Gia - bonus blog - we x-ray her joints!

Dr Swift, from Summit Vet was out today to x-ray Gia's joints.

All animals have growth plates in their bones that close and become more solid as the animal (or human) ages to maturity.  In all animals, it is important not to put too much stress on the bones and joints until they are completely formed, and the animal is considered to be skeletaly mature.

For example, in humans, it is generally not a good idea for persons under 18 to do serious weight lifting for this reason.  In horses, it is generally not a good idea for horses under 4 to do serious work, especially jumping. (Don't even get me started on horse racing ... )

However, age is not always a determining factor of skeletal maturity.  In some horses, especially larger breeds (like Gia), they can take a bit longer for their growth plates to close.

So, for that reason, I like to have the vet come out to x-ray the horse's joints after the horse has turned 4, after their real birthday not just January 1st (for competition reasons, all horses age one year every January 1st regardless of their actual birthday), to see if the growth plates are closed and we can start jumping.

Dr Swift x-rayed Gia's knees, elbows and stifles today. She suggested x-raying the joints that are higher up on the legs, for this purpose, since they are usually the last to close.

All were found to be completely closed!!

So, I am free to start working on jumping with Gia. 

I still don't plan on rushing things though.  I want her to feel completely comfortable with several pole exercises before we start going over any small crossrails.  But it's exciting to be able to begin this process with her!!