Dear All interested in work horses,
Possible explanations to compete with draught use (to name only a
few):
1/ Both the caput and fossa of a lumbar vertebra are the flattest
among vertebrae (followed only by early fusing sacral vertebrae).
Reduced mobility means predisposition to fusion as in
carpals/tarsals.
2/ Longevity (of non-meat purpose animals) also increases the
probability of ankylosis of any sort.
3/ Domestication may enhance inherited factors that play a role in
vertebral ankyloses. Even in better studied humans, the rich variety
of vertebral fusions has a very murky, poorly understood aetiology.
I do not count riding, another common explanation among
zooarchaeologist, since I consider it just another factor that may
exacerbate any vertebral disorder.
The Catch 22 is that in spite of this logical correlation, a mild
ankylosis may be regarded normal variability, while grave cases
may be attributed to serious disease. Riding/traction probably
contributes to the condition between these two extremes.
Vertebral fusions are thus related to horse exploitation in many
subtle ways, but individual cases should not be considered a proof
of any sort. Keep your eyes open for other supporting evidence.
Good luck!
Laszlo
(Bartosiewicz)
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