Therefore, it is important for an attending veterinarian to be aware of this fact and to realize the importance of having radiographs to help diagnose the nature of the problem. The common ailments of team roping horses are hock problems, desmitis of the right front suspensory and interior check ligament. A commonality that exists among all these disciplines is the stop. All of the horses participating in these events are required to go at speed, then stop. Such a regimen requires fitness, timing, and coordination.
Good conformation is, therefore, of paramount importance.
However, since there are no perfectly conformed horses, there are other areas which can help the performance horse achieve to the best of its ability. Proper training, proper riding, proper management of the front feet, and proper shoeing are a few of the areas that need to be considered. When a veterinarian is examining a performance horse, he or she should consider the job the horse is required to perform, the tack being used, and the way the rider rides. As technology increases and people get more and more leisure time, the horse probably will be used more and more to fill the block of time that people set aside for relaxation. Since competition is an inherent part of the fabric of our lives, it is probable that more and more horses will be used in events.