FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Veterinary record open2018; 5(1); e000237; doi: 10.1136/vetreco-2017-000237

Effect of three types of horseshoes and unshod feet on selected non-podal forelimb kinematic variables measured by an extremity mounted inertial measurement unit sensor system in sound horses at the trot under conditions of treadmill and soft geotextile surface exercise.

Abstract: Therapeutic farriery is part of the management of certain orthopaedic conditions. Non-podal parameters are important as most horses shod with therapeutic shoes are expected to perform again and the choice of shoe type may be influenced by the effects they may have on gait. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of three different shoe designs and unshod front feet on forelimb non-podal kinematic variables using an extremity mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) system under conditions of treadmill and overground exercise on a soft geotextile surface at the trot. Ten sound horses with no underlying orthopaedic problem were instrumented with eight IMUs at distal radii, tibia and third metacarpal/tarsal regions. Measurements were performed during four consecutive days. During the first three days, the three shoe types were randomly selected per horse and day. On the fourth day, all horses were tested unshod. Data were collected at the trot on a treadmill, and on a soft geotextile surface. Specifically designed software and a proprietary algorithm processed the accelerometer and gyroscope signals to obtain orientation and temporal data to describe selected kinematic variables predetermined by the system. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences between shoe type and surface. The presence of shoes produced significant changes in spatiotemporal variables which seemed to be related to shoe mass rather than shoe design as there were no significant differences found between different shoe types. Shod horses showed a gait characterised by an increased range of motion (ROM) of the fore limbs. Previously reported effects of the investigated shoes on podal kinematics do not seem to affect the investigated kinematic variables indicating perhaps a compensatory effect occurring at some level in the extremity.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2018-06-18 PubMed ID: 29955366PubMed Central: PMC6018867DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2017-000237Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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.

This research study investigates the impact of different types of horseshoes and bare feet on specific non-hoof leg movements in healthy horses trotting on a treadmill and soft textile surface. The study finds that the presence of horseshoes, regardless of their design, significantly changes these movement variables, seemingly due to the shoes’ weight.

Objective of the Study

  • This research aimed to assess how three distinct types of horseshoes and unshod (bare) front feet influence non-podal (not hoof-related) kinematic (motion) variables in a horse’s forelimb. The study’s importance lies in its potential impact on therapeutic farriery (horse care), as horses with specific orthopaedic conditions often need specific types of shoes to manage their conditions. Understanding how these shoes influence the horse’s gait could inform better therapeutic strategies.

Methodology

  • The researchers used a sample of ten sound horses with no known orthopaedic condition. These horses were fitted with eight extremity-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors on the lower legs. The trial extended over four days with the first three days each horse wearing one of the three different shoe types randomly assigned, while on the fourth day, they trotted barefoot.
  • These IMUs collected movement data while the horses trotted on a treadmill and on a soft geotextile surface.
  • The data collected was analysed using a proprietary algorithm to study the impact on predetermined kinematic variables.

Findings

  • The presence of horseshoes led to significant changes in movement, which appeared to be linked to the shoe’s mass rather than its specific design.
  • When compared to unshod horses, those wearing shoes showed an increased range of motion (ROM) in the forelimbs. This didn’t seem to be affected by different shoe designs.
  • Horses appeared to compensate for the effect of shoes on hoof kinematics, showing no significant changes in non-podal kinematics whether wearing shoes or moving unshod.

Implications

  • The study suggests that therapeutic horseshoe choices could focus more on shoe mass, as design variants had no significant impact on the horse’s non-podal kinematic variables.
  • Further research might focus on understanding the apparent compensatory effect observed when horses move wearing shoes.

Cite This Article

APA
Stutz JC, Vidondo B, Ramseyer A, Maninchedda UE, Cruz AM. (2018). Effect of three types of horseshoes and unshod feet on selected non-podal forelimb kinematic variables measured by an extremity mounted inertial measurement unit sensor system in sound horses at the trot under conditions of treadmill and soft geotextile surface exercise. Vet Rec Open, 5(1), e000237. https://doi.org/10.1136/vetreco-2017-000237

Publication

Veterinary record open
ISSN: 2052-6113
NlmUniqueID: 101653671
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
Pages: e000237
PII: e000237

Researcher Affiliations

Stutz, Joëlle Christina
  • Institute suisse de médicine équine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Vidondo, Beatriz
  • Institute suisse de médicine équine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
  • Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Ramseyer, Alessandra
  • Institute suisse de médicine équine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Maninchedda, Ugo Ettore
  • Institute suisse de médicine équine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Cruz, Antonio M
  • Institute suisse de médicine équine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
  • Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Competing interests: None declared.

References

This article includes 49 references
  1. Roepstorff L, Johnston C, Drevemo S. The effect of shoeing on kinetics and kinematics during the stance phase.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1999 Jul;(30):279-85.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05235.xpubmed: 10659269google scholar: lookup
  2. Karle AS, Tank PH, Vedpathak HS. Horseshoeing: an overview. Veterinary World 2010;3:148–51.
  3. Butler KD. The prevention of lameness by physiologically - sound horseshoeing. Proceedings of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 1985:465–75.
  4. Johnston C, Back W. Hoof ground interaction: when biomechanical stimuli challenge the tissues of the distal limb.. Equine Vet J 2006 Nov;38(7):634-41.
    pubmed: 17228578doi: 10.2746/042516406x158341google scholar: lookup
  5. Wilson A, Weller R. The biomechanics of the equine limb and its effect on lameness. The Lameness in the Horse Ross MW, Dyson SJ. 2nd edn London: WB Saunders Co, 2011:270–81.
  6. Balch OK. The effects of changes in hoof angle, mediolateral balance and toe length on kinetics and temporal parameters of horses walking, trotting and cantering on a high-speed treadmill. PhD Thesis Pullman, WA: College of Veterinary Medicine, 1991.
  7. Clayton HM, Sigafoos R, Curle RD. Effect of three shoe types on the duration of breakover in sound trotting horses. J Equine Vet Sci 1991;11:129–32.
    doi: 10.1016/S0737-0806(07)80147-Xgoogle scholar: lookup
  8. Willemen MA, Savelberg HH, Bruin G, Barneveld A. The effect of toe weights on linear and temporal stride characteristics of standardbred trotters.. Vet Q 1994 May;16 Suppl 2:S97-100.
    doi: 10.1080/01652176.1994.9694511pubmed: 7801511google scholar: lookup
  9. Balch OK, Clayton HM, Lanovaz JL. Weight- and length-induced changes in limb kinematics in trotting horses. Proceedings of the Annual Convention American Association of Equine Practitioners 42, 1996:218–9.
  10. Stashak TS, Hill C, Klimesh R. Trimming and shoeing for balance and soundness. The Adam’s lameness in horses Stashak TS, Hill C, Klimesh R, et al. 6th edn: Blackwell Publishing, 2002:1081–144.
  11. Willemen MA, Savelberg HHCM, Barneveld A. The improvement of the gait quality of sound trotting Warmblood horses by normal shoeing and its effect on the load on the lower forelimb. Livestock Production Science 1997;52:145–53.
  12. Willemen MA, Savelberg HH, Barneveld A. The effect of orthopaedic shoeing on the force exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon on the navicular bone in horses.. Equine Vet J 1999 Jan;31(1):25-30.
    pubmed: 9952326doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03787.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  13. Eliashar E. An evidence-based assessment of the biomechanical effects of the common shoeing and farriery techniques.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2007 Aug;23(2):425-42.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2007.03.010pubmed: 17616321google scholar: lookup
  14. Colles C. Navicular disease and its treatment.. In Pract 1982 Mar;4(2):29-36.
    pubmed: 7186885doi: 10.1136/inpract.4.2.29google scholar: lookup
  15. Scheffer CJ, Back W. Effects of 'navicular' shoeing on equine distal forelimb kinematics on different track surface.. Vet Q 2001 Nov;23(4):191-5.
    doi: 10.1080/01652176.2001.9695111pubmed: 11765238google scholar: lookup
  16. Dyson SJ. Navicular disease. The diagnosis and management of lameness in the horse Ross MW, Dyson SJ. 2nd edn Philadelphia: Saunders, 2011:324–42.
  17. Eliashar E, McGuigan MP, Rogers KA, Wilson AM. A comparison of three horseshoeing styles on the kinetics of breakover in sound horses.. Equine Vet J 2002 Mar;34(2):184-90.
    pubmed: 11902761doi: 10.2746/042516402776767303google scholar: lookup
  18. Eliashar E, McGuigan MP, Wilson AM. Relationship of foot conformation and force applied to the navicular bone of sound horses at the trot.. Equine Vet J 2004 Jul;36(5):431-5.
    pubmed: 15253085doi: 10.2746/0425164044868378google scholar: lookup
  19. Rogers CW, Back W. The effect of plain, eggbar and 6 degrees-wedge shoes on the distribution of pressure under the hoof of horses at the walk.. N Z Vet J 2007 Jun;55(3):120-4.
    doi: 10.1080/00480169.2007.36753pubmed: 17534413google scholar: lookup
  20. O'Grady SE, Poupard DA. Proper physiologic horseshoeing.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2003 Aug;19(2):333-51.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(03)00020-8pubmed: 14575163google scholar: lookup
  21. Parks A. Form and function of the equine digit.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2003 Aug;19(2):285-307, v.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(03)00018-Xpubmed: 14575161google scholar: lookup
  22. Kummer M, Lischer C, Ohlerth S, Vargas J, Auer J. Evaluation of a standardised radiographic technique of the equine hoof.. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 2004 Nov;146(11):507-14.
    doi: 10.1024/0036-7281.146.11.507pubmed: 15581285google scholar: lookup
  23. Vargas J, Lischer C, Kummer M. Validation of the software package Metron TM, Eponatech, for quantifying geometrical conformation of the equine digit from lateromedial and horizontal dorsopalmar radiographs. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in press 2004.
  24. Ostblom LC, Lund C, Melsen F. Navicular bone disease: results of treatment using egg-bar shoeing technique.. Equine Vet J 1984 May;16(3):203-6.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1984.tb01905.xpubmed: 6734586google scholar: lookup
  25. Hodgins D, Whalley A. Assessment of gait. U.S. Patent No. 8,715,208 Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 2014.
  26. Hildebrand M. Symmetrical gaits of horses.. Science 1965 Nov 5;150(3697):701-8.
    pubmed: 5844074doi: 10.1126/science.150.3697.701google scholar: lookup
  27. Buchner HH, Savelberg HH, Schamhardt HC, Merkens HW, Barneveld A. Kinematics of treadmill versus overground locomotion in horses.. Vet Q 1994 May;16 Suppl 2:S87-90.
    doi: 10.1080/01652176.1994.9694509pubmed: 7801509google scholar: lookup
  28. Drevemo S, Dalin G, Fredricson I, Hjertén G. Equine locomotion; 1. The analysis of linear and temporal stride characteristics of trotting standardbreds.. Equine Vet J 1980 Apr;12(2):60-5.
    pubmed: 7371611doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1980.tb02310.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  29. Lanovaz JL, Clayton HM, Colborne GR, Schamhardt HC. Forelimb kinematics and net joint moments during the swing phase of the trot.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1999 Jul;(30):235-9.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05225.xpubmed: 10659259google scholar: lookup
  30. Singleton WH, Clayton HM, Lanovaz JL. Effects of shoeing on forelimb swing phase kinetics of trotting horses. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2003;16:16–20.
    doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1632749google scholar: lookup
  31. Chateau H, Degueurce C, Denoix JM. Three-dimensional kinematics of the distal forelimb in horses trotting on a treadmill and effects of elevation of heel and toe.. Equine Vet J 2006 Mar;38(2):164-9.
    doi: 10.2746/042516406776563260pubmed: 16536387google scholar: lookup
  32. Clayton HM, Sha D, Stick JA, Mullineaux DR. Three-dimensional carpal kinematics of trotting horses.. Equine Vet J 2004 Dec;36(8):671-6.
    pubmed: 15656494doi: 10.2746/0425164044848037google scholar: lookup
  33. Balch OK. Discipline-specific hoof preparation and shoeing. Equine podiatry Floyd AE, Mansmann RA. Missouri: Saunders Co, 2007:393–413.
  34. Parkes RS, Witte TH. The foot-surface interaction and its impact on musculoskeletal adaptation and injury risk in the horse.. Equine Vet J 2015 Sep;47(5):519-25.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12420pubmed: 25640598google scholar: lookup
  35. Mendez-Angulo JL, Firshman AM, Groschen DM, Kieffer PJ, Trumble TN. Impact of walking surface on the range of motion of equine distal limb joints for rehabilitation purposes.. Vet J 2014 Mar;199(3):413-8.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.12.001pubmed: 24556081google scholar: lookup
  36. Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Barneveld A. Comparison of the workload of Dutch warmblood horses ridden normally and on a treadmill.. Vet Rec 1995 Aug 5;137(6):136-9.
    doi: 10.1136/vr.137.6.136pubmed: 8540205google scholar: lookup
  37. Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Clayton HM. Advantages and disadvantages of track vs. treadmill tests.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1999 Jul;(30):645-7.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05305.xpubmed: 10659339google scholar: lookup
  38. Potter MC, Wyble B, Hagmann CE, McCourt ES. Detecting meaning in RSVP at 13 ms per picture.. Atten Percept Psychophys 2014 Feb;76(2):270-9.
    doi: 10.3758/s13414-013-0605-zpubmed: 24374558google scholar: lookup
  39. Cruz AM, Maninchedda UE, Burger D, VIDONDO B. Repeatability of gait pattern variables measured by an extremity mounted inertial measurement sensor system in sound horses at trot. Am J Vet Res In Press.
  40. Naylor JRJ, Holmes DJ. Validation of a Novel Accelerometer-GPS System for Measuring Stride Characteristics in Galloping Horses. CESMAS on acute poor performance in sport horses Lidner A, Utrecht, The Netherlands: Wageningen Academic Publishers, 2008.
  41. Nankervis K, Hodgins D, Marlin D. Comparison between a sensor (3D accelerometer) and ProReflex motion capture systems to measure stride frequency of horses on a treadmill. Comp Exerc Physiol 2008;5:107–9.
    doi: 10.1017/S1478061508017027google scholar: lookup
  42. Cooper G, Sheret I, McMillan L, Siliverdis K, Sha N, Hodgins D, Kenney L, Howard D. Inertial sensor-based knee flexion/extension angle estimation.. J Biomech 2009 Dec 11;42(16):2678-85.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.08.004pubmed: 19782986google scholar: lookup
  43. Olsen E, Andersen PH, Pfau T. Accuracy and precision of equine gait event detection during walking with limb and trunk mounted inertial sensors.. Sensors (Basel) 2012;12(6):8145-56.
    doi: 10.3390/s120608145pmc: PMC3436021pubmed: 22969392google scholar: lookup
  44. Roepstorff L, Wiestner T, Weishaupt MA, Egenvall E. Comparison of microgyro-based measurements of equine metatarsal/metacarpal bone to a high speed video locomotion analysis system during treadmill locomotion.. Vet J 2013 Dec;198 Suppl 1:e157-60.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.052pubmed: 24360759google scholar: lookup
  45. Cuesta-Vargas AI, Galán-Mercant A, Williams JM. The use of inertial sensors system for human motion analysis.. Phys Ther Rev 2010 Dec;15(6):462-473.
    doi: 10.1179/1743288X11Y.0000000006pmc: PMC3566464pubmed: 23565045google scholar: lookup
  46. Monda M, Goldberg A, Smitham P, Thornton M, McCarthy I. Use of inertial measurement units to assess age-related changes in gait kinematics in an active population.. J Aging Phys Act 2015 Jan;23(1):18-23.
    doi: 10.1123/JAPA.2012-0328pubmed: 24306618google scholar: lookup
  47. Back W, Schamhardt HC, Hartman W, Barneveld A. Kinematic differences between the distal portions of the forelimbs and hind limbs of horses at the trot.. Am J Vet Res 1995 Nov;56(11):1522-8.
    pubmed: 8585667
  48. Bragança FM, Bosch S, Voskamp JP, Marin-Perianu M, Van der Zwaag BJ, Vernooij JCM, van Weeren PR, Back W. Validation of distal limb mounted inertial measurement unit sensors for stride detection in Warmblood horses at walk and trot.. Equine Vet J 2017 Jul;49(4):545-551.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12651pmc: PMC5484301pubmed: 27862238google scholar: lookup
  49. Barrey E, Galloux P, Valette JP, Auvinet B, Wolter R. Stride characteristics of overground versus treadmill locomotion in the saddle horse.. Acta Anat (Basel) 1993;146(2-3):90-4.
    pubmed: 8470471doi: 10.1159/000147427google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Panos KE, Morgan K, Gately R, Wilkinson J, Uden A, Reed SA. Short Communication: changes in gait after 12 wk of shoeing in previously barefoot horses. J Anim Sci 2023 Jan 3;101.
    doi: 10.1093/jas/skac374pubmed: 36383438google scholar: lookup
  2. Maśko M, Lewczuk D, Szarska E, Domino M. Successive approximation of horses to their first work on a treadmill: The effect of previous loading into a trailer. Anim Sci J 2022 Jan-Dec;93(1):e13687.
    doi: 10.1111/asj.13687pubmed: 35073611google scholar: lookup
  3. Clarke EJ, Gillen A, Turlo A, Peffers MJ. An Evaluation of Current Preventative Measures Used in Equine Practice to Maintain Distal Forelimb Functionality: A Mini Review. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:758970.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.758970pubmed: 34796229google scholar: lookup
  4. Asti V, Ablondi M, Molle A, Zanotti A, Vasini M, Sabbioni A. Inertial measurement unit technology for gait detection: a comprehensive evaluation of gait traits in two Italian horse breeds. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1459553.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1459553pubmed: 39479203google scholar: lookup
  5. Aoun R, Takawira C, Lopez MJ. Horseshoe effects on equine gait-A systematic scoping review. Vet Surg 2025 Jan;54(1):31-51.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.14162pubmed: 39278729google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,850 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.