September 26, 2023 4 min read

MOJO  products  are used by elite riders and trainers around the world. Notable names like  William Fox-Pitt,  Tim Price, and Spencer Sturmey use  MOJO Wristbands,  Advantage Horse Patches, and our most recent addition to the range, the  Horse Pastern Wraps.

“I have been wearing my Mojo for several years now and have never taken it off. It definitely does help me, my energy levels are good, and it keeps me healthy and well. It is great to hear that the FEI might be allowing the horse patches to be worn too, they can only help.”

William Fox-Pitt -3 times Olympic Medal Winner Event Rider

William fox pitt mojo Europe wristbands

Why are such high-profile equestrians racing to grab a set of MOJO Wraps? Where on the horse is the pastern? What are the most common pastern issues, and how can a pack of MOJO Wraps benefit your horse?

Read on to find out more.

What is a Pastern?

The pastern is located on the horse's lower leg and plays an essential role in "shock absorption" and stability, particularly in the front legs.

The pastern is the sloping part of the leg between the fetlock and hoof. The pastern includes the long pastern bone (Proximal Phalanx) and the short pastern bone (Middle Phalanx).

horse pastern

The connective tissues that make up the joint between the long and short bones allow for vertical flexion (up and down) that cushions the impact of the hoof striking the ground. They do not enable lateral (sideways) movement, which compromises stability. The rounded ends of the short bone sit within the hoof, allowing it to twist when adjusting to uneven ground.

As you can see, the pastern on a horse plays a vital role in the animal's movement, making good leg and hoof health very important. Let's look at some common issues.

Common Issues

"Injuries involving the pastern region are a common source of lameness in many types of performance horses."

Carpenter & Baxter

Ringbone 

Ringbone is a lameness condition where new bone formation occurs in the pastern. It is a degenerative disease (similar to arthritis) and usually gets worse with time. Sometimes the growths are the result of impact or repeated trauma.

ringbone pastern

If you suspect your horse is suffering from ringbone, it is vital to confirm via X-rays as it is impossible to diagnose through touch alone.

Treatments include: 

  • Rest
  • Weight Management
  • Medication
  • Shoe Adjustment

Fractures 

Usually, the long bone suffers from a fracture through impact with a fence or pole. Many of these types of injuries can be prevented with MOJO Wraps.

Fractures are classified as follows:

  • Incomplete - A crack that does not completely break the bone into two or more pieces.
  • Complete - The bone is completely broken into separate pieces.
  • Non-Displaced- The bone breaks but does not move out of alignment.
  • DisplacedThe bone breaks into two or more pieces and moves out of alignment.
  • SimpleThe bone fractures but does not penetrate the skin.
  • Compound- The bone fractures and penetrates the skin.
  • ComminutedThe bone breaks into three or more pieces.

Back in the day, it was common to see simple, non-displaced fractures repaired via rest and immobilisation (bandaging). Nowadays, we see more operations involving surgical screws, which heal more quickly and more robustly.

Comminuted and compound pastern fractures are severe and usually result in compromised performance moving forward.

Conformation Issues

The pastern must be in proportion to the rest of the leg length and at a good angle.

A short, upright pastern impacts the pastern joint and may cause arthritis or ringbone. Draft horses and quarter horses tend to suffer the most.

draft horse pastern

A long and upright pastern can also cause arthritis and other fetlock and pastern problems.

A long, sloping pastern creates extra strain on digital flexor tendons, tendons and ligaments, soft tissues, and sesamoid bones.

It is vitally important to maintain good hoof health!

  • Angle of the toe = Angle of the heel
  • Thick walls and glossy surface
  • Thick and concave soles
  • Developed high and open heels
  • Strong frogs
  • Even heel length
  • Proper Foot/Pastern axis

 

Hooves should always be matching pairs in the front and hind and correctly sized for the horse.

What are MOJO Horse Pastern Wraps?

MOJO Horse Pastern Wraps  are a beautifully designed and manufactured part of the MOJO equine range.

Constructed from soft neoprene, the wraps are extra comfortable, with a durable rubber outer ensuring they take everything your horse puts them through.

Our top-level riders and trainers swear by their wraps, but not only for protection against repeated trauma and fractures. Each wrap includes MOJO's advanced holographic technology, which helps stimulate Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) within the horse's body. Not only can this promote a healthy internal environment, but it may also speed up the healing process

We have numerous testimonials from happy MOJO users reporting improved behaviour, reduced spookiness, and improved energy levels.

"Being very sceptical, I was astonished by the results and in the increased concentration levels not just on the one specific horse chosen to trial them but on all my Horses! I would and do recommend the products not just to equestrians I deal with but people from all walks of life. The benefits are countless!"

Paul Gaff – Showjumper & Trainer

 

Buy Mojo Pastern Wraps  Here