Compensation for changes in hoof conformation between shoeing sessions through the adaptation of angular kinematics of the distal segments of the limbs of horses.

This research investigates how horses are able to naturally adjust their movement and limb angles to compensate for changes in hoof shape due to growth and wear over an 8-week shoeing interval, allowing them to maintain their usual movement.

Objectives and Methods

• The aim of the study was to understand how horses can adjust to shifts in the center of pressure under the hoof, which result from changes in hoof morphology due to growth and wear during an 8-week shoeing interval.
• The research involved 18 healthy Warmblood horses, and the evaluation was carried out both 2 days and 8 weeks after shoeing.
• For the evaluation, horses were made to trot on a track containing pressure-force measuring plates.
• A synchronous infrared gait analysis system set at a frequency of 240 Hz was also used.
• All the horses had their feet trimmed for straight alignment of the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges, and were shod with standard flat shoes.

Results

• The study found that temporal characteristics such as stance time and breakover duration (time between heel lift and toe off) do not significantly change as a result of the shoeing interval.
• Limb protraction and retraction angles also did not change.
• However, the horses were able to adapt to the changes in hoof shape and maintain their neuromuscular pattern of movement by adjusting the related angles.
• They compensated for the shift in the center of pressure by increasing the dorsal angle of the metacarpohalangeal or metarsophalangeal (fetlock) joint while decreasing the angle of the hoof wall and fetlock.
• In the hind limbs, an additional compensatory mechanism was observed during the landing phase.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that horses have the capability to naturally adapt their limb movements to accommodate changes in hoof shape that occur over the course of an 8-week shoeing cycle.
• These adaptions happen through slight alterations in the angles between the distal segments of the limb.
• This understanding of natural compensation mechanisms for hoof imbalance can provide valuable insights for the treatment and understanding of pathological conditions in horses.