Page 1033 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

Occupational‐Related Lameness Conditions 999

determine fitness to continue competition. Horses with Typically the footing for lameness examination areas is
synchronous diaphragmatic flutter coupled with evi­ well planned and controlled at international ride venues,
VetBooks.ir from competition. Those eliminated from competition may be quite variable at the vet gates (Figure 9.43).
whereas at regional AERC rides, the footing and terrain
dence of significant metabolic distress are eliminated
Occasionally, when level topography is unavailable and
by the control veterinary staff are typically referred to a
treatment veterinarian for further evaluation and treat­ the footing is inconsistent, the lameness examination
ment on site. can be more challenging.
Lameness is evaluated on the American Association Maximum ride times are typically 12 and 24 hours
of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) scale of 1–5 (see for 50‐ and 100‐mile competitions, respectively. In most
Table 2.3). Competitors may not enter or proceed in the rides the top 10 finishers are evaluated 1 hour after
ride on a horse with lameness of grade 3 or higher. completion to determine best condition (BC). In con­

RIDE NAME DATE DISTANCE
RIDER #
Rider Name Weight Division
Junior Rider Sponsor’s Name (Juniors)
Horse Name Age Breed Color

Mark at points of concern
(can use contrasting color at final)
Pre-Ride (First) Examination Post-Ride (Final) Examination
P P
R R Heart Rate
T T Recovery Index

Parameter A,B,C,D Comments Parameter A,B,C,D Comments
Mucous Membranes Mucous Membranes
Capillary Refill Capillary Refill
Jugular Refill Jugular Refill
Gut Sounds Gut Sounds
Skin Tenting Skin Tenting
Anal Tone Anal Tone
Muscle Tone Muscle Tone
Back Withers Back Withers
Tack Galls Tack Galls
Wounds Wounds
Gait Gait
Impulsion Impulsion
Attitude Attitude
Overall Impression Overall Impression
Signature Signature
of Examiner of Examiner

Reason
of elimination Signature
A. file: RideCard 4/04 1.0

Figure 9.42. (A) Front of a typical AERC ride card. (B) Back of a typical AERC ride card.