Don Martillo: Pulled From Breeding Following Possible Shivers Diagnosis

[beowulf]

http://eurodressage.com/2019/03/26/don-martillo-diagnosed-shivering

FYI: There is no definitive test for shivers like biopsy or blood pull, and diagnosis is usually made by clinical exams & general observance of symptoms… Sometimes shivers can red herring for PSSM[2], which is not uncommon in WBs and can be definitively tested.

The transparency seems a good step in the right direction, even if late. The decision to pull him from their roster even better. It’d be nice if other breeders/stations were as transparent about stallions in Don Martillo’s pedigree, several of which are known to have issues with PSSM[2] and/or cervical arthritis.

[BravAddict]

I agree that the integrity shown by van Depka of Lonken is laudable. But this information had to be practically wrested from the horse’s co-owner, who from the sound of it is the one responsible for the horse’s day-to-day care. I think van Depka had more to lose. Hopefully other stud owners will make the same calculations.

Perpetuating lameness and disease in horses for near-term personal gain is…gross.

[george]

Beowulf, thank you for brining this issue up. What horses in his pedigree are known to pass on PSSM(2) or cervicle arthritis? I know that advancing the genetic pool forward using young stallions is important to some breeders but this seems to further demonstrate using older stallions with known sound offspring rather then the craze to breed to the next YH champion.

[MissAriel]

Well, I guess there is another side to the story…

http://eurodressage.com/2019/03/27/windeler-denies-don-martillos-suspected-diagnosis-shivers

I have no dog in the fight, or information on who to believe. As Beowulf pointed out, there is no specific diagnostic test, so there is room for two vets to come to different conclusions. Even if there isn’t $$$ riding on it.

[Edre]

The current situation seems very messy and an absolute minefield of animosity between individuals involved. I have been following this since it released and it seems that every half day some new article is being released from person(s) involved.

Currently (MissAriel’s link above touches on it) the other co-owner is saying that van Depka’s statement is an attempt to get out of the contract he has, as half-owner of the horse.

It is being said that Judy Yancey has requested reports from both individuals. Why neither man has provided this at the inception of this conflict, I do not understand - but hopefully they will be amenable to providing evidence to support their assertions and help clarify what is turning into a muddy, muddy situation…