This message is from: "Curtis Pierce" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Susan Giargiari and Lori Albrough bring up a very good point about broken axis. For most Fjords, the hair growing over the coronary band can easily look like the horse has a broken axis. That is why you will see the evaluators feeling this area to see if it is really a broken axis or just hair making it look that way.
Looking at the side of a normal front leg, there should be a straight line going along the pastern and the fore-hoof. In the case of a broken axis, the straight line is "broken" at the coronary band. The axis deviation maybe upward or downward. Broken axis may occur in front or rear legs. As I said in an earlier post, you must be able to tell if it is really a broken axis, just poor hoof care, or a lot of hair at the coronary band. By the way, I do not recommend cutting the hair around the coronary band nor back of the fetlock. It is not natural for a Fjord. They look better with the hair. At an evaluation, the evaluators will be able to tell if there really is a problem because they will feel it coronary band if necessary. Also as I said earlier, you have to take into account the whole picture. If there is a structural problem with the legs, there is likely to be some other problem noted on the legs (like splints) or in the way they move at the walk and trot. The "form" of the horse effects the way the horse "functions." Remember, with the proper care, a horse with a broken axis can still be used within limits, just no endurance racing. Enjoy your Fjords!! Curt Pierce Bristow, VA Our Fjords are hoping to see some of you at the Horse World Expo this weekend!
