Keeping hypermobile horses healthy
Hypermobility is a very widespread problem in the modern horse world. It comes with a host of health problems, which is why we need to do everything we can in terms of injury prevention.
Keeping hypermobile horses healthy is not an easy task.
Hypermobility in horses is a topic that's been discussed more and more in the past few years. Breeding practices that favour big movements and a huge range of motion in the individual joints, have produced an epidemic of horses that are way too flexible and thus, prone to injuries. Nowadays it's hard to find a Warmblood or Warmblood mix that isn't hypermobile.
This extreme range of motion in their joints is made possible by their connective tissue (fascia) which, put simply, is too loose. Because connective tissue can be found everywhere in the body, this means that hypermobility is a body wide problem. So, a horse that has overly flexible fetlocks, will also have a more bendy spine. This can predispose him to issues like kissing spines. Obviously, hypermobility is bad from a musculoskeletal point of view, but it's very possible that it’s bad from other perspectives too. In people, joint hypermobility seems to be connected to anxiety disorders. A 2012 study (Jessica A. Eccles et al) published in The British Journal of Psychiatry states that individuals with hypermobility are up to 16 times overrepresented among people with panic or anxiety disorders. In addition to that, hypermobile individuals are also more sensitive to issues like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and hypersensitivity to nociceptive stimuli.
There is no reason why the same shouldn't be occurring in horses as well. And, if you think about it, it kind of makes sense. How many big Warmbloods do you know that are super sensitive, very anxious and seem to be in pain pretty much constantly? Sensitivity to nociceptive stimuli, anxiety and pain are extremely stressful things. Add to this the rigorous training, travelling to competitions and living in unnatural conditions, and you have a recipe for disaster. It's probably safe to assume these horses are prone to problems emerging from chronic stress. Stomach ulcers, behavioural abnormalities, digestive upset, problems with the immune system... The list is a very long one. And then it all becomes this vicious cycle of pain, stress, and more pain.
Keeping hypermobile horses healthy is a hard task, especially if you want them to perform. If you are in the process of buying a horse and your goal is not to compete at a high level, I suggest you forego the incredibly gorgeous tall chestnut with amazing movements and opt for a horse with more stability in their joints. Your life will be much, much easier. If, on the other hand, you own one of these hypermobile horses, here are some things to keep in mind. Keeping this horse healthy is an uphill battle, so you need to do EVERYTHING you can in terms of preventative. Movement is a big one, so make sure the horse spends as much time as possible being outside, preferably with other horses. And no, a 5m x 5m does not count as turnout. Make sure to keep the musculoskeletal system as happy as possible. Make sure to stay on a rigorous schedule when it comes to hoof care, and be sure the professional you are working with has a thorough understanding of what a healthy hoof looks like. Take your time with training and be sure to develop sufficient stabilization before asking the horse to do any serious work. Bodywork and in-hand work should be a regular thing for these horses, even if they are not exhibiting any issues. Keep stress to a minimum. Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list, but it is a starting point. Every horse is an individual, so not all hypermobile horses will be nervous wrecks with a host of health problems. You might be lucky to own a hypermobile horse that doesn't have any major issues. Even if that is the case, adhering to these very basic guidelines will help keep your horse healthier and happier.