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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2008; 24(1); 53-77; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2007.11.007

Biomechanical and mechanical investigations of the hoof-track interface in racing horses.

Abstract: The aim of this article is to review current knowledge of kinetic variables of the hoof-track interaction and track properties relevant to the objective of minimizing injuries to horses at racing tracks. In each phase of the stance--primary impact, secondary impact, support, and breakover, the hoof experiences different combinations of force and acceleration. The role of each combination, and of measured track properties, in causing catastrophic and chronic injuries to the limbs of racing horses is unknown. Limited data of this type have been provided in previous epidemiologic studies of risk factors for breakdown. Future epidemiological studies should include characterization of the track surfaces and a more complete description of the kinematics of the hoof and surface. Consideration of an appropriate range of physical properties is necessary in track design, testing, and maintenance.
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Publication Date: 2008-03-04 PubMed ID: 18314036DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2007.11.007Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article provides a review of current knowledge on the interaction between horse hooves and racing track surfaces with the aim of reducing horse injuries. The study sheds light on the different types of forces and accelerations the horse’s hoof undergoes during racing, the issue of track properties, and how these elements could contribute to horse injuries.

Objective of the Study

  • The main objective of this research is to minimize injuries of horses during races by analyzing the interaction between the horse’s hoof and the track it races on.
  • This involves understanding the different forces and accelerations that the horse’s hoof experiences at each phase of the stance, including primary impact, secondary impact, support, and breakover.

Relevance of the Study

  • Understanding the role of track properties and the combined effects of various forces and accelerations might help in identifying the causes of both catastrophic and chronic injuries in racing horses, which have not been determined yet.
  • The data available from previous epidemiological studies are limited, indicating a gap in this sphere of research.

Proposed Future Research

  • The researchers in the study suggest that future epidemiological studies should consider characterization of the track surfaces and provide more complete descriptions of the hoof and surface kinematics.
  • It is crucial to consider the appropriate range of physical properties when designing, testing, and maintaining the race track.

Overall Implication

  • This study highlights the importance of a biomechanical and mechanical understanding of the hoof-track interface in racing horses.
  • Such understanding can lead to a significant reduction in horse injuries, by informing the development of improved racing track designs and maintenance practices.

Cite This Article

APA
Thomason JJ, Peterson ML. (2008). Biomechanical and mechanical investigations of the hoof-track interface in racing horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 24(1), 53-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2007.11.007

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 1558-4224
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 24
Issue: 1
Pages: 53-77

Researcher Affiliations

Thomason, Jeffrey J
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, East, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. jthomaso@ovc.uoguelph.ca
Peterson, Michael L

    MeSH Terms

    • Acceleration
    • Animals
    • Biomechanical Phenomena
    • Floors and Floorcoverings
    • Forelimb / physiology
    • Gait / physiology
    • Hindlimb / physiology
    • Hoof and Claw / physiology
    • Horses / injuries
    • Horses / physiology
    • Locomotion
    • Running / physiology
    • Stress, Mechanical
    • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control
    • Wounds and Injuries / veterinary

    Citations

    This article has been cited 15 times.
    1. Rohlf CM, Garcia TC, Marsh LJ, Acutt EV, le Jeune SS, Stover SM. Effects of Jumping Phase, Leading Limb, and Arena Surface Type on Forelimb Hoof Movement. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 27;13(13).
      doi: 10.3390/ani13132122pubmed: 37443919google scholar: lookup
    2. Giusti Gestri L. Wearable technology may assist in reducing jockeys' injuries if integrated into their safety vests: a qualitative study. Front Sports Act Living 2023;5:1167110.
      doi: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1167110pubmed: 37416317google scholar: lookup
    3. Hobbs SJ, Curtis S, Martin J, Sinclair J, Clayton HM. Hoof Matters: Developing an Athletic Thoroughbred Hoof. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 11;12(22).
      doi: 10.3390/ani12223119pubmed: 36428348google scholar: lookup
    4. Hoffmann JR, Geburek F, Hagen J, Büttner K, Cruz AM, Röcken M. Bilateral Change in Vertical Hoof Force Distribution in Horses with Unilateral Forelimb Lameness before and after Successful Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 19;12(18).
      doi: 10.3390/ani12182485pubmed: 36139345google scholar: lookup
    5. Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Carnall H, Brinkley L, Harborne D, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Hoof Impact and Foot-Off Accelerations in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses Trialling Eight Shoe-Surface Combinations. Animals (Basel) 2022 Aug 23;12(17).
      doi: 10.3390/ani12172161pubmed: 36077882google scholar: lookup
    6. Egenvall A, Roepstorff L, Peterson M, Lundholm M, Hernlund E. The Descriptions and Attitudes of Riders and Arena Owners to 656 Equestrian Sport Surfaces in Sweden. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:798910.
      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.798910pubmed: 35004931google scholar: lookup
    7. Physick-Sheard P, Avison A, Sears W. Factors Associated with Fatality in Ontario Thoroughbred Racehorses: 2003-2015. Animals (Basel) 2021 Oct 13;11(10).
      doi: 10.3390/ani11102950pubmed: 34679971google scholar: lookup
    8. Blanco MA, Hourquebie R, Dempsey K, Schmitt P, Peterson MM. An Experimental Comparison of Simple Measurements Used for the Characterization of Sand Equestrian Surfaces. Animals (Basel) 2021 Oct 5;11(10).
      doi: 10.3390/ani11102896pubmed: 34679917google scholar: lookup
    9. Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Carnall H, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Influence of Speed, Ground Surface and Shoeing Condition on Hoof Breakover Duration in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 3;11(9).
      doi: 10.3390/ani11092588pubmed: 34573553google scholar: lookup
    10. Tijssen M, Hernlund E, Rhodin M, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Nielen M, Serra Braganςa FM. Automatic hoof-on and -off detection in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020;15(6):e0233266.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233266pubmed: 32492034google scholar: lookup
    11. Tijssen M, Hernlund E, Rhodin M, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Nielen M, Serra Braganςa FM. Automatic detection of break-over phase onset in horses using hoof-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. PLoS One 2020;15(5):e0233649.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233649pubmed: 32469939google scholar: lookup
    12. McCarty CA, Thomason JJ, Gordon KD, Burkhart TA, Milner JS, Holdsworth DW. Finite-Element Analysis of Bone Stresses on Primary Impact in a Large-Animal Model: The Distal End of the Equine Third Metacarpal. PLoS One 2016;11(7):e0159541.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159541pubmed: 27459189google scholar: lookup
    13. Starke SD, Clayton HM. A universal approach to determine footfall timings from kinematics of a single foot marker in hoofed animals. PeerJ 2015;3:e783.
      doi: 10.7717/peerj.783pubmed: 26157641google scholar: lookup
    14. Setterbo JJ, Chau A, Fyhrie PB, Hubbard M, Upadhyaya SK, Symons JE, Stover SM. Validation of a laboratory method for evaluating dynamic properties of reconstructed equine racetrack surfaces. PLoS One 2012;7(12):e50534.
      doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050534pubmed: 23227183google scholar: lookup
    15. Schmitt PR, Sanderson W, Rogers JT 3rd, Barzee TJ, Peterson MM. A Comparison of Devices for Race Day Characterization of North American Turfgrass Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces. Animals (Basel) 2023 Dec 21;14(1).
      doi: 10.3390/ani14010038pubmed: 38200768google scholar: lookup
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