The document discusses ideal pastern angle for horses, noting that too little or too much angle can cause issues. The ideal angle is for the shoulder and pastern to match at 45 degrees, as this provides proper shock absorption. Upright pasterns result in increased concussion and diseases like arthritis as the horse's weight falls onto the heels rather than behind them. Proper pastern angle leads to a comfortable gait for both horse and rider.

1. CONFORMATION QUIZ
#1

2. WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

3. PASTERN ANGLE
The angles of shoulder, pastern and
hoof determine shock absorption
Too little angle causes concussion
Too much results in breakdown of
the soft tissue structures of the leg
The shoulder and the pastern should
be the same angle.
45 degrees is ideal

4. WHY DOES PASTERN ANGLE MATTER?
Upright pasterns results in increases concussion of
joints and the heels of the foot. Diseases associated
with upright pasterns include:
Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Navicular Syndrome
Underrun heels
Upright pasterns lead to a short choppy gait which is
uncomfortable for the rider as well as the horse.

5. THE WEIGHT OF THE HORSE
SHOULD FALL BEHIND THE HEELS

6. WEIGHT OVER THE HEELS
Upright conformation
forces all the weight onto
the heels and the
navicular bone