Risk factors associated with hindlimb lameness and degenerative joint disease in the distal tarsus of Icelandic horses.
Authors: Axelsson M, Björnsdottir S, Eksell P, Häggström J, Sigurdsson H, Carlsten J
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Distal tarsal disease represents a significant concern in ridden Icelandic horses, yet the relative contribution of genetic versus environmental factors remained unclear until this investigation of 614 horses aged 6–12 years across diverse breeding lines. Researchers combined owner interviews, conformation assessment, motion analysis and radiographic examination to identify associations with hindlimb lameness and radiographic degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the distal tarsus. Genetic predisposition—indexed through paternal lineage—emerged as the dominant risk factor for lameness, alongside earlier age at breaking to saddle and stud show participation; interestingly, neither training intensity nor trainer experience significantly influenced lameness prevalence, suggesting that how horses are trained matters less than inherent susceptibility. Distal tarsal DJD showed age-dependent progression and association with tarsal angle and birthplace, indicating that anatomical conformation and possibly environmental conditions interact to drive radiographic change. For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of assessing individual sire lines and conformation (particularly tarsal geometry) when counselling clients about lameness risk, whilst validating that moderate training protocols are unlikely to be causative in genetically predisposed animals.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Genetic factors (sire) appear more influential than training methods for tarsal lameness in Icelandic horses—select breeding stock carefully rather than attributing problems solely to rider/trainer management
- •Early age at breaking to saddle increases lameness risk; consider delaying training start and monitor horses with poor tarsal angles more closely
- •Show participation is a risk factor; manage workload and competition schedules for genetically predisposed individuals to reduce lameness incidence
Key Findings
- •Sire, age when broken to saddle, and stud show participation were strongly associated with hindlimb lameness prevalence in Icelandic horses
- •Age, tarsal angle, and birthplace were significantly associated with radiographic signs of DJD in the distal tarsus
- •Training intensity, trainer experience level, temperament, and front limb action were not significantly associated with hindlimb lameness or distal tarsal DJD
- •Height at croup and gait ability showed lesser but still significant associations with lameness prevalence