sesamoid bone.
	This is the anticipated response to damage of this nature.  In
	Crunchie's case it's believed she must have damaged some of the 
	suspensory ligaments that are attached to the sesamoids.  The 
	bodies natural response to this, is to try and effect a repair
	by strengthening those connections that exist and lying down this 
	layer of bone.

	In Crunchies case this hasn't proved to be enough.  She's very
	much improved but still not considered sound.  There must be some
    	fibres of the ligament that are only loosely attached and so being
    	weak, say 'ouch' when asked to work.  After this length of time, 
    	further improvement can't be expected :-(

	Here's hoping that Robbie's problem will make a speedy and better
	recovery.  His isn't an identical problem, so I don't know how
	the body's natural responses will work for him.  
	(Helen - my fingers are crossed for you both).
    
    	Judy