Splints in the show ring

by **Jayvee** on Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:35 pm

Curious as to how badly they are percieved in the show ring? Like on a scale of 10?

(yes- Jay has one).

by **TallyHo** on Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:43 pm

I would say it depends on the class and the level of the competition.

For example, at local to Agricultural level in a Working Hunter or maybe even a Show Hunter class, then provided it's not too unsightly, then I think it wouldn't be held against an otherwise pleasing exhibit.

On Show Ponies or Riding Horse types and at big shows, they're a bit more frowned upon.

A local saddler sells some stuff which really does reduce them, but it's nasty - and expensive )

by **Jayvee** on Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:53 pm

[quote]A local saddler sells some stuff which really does reduce them, but it's nasty - and expensive [/quote]

ohhh and that is......??????

Any good on oldish splints? See Jays developed without me knowing, was one of those that appeared end of winter/early spring, all hard n formed and never a wince of lameness! Hasn't been an issue at all just annoys me that it's there really!!:angry: Anyway, tis one of those and although not big I PREY it will get smaller but it doesn't appear to have done over the summer:ermm:

We'd be local, can't see us hitting the spotlights of HOYS and the likes:hehe:

by **ForesterLover** on Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:04 pm

Splints on a working animal like WHP arent that big a deal. but if final judging comes down to a clean limbed animal & an animal with splint, they will favour the clean pony.

Other classes may be more strict. Although even in WJH class a judge may hate splints :(

The stuff you need for splints in Splintex - Gold for older splints

by **Jayvee** on Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:26 pm

Splintex gold, that's intresting (just been googling it). I have used DMSO in past but no longer have any. Think a casual call to vet to get his opinion on various treatments be worth while too.:)

by **TallyHo** on Wed Sep 24, 2008 8:26 am

Splintex - that's what it's called. It's supposed to be very good )

by **Jayvee** on Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:14 pm

for the record.. Spoke to vet, said old hard splint, anything I can do/use to reduce it?

Simple answer was no! Not on old hard splints. Could have helped it's reduction if picked up when soft and new with DMSO.

But he says 12-18mths is what it will take for it have any noticable change in reduction naturally. Nothing on this planet will help hard formed splints. So I won't be wasting my money on any 'stuff' and will leave it be to reduce au-naturel. Oh well:)

by **perripage** on Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:21 pm

Lottie formed one last year while we were backing her, about the size of a 10 pence piece. Never went lame and I put every thing under the sun on it but think I caught it too late. She done two county shows last year after a long debate whether to take her not because of it. One show still placed her 4th out of 17 and remarked on it and the other not placed at all even after checking all legs thoroughly!

by **TallyHo** on Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:17 pm

Just worth mentioning this here for future reference. . .

Last year my daughter came back to the yard in tears after checking the horses. Our then yearling had thrown up a matching pair of big splints. She had fancied showing him and she couldn't believe the state of his legs :w00t:

They have gone now though :w00t: Disappeared ) I've seen that a few times with youngsters so if it does happen, don't fret, they may reabsorb them :)

by **Jayvee** on Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:50 pm

I hope this one does TH, it is small now but I like things perfect:rolleyes:

[quote]Nothing on this planet will help hard formed splints[/quote]

I lied -there's surgery! But not going down that route:w00t:

by **ForesterLover** on Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:48 am

Juvenile splints do absorb - my yearling threw 2 huge splints last year. This year as a 2yold they are almost gone (barely visible) & i expect by Spring they will be gone :)

by **FatBoySlimsMum** on Sat Nov 08, 2008 8:50 pm

How do splints form? Newbie has one on his back right leg - can I reduce it?

by **Jayvee** on Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:45 pm

Here you go FBSM..

And no you can't really do anything unless it is very recent and still in soft state. I've already been down the 'ask me vet' route (prev page):doze:

The problem can arise on both forelimbs and hindlimbs. The splint bones flank each side of the cannon bones, and are long, thin, slightly curved bones which taper down towards the fetlock and end a little way above. They are attached to the cannon bones by very flexible ligaments in young horses, but as the horse grows older become unified with the bone.

Splints form when the tissue which lines the splint bones becomes damaged and inflamed. The body reacts by producing new bone to compensate, usually rougher and less dense than the original bone. There is also further swelling and pain around the formation of this bony lump. Eventually the new bone becomes visible under the skin of the leg, in a lump known as a splint. This lump, once it has formed, may change shape and become smoother, but it is permanent.

Splint bones can also fracture - much as my own shin bones did! - but this causes a widespread swelling and the horse is more lame, for a longer period.

Splints form in three ways, known as true, false and blind splints.

A true splint is when the ligament between the splint bone and cannon bone tears. The swelling will appear on the groove between the splint and cannon bones.

A false splint is caused by concussion or other trauma to the cannon bone, and is seen on the outside surface of the splint bone. This kind is usually caused by kicks.

A blind splint occurs on the inside surface of the splint bone, and is very difficult to detect as there is no outward swelling as there is with other splints.