Cannon Bone During The Breeze

Nice photo showing front lead legs in flight. As those hoofs slam into the track and are pulled through the stride the cannon bone will be subject to several concussive forces working simultaneously in quick sequence.

Initially as the hoof hits the ground considerable force would be sent quickly upward, and then with the horse pulling the leg on through (in rearward motion) pressure would hit directly on the front of the cannon pulling that material backward.

Thereafter comes the largest force from above directly downward as the weight of the horse centers over this lead leg.

As these forces come together in the cannon bone what happens at the cellular/molecular/atomic level during the stride, and what is the condition of the bone immediately post race would be the questions. Hopefully we can then imagine the extent of damage post breeze and consider how low long the repair process will take before we may safely breeze again.

I found a few more illustrations of bone (posted below) which give a good idea of structure, for anyone interested. (Left click on them to enlarge.)

Training:
Fri. 7/25: half an inch of rain today, everything a mess. The horses were galloped riderless in the paddock 3 x 6f as fast as the conditions allowed. Probably close to :15 sec/f speed. Nice cardiovascular work for our 2 yr. old, who needs it.