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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2017; 7(4); doi: 10.3390/ani7040029

Does a 4-6 Week Shoeing Interval Promote Optimal Foot Balance in the Working Equine?

Abstract: Variation in equine hoof conformation between farriery interventions lacks research, despite associations with distal limb injuries. This study aimed to determine linear and angular hoof variations pre- and post-farriery within a four to six week shoeing/trimming interval. Seventeen hoof and distal limb measurements were drawn from lateral and anterior digital photographs from 26 horses pre- and post-farriery. Most lateral view variables changed significantly. Reductions of the dorsal wall, and weight bearing and coronary band lengths resulted in an increased vertical orientation of the hoof. The increased dorsal hoof wall angle, heel angle, and heel height illustrated this further, improving dorsopalmar alignment. Mediolateral measurements of coronary band and weight bearing lengths reduced, whilst medial and lateral wall lengths from the 2D images increased, indicating an increased vertical hoof alignment. Additionally, dorsopalmar balance improved. However, the results demonstrated that a four to six week interval is sufficient for a palmer shift in the centre of pressure, increasing the loading on acutely inclined heels, altering DIP angulation, and increasing the load on susceptible structures (e.g., DDFT). Mediolateral variable asymmetries suit the lateral hoof landing and unrollment pattern of the foot during landing. The results support regular (four to six week) farriery intervals for the optimal prevention of excess loading of palmar limb structures, reducing long-term injury risks through cumulative, excessive loading.
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Publication Date: 2017-03-29 PubMed ID: 28353665PubMed Central: PMC5406674DOI: 10.3390/ani7040029Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

The research article investigates whether a 4-6 week shoeing interval for horses promotes optimal foot balance. The study finds that regular farriery within this timeframe does help in preventing excess load on the horse’s foot, thereby minimizing the risk of long-term injuries, despite inducing some changes in the hoof shape and positioning.

Research Context and Objective

  • The research focuses on the study of variations in equine hoof conformation in relation to farriery interventions. The authors note a lack of ample research in this area, despite its direct link to distal limb injuries in horses.
  • The primary objective was to discover the linear and angular variations in horse hooves before and after farriery within a four-to-six-week shoeing or trimming interval.

Study Methodology

  • Seventeen measurements were obtained from lateral and anterior digital photographs of the hooves and distal limbs from 26 horses both pre-and post-farriery.
  • The study relied on pictorial data as the basis for drawing comparisons and analyzing the effect of farriery on hoof conformation.

Key Findings

  • Following a farriery session, numerous variables relating to the lateral view of the hoof underwent significant changes.
  • There were reductions in the dorsal wall, weight-bearing, and coronary band lengths, leading to an increased vertical orientation of the hoof.
  • The study observed an increase in the dorsal hoof wall angle, heel angle, and heel height, which also indicated an improvement in dorsopalmer alignment.
  • Mediolateral measurements of the coronary band and weight bearing lengths reduced, whereas the medial and lateral wall lengths from the 2D images increased, suggesting an increased vertical hoof alignment.
  • There was an observable improvement in the hoof’s dorsopalmer balance.
  • Nevertheless, the results showed that a four-to-six-week interval is enough for a palmer shift in the center of pressure. This shift increases the load on acutely inclined heels, alters distal interphalangeal (DIP) angulation, and increases the load on susceptible structures such as the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT).
  • The asymmetries in mediolateral variables complement the horse’s lateral hoof landing and unrollment pattern during landing.

Study Conclusion

  • The findings support the practice of regular farriery at four to six week intervals, as it helps prevent the excess load on the palmar limb structures.
  • Hence, this practice reduces the risk of long-term injuries caused by cumulative, excessive loading, despite causing some changes in hoof shape and positioning.

Cite This Article

APA
Leśniak K, Williams J, Kuznik K, Douglas P. (2017). Does a 4-6 Week Shoeing Interval Promote Optimal Foot Balance in the Working Equine? Animals (Basel), 7(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani7040029

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 7
Issue: 4

Researcher Affiliations

Leśniak, Kirsty
  • Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK. Kirsty.lesniak@hartpury.ac.uk.
Williams, Jane
  • Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK. jane.williams@hartpury.ac.uk.
Kuznik, Kerry
  • Centre for Performance in Equestrian Sport, Hartpury College, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK. kerrykuznik@hotmail.co.uk.
Douglas, Peter
  • PE Douglas DWP, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0NP, UK. peter.douglas@hotmail.com.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
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