Lameness and poor performance in horses used for team roping: 118 cases (2000-2003).

The research investigates the types of musculoskeletal problems leading to lameness or poor performance in horses used for team roping, specifically those used for “heading” versus “heeling”. The study indicates that horses used in heading display a statistically greater incidence of these issues, especially concerning the right forelimb, compared to those used in heeling.

Study Methodology

• The research is a retrospective study utilizing the medical records of 118 horses involved in team roping, where each horse’s usage (either heading or heeling), the history of lameness, and diagnostic tests were reviewed.
• Specific information, such as signalment, physical and lameness examinations, and treatment methods, were collected to classify the types of musculoskeletal problems affecting the horses, and to note the differences, if any, between horses used for heading and those used for heeling.

Results and Findings

• Statistical analysis found that lameness or poor performance was significantly more common in horses used for heading (74 out of 118) compared to those used for heeling (44 out of 118).
• Horses employed for heading displayed a higher incidence of right forelimb lameness (35%), in contrast to heeling horses (16%). Simultaneously, heading horses also had more bilateral forelimb lameness (24%) compared to heel horses (9%).
• Horses used for heeling showed a slightly higher frequency of bilateral hind limb lameness (7%) as opposed to none in horses used for heading.
• The most observed musculoskeletal conditions in heading horses were pain in the navicular area, osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints, and soft tissue injury in the pastern region. Conversely, heel horses frequently showed symptoms of pain in the navicular area, osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joints, and osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints.

Study Conclusions

• Horses used for heading were primarily affected by right forelimb lameness.
• Heeling horses, on the contrary, experienced more bilateral hind limb lameness than heading horses.
• The study findings suggest a difference in the stress placed on the musculoskeletal system of horses in the team roping sport, depending on whether they are used for heading or heeling.