NEGATIVE plantar angles (NPA) is a condition of the foot that is interconnected with many other musculoskeletal issues, and which is often overlooked in long-lasting cases of poor performance. It occurs when the pedal bone in the hind foot “tips up”.
The hind feet play an essential part in propulsion of the horse. A number of studies have linked NPA to suspensory, hock, stifle, sacroiliac, gluteal and lower back pain. Many horses with NPA have tight hamstrings and struggle to build up gluteal musculature and activate their core.
Every case is different. It is generally impossible
