Episode 98: Growth Plates: More Than Just an Age – Part 1: Understanding the Growing Horse

Growth plates are central to skeletal development, but there is much more to them than simply knowing when they “close”.

Today we are explaining what growth plates are, how bones grow, and the factors that influence healthy development.

We discuss:

• When different parts of the equine skeleton mature
• What “open” and “closed” growth plates really mean
• Nutrition, growth rate and developmental orthopaedic diseases
• The importance of hoof balance, appropriate loading and posture
• How bone continues to remodel after growth plates close

In Part 2, we’ll apply this information specifically to starting and training horses.

To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics
Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg

Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover?

Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com