>>----- Original Message ---- > From: Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > With the weight on the front feet, the swing of the distal limb is > unnatural. The weight of the hoof is thrown past a normal point.<<
Apparently the issue of boots and how they are being used is a discussion happening everywhere: http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:6T-SklVL-WsJ:eprints.soton.ac.uk/47601/01/Proceedings_of_the_3rd_International_Equitation_Science_Conference_2007.pdf+weighted+boots+effect+distal+limb+horse&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=18&gl=us Page 22 . Judy, Riders get penalties for all sorts of things. Instead of going at the issue of weighted boots(which we will never be able to control the use of in training,etc) a penalty or "fault" for a horse that overextends past the normal healthy movement of the joint. If a "fault" was found for that, riders would be very careful just how much extra action they demanded from their horses. I don't know if this is something do-able though. Can judges tell if a horse is going past the natural swing and into abnormal territory? Ashley
